Yes, water can damage luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. While the top wear layer is waterproof, vinyl planks can still curl, warp, or lift if water seeps between the joints, becomes trapped underneath, or damages the subfloor. Leaving water unaddressed can also lead to hazardous mold and mildew growth.
The vinyl itself may resist moisture, but the surrounding components often do not. When water becomes trapped between the flooring and the subfloor, it has nowhere to evaporate. This trapped moisture can lead to a range of structural and environmental problems, including: Adhesive failure in glue-down installations.
Water can sit on the surface of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring for 24 to 48 hours or more without causing damage. However, because LVP features a click-lock installation, water can seep through the seams if left too long, causing mold, subfloor damage, or edge-peaking.
Yes, Dawn dishwashing soap can be used to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring. Just add a few drops to a bucket of warm water. This mixture is excellent for removing grease and grime, especially in kitchens. However, be cautious not to use too much soap, as it can leave a film that dulls the floor's shine.
Water damage can look different depending on your flooring material. Watch for: Hardwood: Warping, cupping, or crowning; boards may separate or feel uneven; you might notice dark stains or a musty odor. Luxury Vinyl (LVP/LVT): Curling edges, lifting tiles or planks, soft spots from subfloor damage.
Vinyl. Make sure the floor is dry before attempting to replace or repair buckling on your vinyl floor. Cut out the damaged vinyl then pry it off the floor using a screwdriver. You can replace the damaged part or reuse the vinyl.
Look for: Permanent water stains and unsightly mold water damage markings on ceilings, walls and floors. Erosion of drywall, often causing it to be warped or changed in texture (TIP: newer water spots will feel firm to the touch, while older water damage will create a spongy, mushy feeling)
Yes, you can safely use standard Swiffer wet pads or a Swiffer WetJet on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors. Because LVP is water-resistant and durable, the light moisture from Swiffer pads falls well within safe damp-mopping limits, making it a great option for quick clean-ups.
Some versions recommend a pH-neutral floor cleaner, while others mention using a homemade cleaner of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. If you're using a cleaning brush, a soft nylon bristle brush is recommended. Avoid common floor polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners and soaps.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
While vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is water-resistant and affordable, it struggles with subfloor sensitivity, denting under heavy furniture, and potential VOC emissions. It also lacks the natural warmth and home resale value of real hardwood.
A wet subfloor is not automatically ruined. Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) can handle exposure to water, provided it is dried out completely and retains its structural integrity. However, it must be replaced if it becomes soft, spongy, warped, or shows signs of rot.
Yes, mold can absolutely grow under vinyl plank flooring. Because vinyl is waterproof and non-porous, it does not allow air to pass through. If moisture gets trapped underneath, the flooring acts like a plastic lid, trapping water and creating an ideal, dark breeding ground for mold.
The best months to buy flooring are late December through February and mid-May to early June. During winter, flooring stores clear out old inventory with deep discounts—often 15–30% off.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring typically lasts 15 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the planks, the thickness of the wear layer, and foot traffic.
To get water out from under vinyl flooring, first find and stop the source of the leak. Remove any standing surface water using a wet/dry vacuum or towels. Carefully lift the vinyl planks starting at a corner, and use a combination of blowers, fans, and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry out the subfloor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Avoid steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach. These can scratch the surface or strip away the protective coating, leaving the flooring dull and damaged.
The best mops for vinyl plank flooring are spray or spin mops that use reusable microfiber pads and allow strict water control. Because excessive moisture can cause vinyl planks to warp or swell, traditional soaking wet mops should be avoided.
Professionals clean vinyl floors by vacuuming or dry-mopping to remove abrasive debris, followed by damp-mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. They avoid harsh chemicals (like ammonia or bleach) and excessive water to prevent stripping the finish or causing planks to warp.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for vinyl floors, but only if heavily diluted. It is excellent for cutting grease and grime, particularly in kitchens. However, using too much can leave a cloudy, dull, or sticky film behind.
The best cleaner for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a pH-neutral, rinse-free commercial cleaner or a simple mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. To prevent damage or stripping of the protective wear layer, you should always avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and oil-based waxes.
To quickly tell if your floor is vinyl or linoleum, look at the pattern and thickness. Vinyl is a synthetic plastic with a printed, glossy design. Linoleum is an all-natural material (made of linseed oil and wood flour) with a matte finish and a solid color that goes entirely through the material's thickness.
No, water damage does not go away on its own. In fact, it typically worsens. If left untreated, hidden moisture quickly breeds toxic mold (often within 242424 to 484848 hours) and causes structural wood to warp or rot, which leads to exponentially higher repair costs.
The fastest ways to dry up water include using a dehumidifier, industrial fans, or absorbent materials like silica gel and calcium chloride. Improving airflow via open windows and increasing the temperature also accelerates evaporation, while wet-dry vacuums quickly remove standing water.
Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint. Small hairline cracks or a larger, spiderwebbed pattern of cracks. Water rings, usually a light brown color. Mold growth, especially in corners where walls and ceilings meet, and often in humid rooms or locations such as basements.