How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Without Damaging It

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is one of the most popular choices for busy households. It looks great, holds up to daily wear, and is easier to clean than hardwood or tile. Luxury vinyl flooring is not just easy to maintain—it’s also one of the most versatile options for modern homes.

But not all cleaning methods are safe for this type of floor.

Using the wrong tools or products can scratch the surface, wear down the finish, or even cause the planks to lift. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring without damaging it, this guide will show you the right way to do it.

You’ll learn which vinyl floor cleaners to use, how often to mop, what to avoid, and how to safely handle stains and scuffs

From daily upkeep to full deep cleans, these tips will help you keep your vinyl plank floors looking great with less effort.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Vinyl Plank Floors

Keeping your vinyl plank floors clean doesn’t take much. In fact, a simple daily routine is all you need to stop dirt and grit from building up.

Why does that matter? Because grit works like sandpaper. Every time you walk on it, it wears down the surface of your vinyl floor. One reason people prefer vinyl over laminate is because it handles moisture and cleaning better. You can compare the two here: Luxury vinyl flooring vs. laminate durability guide.

Here’s the best way to clean your floors each day:

• Use a soft broom or dry mop to sweep up dust, crumbs, and pet hair
• Vacuum with the beater bar turned off so you don’t scratch the plank surface
• Wipe up any spills right away with a damp microfiber cloth

These quick steps help keep your vinyl floor looking new while protecting the finish.

You can also use a Swiffer or similar dry microfiber mop to catch fine dust. Just make sure you’re not using a wet pad that leaves behind residue unless it’s vinyl-safe.

Stick to this daily cleaning method and you’ll have fewer stains, less buildup, and cleaner vinyl plank flooring overall.

Weekly Deep Clean for Vinyl Plank Floors

Even if you sweep every day, your vinyl plank flooring still needs a deeper clean once a week. This helps remove grime that a dry mop can’t reach.

The key is to use the right cleaning solution and avoid soaking the floor.

Here’s how to deep clean your luxury vinyl plank flooring:

1. Sweep or vacuum first to get rid of loose dirt
2. Mix a safe cleaning solution:
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• (Optional: 1–2 drops of mild dish soap)
3. Lightly dampen a microfiber mop, don’t let it drip
4. Mop in the direction of the plank lines
5. Let the floor air dry or dry it with a clean cloth

This cleaning method keeps your vinyl floor clear of residue and safe from water damage. It’s one of the best ways to clean vinyl plank flooring without damaging it.

If you don’t want to make your own mix, use a pH-neutral cleaner made for LVP flooring.

Choosing the Right Cleaner for LVP Flooring

Not every cleaner works for vinyl plank flooring. Some products are too strong, while others leave behind a film that builds up over time.

To protect your floors, use a pH-neutral floor cleaner or a homemade mix that’s gentle but effective.

Good choices include:

• Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
• Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner
• Armstrong Once ‘n Done (great for LVP and cleaning LVT floors)

You can also make your own cleaner with white vinegar and warm water. Just add 1 cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. For extra cleaning power, add a couple drops of dish soap.

This simple mix cuts through dirt without harming the finish.

Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or any cleaner with a strong scent. These can break down the protective layer on your vinyl floor over time.

The best way to clean vinyl plank flooring is to stick with something mild and rinse with clean water if needed. That keeps the surface clean without dulling it.

What Not to Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl planks are tough, but the wrong cleaning method can still cause damage. Some tools and products wear down the surface or leave marks that don’t go away.

Here’s what to avoid when cleaning vinyl plank flooring:

• Steam mops – The heat and moisture can loosen the planks and damage the glue underneath
• Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool – These can scratch the floor surface
• Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners – These strip the finish and can cause fading
• Waxes, oils, or polishes – These leave a residue and can make the floor slippery
• Soaking the floor with water – Even though vinyl is water-resistant, too much water can seep into the seams

These are some of the most common mistakes people make with LVP flooring.

Steam mops or strong cleaners might seem helpful, but they usually cause more harm than good. Unlike tile, vinyl doesn’t handle high heat or harsh scrubbers well.

To keep your floors in great shape, stick with soft tools and safe cleaners.If you're weighing your options, here’s a full look at luxury vinyl vs. tile flooring.

How to Remove Stains and Scuffs from LVP or LVT Floors

Even with regular cleaning, your vinyl plank flooring can still end up with scuffs or stains. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to fix it.

Here’s how to safely clean stains and marks from your LVP or LVT floors:

For scuff marks:

Use a melamine sponge (like a Magic Eraser) and gently rub the area. Don’t press too hard, you want to clean the vinyl floor, not wear it down.

For sticky spots or dried spills:

Mix baking soda and warm water into a paste. Apply it to the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Rinse with clean water.

For tough stains:

Try diluted rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. It can remove things like ink or marker without damaging the plank surface. Always test on a hidden area first.

Never use a sharp tool to scrape up anything stuck to the floor. That can gouge the plank and ruin the finish.

These gentle cleaning methods help keep your vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile flooring looking fresh without scratching or discoloring the surface.

How to Maintain Vinyl Floors for Long-Term Use

Cleaning is just part of keeping your vinyl floor in good shape. What you do every day matters just as much as your mop routine.

Here’s how to protect your vinyl plank flooring and avoid early wear:

• Use felt pads under furniture to prevent dents or scratches
• Place mats at entryways to catch dirt before it spreads
• Avoid rubber-backed rugs, which can stain the floor over time
• Clean up spills right away so they don’t turn into stains
• Keep your floors dry, too much moisture can weaken the edges of the planks
• Sweep or dry mop regularly to keep grit from wearing down the surface

By following these simple habits, you’ll keep your vinyl plank floor looking clean and strong for years. This kind of floor care doesn’t take a lot of effort, it just takes consistency.

FAQs

Can you use Swiffer on vinyl plank flooring?

Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you’re using cleaning pads that don’t leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.

Can I use a steam mop on a luxury vinyl plank?

No. Steam mops use heat and pressure that can damage the adhesive holding the planks in place. Over time, this can cause the flooring to buckle or lift at the seams.

What is the best homemade cleaner for vinyl plank floors?

A mix of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water works well. Add a small amount of mild dish soap if needed. This cleaning solution removes dirt without harming the finish.

What should you not use to clean vinyl plank flooring?

Avoid bleach, ammonia, wax, oil-based products, or abrasive scrubbers. These can wear down the surface or leave a film that’s hard to remove.

How often should I mop vinyl plank floors?

Once a week is enough for most homes. Use a damp microfiber mop, not a soaking wet one. Daily sweeping or dry mopping helps prevent buildup between deep cleans.

Final Thoughts

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to care for, if you use the right method. By sticking to gentle tools, pH-neutral cleaners, and regular floor maintenance, you can keep your vinyl floor looking great without causing damage.

Avoid steam, harsh chemicals, and soaking the floor. Focus on dry mopping, safe cleaning solutions, and cleaning up spills right away.

If you're not sure what cleaner is best or you want help picking the right mop for your home, we’ve got you covered.

If you live in Colorado or Wyoming, visit your nearest Carpet Exchange floor store for expert help, safe vinyl floor cleaners, and tools made just for LVP floors. Our team will help you find what works best for your home.