How Do I Clean Luxury Vinyl Planks?
You’ve got stunning waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. But how do you clean LVP floors? We love our children and pets but sometimes can’t avoid muddy paws or chocolate milk spills. LVP is pet-friendly and kid-safe, but like any other flooring product, regular cleaning is needed to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to clean LVP flooring and offer recommendations on the best mops and cleaning products to use.
So, roll up your sleeves… It’s time to make those planks look fresh again!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Before starting with any wet-cleaning method, make sure that you remove all loose dirt and debris from your LVP floors.
Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or a dry microfiber dust mop, or use a vacuum cleaner on a hard surface setting.
Now that dust bunnies and cat hair are swept away, let’s move on to selecting the right kind of cleaning solution.
Step 2: Pick Your Cleaning Solution
Pro Tip: Avoid using wax polishes, abrasive cleaners, and harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip off the floor’s protective layer over time. We also advise against using vinegar to clean your luxury vinyl floors. While vinegar works well to remove common household filth, it might harm your planks because it is not pH balanced.
Best Cleaning Products For Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
There are numerous options when it comes to choosing an LVP cleaner; here are three top picks based on user reviews:
Step 3: Mop Gently with Microfiber Mop
With dust-free floors and cleaner in hand, you’re ready to mop! Except… you need the right kind of mop.
So, what is the best mop for vinyl plank floors?
Best Mops for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
When selecting an appropriate mop for luxury vinyl plank flooring, consider their features such as:
- Soft Microfiber Material – prevents scratching
- Adjustable Handles – makes reaching hard-to-reach areas easier
- Lightweight Design – easy maneuverability
- Washable Pads – reusable pads are more eco-friendly than disposable ones
Here are some mop brands suitable for use on luxury vinyl plank flooring:
- O-Cedar EasyWring™ Spin Mop & Bucket System
- Bona Premium Spray Mop for Hard-Surface Floors
- Quick Shine® Premium Spray Mop Kit
- Rejuvenate Click and Clean Multi Surface Spray Mop System
Pro Tip: Never use a steam cleaner on LVP floors; these can damage your pretty planks. Extreme temperatures may cause vinyl to expand, resulting in creases and adhesive bond problems.
Got the mop you want? Let’s get started…
If you’ve chosen a mop like the O-Cedar EasyWring™ Spin Mop:
- Begin by dipping your mop into your bucket with soapy water. Wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping wet.
- Next, mop across the floor surface in short forward and backward strokes, following your LVP’s grain pattern rather than against it. Don’t be afraid to use a bit of elbow grease!
- Rinse your mop after mopping every five planks to avoid spreading dirt or stains.
- Repeat the mopping process until your entire floor is so fresh and so clean.
If you’re using a spray mop like the Bona Premium Spray Mop:
- Follow the mop’s instructions for using its spray setting.
- You should also use the same mopping technique by following the LVP’s grain pattern in short back-and-forth strokes.
- If the cleaning pads on your spray mop are disposable, replace them as soon as they become soiled. You don’t want to spread more dirt.
Start from the farthest corner of the room and gradually move forward. After reaching the end of a row, move slightly to the side and then backwards, making sure to overlap half of the previous path. Continue this process until you have covered the entire floor.
Though LVP is waterproof, be careful not to leave standing water or cleaning solution on your floors for too long, as excessive moisture can cause damage.
Step 4: Spot Clean If Needed
After mopping, you might still have some spots that need special attention.
If so, spray or pour a bit of your cleaner onto the affected area. Now, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to remove any lingering stains or grime.
The use of steel wool or abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided because they can harm the flooring’s surface.
Step 5: Dry Your Floors Completely
Once you’ve finished mopping all sections of your LVP floors, let them dry entirely by using a soft towel or cloth.
If you’d rather not dry them manually (we totally understand), open your windows or turn on fans to facilitate air circulation and speed up air-drying time.
But remember, if you opt for air drying, don’t leave standing water or pools of cleaning solution on your floors.
Expert Tip: Preventative Maintenance
It’s essential to take good care of your luxury vinyl planks to maintain their flawless appearance.
Rugs, Mats, and Pads For Vinyl Floor Protection
We suggest placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas like hallways and beside exterior doors. Doing so will prevent premature damage to your LVP flooring. Heavy pivot points, like in front of your stove or kitchen sink, should also be protected with mats. To prevent potential discoloration, choose mats without latex or rubber backings.
Confirm that the floor protectors on the furniture legs have a broad surface and are stain-free. Domed or thin, narrow metal glides should be swapped out for flat, smooth, and fully floor-contacting guides. Heavy appliances or furniture that is not frequently moved should have the right size, flat, non-staining casters.
Are Those Planks Pretty Again?
Luxury vinyl planks are durable and easy to clean. Still, regular upkeep is essential to preventing wear and tear and extending longevity over time. You can keep yours looking wonderful by following our step-by-step instructions and using high-quality cleaning supplies.
If you need additional help cleaning LVP floors, we’re always here to help.
Click the Chat Now button in the bottom right to connect to our team of live chat representatives.
You can also contact us by filling out the form on the right, and we’ll reach out to you using your preferred contact method.
