The Good News About LVP Maintenance
One of the biggest selling points of luxury vinyl plank flooring is how easy it is to live with. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and doesn’t need refinishing. With a simple routine, your LVP floors can look great for 20 years or more.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Dirt and grit act like sandpaper under foot traffic and can eventually dull the wear layer. Sweep or dust mop daily in high-traffic areas. When vacuuming, use the hard floor setting — the beater bar on carpet mode can scratch the surface.
Damp Mop for a Deeper Clean
LVP is waterproof, but that doesn’t mean you should soak it. Use a barely-damp microfiber mop for regular cleaning. Wring it out thoroughly — standing water can seep into seams over time and cause issues with the subfloor underneath.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner (most brands sell their own)
- Diluted dish soap in warm water (a few drops per gallon)
- Manufacturer-approved floor cleaner
What NOT to Use on LVP
- Steam mops: Heat can warp or delaminate LVP — avoid entirely
- Wax or polish: LVP has a factory finish that doesn’t need waxing; wax builds up and makes the floor look cloudy
- Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners: Can break down the finish over time
- Abrasive scrubbers: Will scratch the wear layer
- Oil-based soaps: Leave a residue that attracts dirt
Handling Spills and Stains
Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel. For sticky messes, use a damp cloth with a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner. For tough stains like marker or paint, isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth usually does the trick — just don’t let it sit for long.
Protecting Your Floors from Damage
- Furniture pads: Put felt pads under all furniture legs. Rubber can sometimes stain LVP over time — use felt or vinyl-safe pads instead.
- Area rugs: Use them in high-traffic zones and under dining tables. Make sure the rug backing is non-staining (avoid rubber-backed rugs).
- Entry mats: Catch grit at the door before it reaches your floors.
- Pet nails: Keep them trimmed to reduce the risk of scratches.
- Sunlight: Prolonged UV exposure can fade LVP. Use blinds or UV-filtering window film in sun-heavy rooms.
Temperature and Humidity
LVP is more stable than wood, but extreme temperatures can still cause it to expand or contract. Keep your home between 65°F and 85°F and relative humidity between 35% and 65% for best results.
Quick Maintenance Checklist
- ✓ Sweep or dust mop frequently
- ✓ Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner weekly
- ✓ Wipe spills immediately
- ✓ Use furniture pads and door mats
- ✓ Skip the steam mop and wax
Follow these simple steps and your LVP floors will stay beautiful for the long haul. Shop our full LVP collection at Total Value Flooring to find a floor that fits your lifestyle.