How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank | 8 Easy Steps

If you love the look of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in your home. It’s stylish, durable, and can transform any room into a cozy haven. But let’s face it keeping those beautiful floors clean can sometimes feel daunting.

Don’t worry! I’m here to share my tried-and-true methods for cleaning LVP flooring and some specific tips for different brands and cleaning techniques.

8 Quick Ways Of How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank

1. Daily Sweeping or Vacuuming

To maintain the appearance of my vinyl plank flooring, I make it a habit to sweep or vacuum daily. I use a soft broom or a vacuum designed for hard floors to remove dirt and debris effectively.

This prevents dirt from accumulating and scratching the surface over time. It’s essential to avoid vacuums with beater bars as they can damage the vinyl.

2. Damp Mopping with Vinegar Solution

I mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water for a deeper clean. This solution is gentle yet effective at cutting through grime without damaging the floor.

I damp mop using a microfiber mop, ensuring it’s not soaking wet to prevent water damage. After mopping, I always rinse the floor with clean water to eliminate any vinegar residue.

3. Spot Cleaning with Dish Soap

When spills happen, I act quickly to prevent stains. I create a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap for food spills. I dip a microfiber cloth into this solution and gently scrub the area until the stain lifts.

This method is effective for sticky residues and everyday messes.

Read Also: Quick 9 Tiny Home in Backyard Ideas

4. Baking Soda Paste for Tough Stains

I make a paste using baking soda and water for stubborn stains like dried food or scuff marks. I apply this paste directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft cloth.

Afterward, I wipe away any remaining paste with a damp cloth.

5. Rubbing Alcohol for Ink and Lipstick Stains

Ink or lipstick stains can be particularly tricky, but I’ve found that rubbing alcohol works wonders. I apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and dab it onto the stain, gently rubbing until it disappears.

It’s important to rinse the area afterward to remove any residue.

6. Using WD-40 for Scuff Marks

For scuff marks left by shoes or furniture, I use WD-40 as an effective solution. A quick spray on the mark followed by buffing with a clean cloth usually does the trick.

After treating the area, I always wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any chemical residue.

7. Deep Cleaning with Essential Oils

For a more natural approach, I sometimes add a few drops of citrus essential oil to my vinegar cleaning solution. This not only helps in cleaning but also leaves my home smelling fresh.

The oil enhances the cleaning power while ensuring that no harsh chemicals are used.

8. Regular Maintenance Schedule

To keep my vinyl plank flooring looking its best, I stick to a regular maintenance schedule. This includes weekly mopping using my vinegar solution and spot cleaning as needed.

By staying consistent, I minimize the need for deep cleaning sessions and keep my floors in excellent condition.

Read Also: 8 Quick Tips Of Luxury Home Renovations

Common Stains and Solutions

Here are some common stains I’ve encountered and how I’ve dealt with them:

• Food & Drink Stains: For spills like juice or coffee, warm soapy water does wonders. If needed, I’ll apply vinegar diluted in water for extra cleaning power.
• Pet Accidents: As a pet owner, I’ve had my share of accidents! For these situations, an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains works best. It neutralizes odors while cleaning effectively.

How to Clean Coretec Luxury Vinyl Plank

Coretec is another popular brand of LVP that requires special attention:

1. Daily Sweeping/Vacuuming: Just like before, keeping dirt at bay is key!
2. Cleaning Solution: Coretec recommends using their cleaning products or a pH-neutral cleaner.
3. Mopping Technique: Dampen your mop with the cleaner and work in small sections, rinsing frequently.
4. Avoid Excess Water: Coretec is water-resistant but not waterproof; using too much water can still cause issues.

Read Also: A Simple Guide to Choosing Interior Colors Used in Open Concept Luxury Homes

How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring with Vinegar

I’ve found that vinegar can be a great natural cleaner for LVP when used correctly. Here’s how I do it:

1. Mix the Solution: I combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of warm water in a bucket.
2. Mop Away: Using a microfiber mop, I dampen it with the vinegar solution and mop the floor in sections. The vinegar helps cut through grime without leaving residue.
3. Rinse: After mopping, I go over the floor with plain water to remove any vinegar smell.

Best Cleaning Products for Vinyl Plank Flooring

Choosing the right cleaner is crucial for maintaining your vinyl plank flooring’s appearance and longevity. Here are some products I’ve tested and recommend while how to clean Luxury Vinyl Plank:

1. Bona Pro Series Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner: This pH-neutral cleaner is specifically designed for vinyl floors and leaves no residue behind.
2. Rejuvenate High-Performance Floor Cleaner: Known for its ability to remove sticky dirt effectively while providing a streak-free finish.
3. COREtec Encore Floor Cleaner Care: Great for quick spot cleaning; it’s alcohol-based and doesn’t leave any unattractive films behind.

Long-Term Care Tips for Vinyl Plank Flooring

To keep my luxury vinyl plank flooring looking great over time, I’ve adopted several long-term care practices: Let’s explore how To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank:

1- Protecting Your Floors

1. Use Furniture Pads: To prevent scratches from furniture legs, I’ve placed felt pads under all heavy items.
2. Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: Whenever moving furniture or appliances, lift them instead of dragging them across the floor.

2- Managing Environmental Factors on How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank

LVP can expand or contract based on humidity levels:

1. Control Humidity: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% helps prevent warping.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: To protect against fading due to sun exposure, I’ve installed curtains or blinds that block direct sunlight during peak hours.

Can You Steam Clean LVP Flooring?

I’ve tried mixed opinions about steam cleaning LVP. While sometimes I swear by it for deep cleaning, I prefer to avoid steam cleaners because the heat can potentially damage the planks or loosen adhesive over time.

Instead, I stick to mopping how to clean Luxury Vinyl Plank with my vinegar solution or a pH-neutral cleaner.

Clean Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring

If your LVP is waterproof (like many modern options), you can be more liberal with moisture but still need to be cautious:

1. Daily Care: Sweep or vacuum regularly.
2. Cleaning Solution: Use warm water mixed with mild soap or vinegar.
3. Mopping Technique: Dampen your mop and clean as usual just avoid soaking the floor!

What Not to Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring

While there are many effective cleaning methods and products available, there are also things you should avoid when cleaning vinyl plank flooring:

1. Bleach: This can cause discoloration and damage to your flooring.
2. Ammonia-Based Cleaners: These can be too harsh and may lead to surface damage over time.
3. High-pH Detergents: Similar to bleach and ammonia cleaners, these can be corrosive.
4. Steam Cleaners: While they may seem effective for sanitizing surfaces, steam can loosen seams and warp your planks over time.

Why Choose LVP?

When I was looking for flooring options for how to clean Luxury Vinyl Plank, I wanted something that could withstand the wear and tear of everyday life while still looking great. Here are some reasons why LVP stood out to me:

• Durability: It can handle heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear.
• Water Resistance: Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where spills are common.
• Aesthetic Variety: Available in many styles and colors, allowing me to match my decor perfectly.
• Ease of Maintenance: Unlike hardwood or carpet, cleaning LVP is straightforward.

Conclusion On How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank

Keeping your luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring clean is easy! With a few quick steps, you can learn how to clean luxury vinyl plank to keep it looking beautiful every day.

Regular maintenance and the occasional deep clean will help your floors stay shiny and last for years. Show your LVP a little love it deserves it, and you’ll love the results.

FAQs On How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank