So, you’ve got Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, and now you’re wondering—how do you keep it looking as good as the day it was installed? Don’t worry. Taking care of LVP flooring is super easy, and you don’t need any fancy tools or complicated routines.
In this guide, we’re going to break it all down into simple steps so your floors stay clean, shiny, and beautiful for years to come.
What Makes LVP Flooring So Popular?
Before we jump into the maintenance tips, let’s quickly talk about why so many people love LVP flooring.
- It’s Durable – LVP can handle pets, kids, and heavy foot traffic without showing much wear and tear.
- It’s Water-Resistant – Spills? No problem. Just wipe them up, and you’re good to go.
- It’s Stylish – You get the look of wood or stone without the price tag or high maintenance.
- It’s Easy to Clean – Seriously, it doesn’t take much effort to keep LVP flooring looking great.
Daily Cleaning for LVP Flooring
You don’t need to scrub your floors every day, but a little daily attention can make a big difference. Here’s what you should do:
- Sweep or Vacuum – Dust, dirt, and crumbs can pile up quickly. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar to avoid scratches.
- Spot Clean Spills – If you spill something, don’t panic. Just grab a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe it up right away.
That’s it for daily cleaning. Easy, right?
Weekly Cleaning for LVP Flooring
Once a week, give your floors a slightly deeper clean.
- Mop with Warm Water – Use a microfiber mop and warm water to pick up dirt that sweeping might miss.
- Add a Gentle Cleaner – If the floor needs a little extra cleaning, add a drop of mild dish soap or an LVP-approved cleaner to the water.
- Don’t Soak the Floor – Make sure the mop is damp, not dripping wet. Too much water can seep into the seams, and while LVP is water-resistant, it’s still best to avoid puddles.
Deep Cleaning LVP Flooring
Every couple of months, or whenever your floors start looking a little dull, it’s time for a deeper clean.
- Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner – Stick with products made for vinyl floors. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia—they can damage the finish.
- Mop in Sections – Work in small areas so you can rinse and dry each section as you go.
- Buff Out Streaks – If you see streaks after mopping, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the floor until it shines.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning LVP Floors
Some cleaning methods can actually do more harm than good. Here’s what not to do:
- No Steam Cleaners – The heat and moisture from steam mops can damage the planks over time.
- Skip the Wax – LVP floors already have a protective finish, so waxing is unnecessary and can leave a sticky mess.
- No Abrasive Scrubbers – Steel wool or hard brushes can scratch the surface. Stick to soft cloths and microfiber mops.
- Watch the Chemicals – Stay away from cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, or anything acidic.
Preventing Damage to Your LVP Floors
Maintenance isn’t just about cleaning—it’s also about protecting your floors from damage. Here’s how to keep them in top shape:
- Use Furniture Pads – Put felt pads under chairs, tables, and heavy furniture to prevent scratches.
- Pick Up, Don’t Drag – If you’re moving furniture, lift it instead of sliding it across the floor.
- Doormats Are Your Friend – Place mats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before it gets tracked inside.
- Area Rugs in High-Traffic Areas – Rugs can protect your floors in places like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.
- Trim Your Pet’s Nails – Pets are adorable, but their nails can scratch the surface if they’re too long.
Handling Scratches and Scuffs
Even with the best care, scratches and scuffs can happen. Don’t worry—here’s what to do:
- For Light Scratches – Use a vinyl floor repair pen to fill in the scratch. They’re cheap and easy to use.
- For Deeper Scratches – Try a vinyl floor repair kit. It usually comes with fillers and colors to match your flooring.
- Scuff Marks – Most scuffs can be rubbed out with a soft cloth and a little baking soda mixed with water.
Dealing with Stains
LVP floors don’t stain easily, but accidents happen. Here’s how to clean up different messes:
- Food and Drink Spills – Wipe them up right away with a damp cloth.
- Ink or Marker Stains – Use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and gently rub the stain.
- Grease or Oil – Mild dish soap and warm water usually do the trick.
- Rust Stains – Try a bit of lemon juice and baking soda, but test it in a hidden spot first to be safe.
What About Discoloration?
Over time, LVP floors might fade or discolor, especially in areas exposed to a lot of sunlight. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Use Curtains or Blinds – Close them during the brightest part of the day to block direct sunlight.
- Add UV-Blocking Window Films – These can reduce the amount of UV light coming in without blocking your view.
- Rotate Rugs and Furniture – This prevents uneven fading in areas that get more light.
When Should You Replace LVP Flooring?
With proper care, LVP flooring can last 10–20 years, but there are a few signs it might be time for a replacement:
- Severe Scratches or Dents – If repairs no longer do the trick, it might be time to replace a few planks or the whole floor.
- Loose or Lifting Edges – This can happen if water seeps under the planks or if they weren’t installed properly.
- Fading or Discoloration – If the floors are noticeably faded and cleaning doesn’t help, replacing them may be your best bet.
Protect Your Floors from Heavy Furniture
Big furniture can be rough on your floors, especially if it gets dragged around. Here’s how to avoid dents and scratches:
- Use Furniture Pads – Stick felt pads on the bottom of chairs, tables, and couches. They’re cheap, easy to apply, and they save your floors from scuffs.
- Invest in Rugs or Mats – Placing rugs under dining tables or in living rooms adds style and protects your floors from everyday wear and tear.
- Rearrange Furniture Occasionally – Moving things around once in a while keeps your floors from wearing unevenly. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a quick refresh of your space!
Dealing with High-Traffic Areas
Some areas in your home—like hallways, kitchens, and entryways—get more action than others. That means they’ll need a little extra care.
- Lay Down Runners or Mats – Hallway runners can absorb dirt and keep shoes from tracking in debris.
- Clean These Areas More Often – A quick sweep or mop once or twice a week can help high-traffic areas stay looking fresh.
- Rotate Rugs – If you’re using rugs in these areas, give them a quick turn every few months so your floors wear evenly.
How to Handle Sticky Residue
Ever stepped on something sticky and had it transfer to your floors? Don’t worry—it’s easy to fix.
- Warm Water and Soap – Most sticky spots come right up with a damp cloth and a little dish soap.
- Rubbing Alcohol for Tough Spots – For things like glue or gum, dab a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and gently rub the spot until it lifts.
- Baby Oil for Stubborn Gunk – A tiny drop of baby oil can loosen up stubborn sticky messes without damaging your floors. Just wipe the area with a damp cloth afterward to remove any residue.
Seasonal Floor Care Tips
Different seasons can bring different challenges for your LVP flooring. Here’s how to handle them:
- Spring and Summer – These months often mean more dirt and pollen being tracked in. Be sure to sweep or vacuum more often, especially near doors.
- Fall and Winter – Rain, snow, and salt can be tough on floors. Keep a mat by the door to catch moisture, and make sure wet shoes come off at the entrance.
- Holiday Season – If you’re hosting guests, consider adding extra rugs in high-traffic areas and using felt pads under chairs to prevent damage during gatherings.
Cleaning After Pets
If you’ve got furry friends, you already know they can bring in mud, fur, and all kinds of surprises. Here’s how to keep your floors clean:
- Keep a Mat by the Door – Wipe off muddy paws before they hit the floor.
- Brush Your Pets Regularly – Less fur on your floors means less vacuuming for you.
- Use a Vacuum with a Soft Brush Attachment – This is great for picking up pet hair without scratching the surface.
- Clean Up Accidents Quickly – Accidents happen. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean up messes right away to prevent stains.
Adding Shine Without Wax
You might be tempted to use wax to make your floors shinier, but LVP doesn’t need it—and it can actually make things worse. Instead:
- Use a Microfiber Mop – These work great for adding a streak-free shine.
- Try a Vinyl Floor Polish – If your floors are starting to look dull, you can use a polish made specifically for LVP. Just make sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
- Buff with a Dry Cloth – Sometimes, a quick buff with a soft, dry cloth is all it takes to bring back the shine.
Handling Water Damage
Even though LVP is water-resistant, it’s still a good idea to stay on top of any spills or leaks.
- Wipe Up Spills Immediately – The faster you clean up, the less chance water has to seep into the seams.
- Check for Leaks Regularly – Appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators can sometimes leak without you noticing. Make sure everything’s in good shape to avoid hidden damage.
- Use Mats Near Water Sources – In areas like kitchens and bathrooms, add mats near sinks to catch any splashes.
When to Replace a Plank
If you ever damage a plank beyond repair, don’t panic! The good thing about LVP is that you can replace individual planks instead of redoing the whole floor.
- Snap-Lock Floors – If you have a floating floor, you can usually remove the damaged plank and snap in a new one.
- Glue-Down Floors – For glue-down LVP, it might take a little more effort, but a professional can easily swap out the damaged plank.
FAQs About Maintaining LVP Flooring
1. Can I use a Swiffer on LVP floors?
Yes! Dry Swiffers are great for dusting, and wet Swiffers work well for light cleaning.
2. How often should I mop my LVP floors?
Once a week is usually enough unless you have pets or kids, in which case you might need to mop more often.
3. What’s the best cleaner for LVP floors?
Look for pH-neutral cleaners designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
4. Can I polish LVP floors?
Nope, you don’t need to polish them. They already have a built-in finish that keeps them looking shiny.
5. What’s the best way to clean grout lines in LVP flooring?
Actually, most LVP floors don’t have grout lines, so no scrubbing is needed—just clean as usual!
Keep Your Floors Looking Great with Pellak Construction
Maintaining LVP flooring doesn’t have to be hard. With a little regular cleaning and a few precautions, your floors can stay looking brand-new for years. And if you’re thinking about upgrading your floors or need help with repairs, Pellak Construction is here for you.
Give us a call today at (610) 543-2479 to learn more about our flooring services and get started on your next project! Get in touch today, and let’s upgrade your space!