How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring looks great in almost any space—and homeowners love it because LVP handles just about everything modern living throws at it: spills, muddy paws, beach sand tracked in from a day at the shore—LVP takes it all in stride.
But you still need to keep your luxury vinyl flooring clean to keep it looking sharp for years to come. The good news? The right cleaning routine takes just minutes and protects your investment without much fuss.
Interested in luxury vinyl plank flooring? Browse our selection online and visit our Myrtle Beach showroom or contact us to begin your project.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
When it comes to keeping your floor clean, let’s start with the basics:
- Make sure you regularly sweep or vacuum your LVP floors. Dirt and sand act like sandpaper when people walk on them, scratching the protective wear layer over time.
- A soft-bristle broom works great for quick cleanups between activities. Use a vacuum without a beater bar (which can damage the surface) for a more thorough clean.
- Mop weekly with a damp microfiber mop and warm water. Wring out excess water before you start. LVP is waterproof, which is one reason people love it, but standing water can still seep into seams and edges. It also leaves streaks and spots when it dries. A barely damp mop cleans effectively without risking any issues.
- Plain warm water handles most everyday messes on LVP. That's it! For tougher dirt, use a pH-neutral floor cleaner designed specifically for luxury vinyl and mix it according to the bottle directions.
- Avoid using too much cleaner, which leaves residue that dulls your floor's finish.
- Never use abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or scouring powders—these scratch the wear layer.
- Skip ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, and paste wax, too, as they can discolor or damage the flooring.
- Avoid oil-based cleaners or polishes. These create a slippery film that attracts dirt and defeats the whole purpose of cleaning in the first place.
How to Care for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Place doormats at all exterior entrances to trap dirt, sand, and moisture before they reach your floors. This simple step makes a huge difference. Use rugs in high-traffic areas and under pet food bowls. Felt pads under furniture legs prevent scratches when you move chairs and tables around.
Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across LVP—use furniture sliders or lift items completely. For deep cleaning, consider hiring a professional LVP flooring contractor who knows the proper techniques and products.
To keep your LVP flooring in tip-top shape, you should steer clear of the following:
- steam mops or high heat (can warp planks and damage adhesive)
- rubber-backed mats (may discolor the flooring)
- vacuums with hard bristle brushes or plastic attachments (so you don’t scratch the surface)
In addition: never refinish or reseal LVP flooring. The wear layer is permanent and doesn't need refinishing like hardwood does. Applying sealers or finishes can damage the surface and void your warranty.
Read on for more floor maintenance tips.
Visit Get Floored in Myrtle Beach
Get Floored carries luxury vinyl plank from brands like COREtec, Happy Feet, Shaw Floors, and MSI Flooring. We're your LVP flooring store near Myrtle Beach, serving Surfside, Garden City, Pawleys Island, Socastee, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet.
Our team listens to your needs and creates a custom experience based on your lifestyle—whether you've got kids, pets, or you're enjoying retirement. Contact us today to learn more about how to care for luxury vinyl plank flooring or to schedule LVP flooring installation in your home.
