How To Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an alternative to hardwood that has the look of wood. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also resilient, easy to clean, and has better moisture resistance than traditional hardwood floors. While the durability of your flooring helps it withstand foot traffic in your home, it's still important to properly care for and clean your floors to extend their lifespan and keep them in top condition.

Microfiber cloth

Step 1

Dirt from shoes can damage vinyl floors. Frequent dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning will protect surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas. Before wiping with a wet mop, be sure to remove any sand or dirt so it aren't just pushing it around.

Step 2

To clean kitchen floors or other stubborn areas, fill a mop bucket or deep sink with warm water and add a few drops of degreasing dish soap. Use no more than half a teaspoon to avoid leaving a soap film on the floor that can attract dirt.

Step 3

Prepare the Mop

Wet the mop with the cleaning solution and wring out most of the water. Use the mop only when wet and avoid dripping.

Excess water can seep into the seams and cause the vinyl flooring to warp or cause mold to form between the vinyl flooring and the subfloor.

Start in a corner of the room and choose an exit so you don't have to walk on wet floors. Rinse and wring the mop frequently, as dirt from the floor will stick to it. If you haven't used too much soap, there's no need to rinse. However, if your floors are sticky, a quick rinse with a solution of water and distilled white vinegar will leave them sparkling clean.

Step 5

Stubborn stains: If your floor is stained with ink or oil stains, dampen a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Start at the outer edges of the stain to prevent it from spreading towards the center. When transferring stains, keep moving to clean areas of the fabric to avoid stains.

Step 6

Let the floor air dry before walking on it, then enjoy the streak-free floor you want.

Tips for Keeping Vinyl Slab Flooring Beautiful

• Never use ammonia (including commercial floor cleaners that contain ammonia), steel wool, or polishing powder on vinyl plank floors. These products are too harsh and leave a matte finish.
• Don't wax your vinyl plank flooring. It can destroy existing surfaces or make them slippery.
• Use felt pads under the furniture legs to prevent furniture from denting.
• Place mats at indoor and outdoor entrances to catch dirt and sand and keep it off the floor.