How to Safely Deep Clean Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors

For homeowners who want a resilient, stylish, and low-maintenance flooring solution, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a popular choice. They're hardy and durable, perfect for busy homes with pets and children.

But cleaning your LVP flooring can be a daunting task, especially if you've just spent thousands of dollars installing them. The last thing you need is to use the wrong tool or cleaner on them.

So let’s go over the best way to safely and effectively deep clean your luxury vinyl plank flooring to extend its life and prevent it from damage.

Contents

The Best Mop & Cleaner For Luxury Vinyl Plank

When it comes to deep cleaning LVP flooring, you want a mop and cleaning solution that is tough on dirt and grime, but gentle on surfaces. A microfiber flat mop paired with a professional-strength cleaner is our top pick when dealing with flooring such as LVP.

Microfiber Mop Pads

Microfiber mop pads are made from fine fibers that are incredibly soft yet highly effective at cleaning. These pads are designed to trap and hold dirt, dust, and grime within their fibers, preventing particles from being pushed around and potentially scratching the floor surface.

The gentle nature of microfiber ensures that your luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors are cleaned without any risk of abrasion, preserving their appearance and finish. Additionally, microfiber is highly absorbent, which means it can pick up spills and moisture effectively, leaving your floors dry and streak-free.

Heavy-Duty Hardware

Our Microfiber Flat Mop is constructed with heavy-duty hardware, ensuring it stands up to regular use without breaking down. This durability means you won't have to frequently replace your mop, saving you money in the long run.

The robust construction also provides stability and reliability during cleaning, making it easier to apply consistent pressure for effective dirt removal. With a mop that’s built to last, you can confidently tackle even the toughest cleaning jobs without worrying about wear and tear.

Flat Mop Design

The flat mop design of our Microfiber Flat Mop is particularly effective for cleaning LVP floors. Its slim profile allows it to easily reach under furniture, into tight corners, and along baseboards where dirt and dust often accumulate.

This design ensures that every part of your floor gets the attention it needs, resulting in a more thorough clean. The flat mop head provides a larger surface area for cleaning, allowing you to cover more ground with each swipe, making the cleaning process quicker and more efficient.

All Purpose Cleaner

For a cleaning solution that complements the effectiveness of our Microfiber Flat Mop, an all-purpose cleaner, such as More Luxury Vinyl PLank Floor Cleaner. This cleaning concentrate is designed to safely and effectively deep clean your vinyl plank floors.

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Vinyl Plank Floor Cleaning Solution

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning LVP Floors

The best technique to use when cleaning LVP flooring (and also hardwood floors) is to damp mop. This is where minimal moisture is used to protect the floor from water damage. We explain how to do this below.

1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris

Before damp mopping, it's essential to remove any loose dirt and debris from your floors. Attach the dust mop pad to the mop and work backwards from the far back corner of the room mopping in a figure-8 or S motion. This technique collects all traces of dust without missing spots.

You could also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush head, but you may find that the vacuum blows dust around, which lacks efficiency.

Be mindful of any larger debris that could scratch the floor as you dust mop.

2. Attach the Wet Mop Pad

Rinse and wring out a microfiber wet mop pad well. Drop it on the floor face down and press the mop frame onto the pad to attach it.

You don't want a sopping wet mop pad, as this will leave too much moisture on your flooring, which can cause lifting of the vinyl.

3. Prepare Your Cleaner

Harsh chemicals can strip the protective layer and cause LVP flooring to lose its sheen. This is why we recommend a specific cleaning solution for a powerful clean without damaging the surface.

Dilute it in a spray bottle and either lightly spray it onto the mop pad or the floor to prevent excessive moisture when mopping. You can also spot treat areas by spraying more liberally onto the soil and using a firmer back and forth pressure over it when mopping.

Read Now: 13 Floor Cleaning Mistakes You're Probably Making

3. Mopping Tips

Dampen the Pad

As just mentioned, lightly dampen the microfiber pad with the diluted cleaning solution or spray the floor lightly. Avoid soaking it, as excess water can penetrate the seams of LVP floors and cause swelling or warping. A lightly damp pad is sufficient to clean effectively without risking water damage.

Mop in Sections

Work in manageable sections, starting from one corner of the room and moving towards the exit. This method ensures you don’t walk on the freshly cleaned areas, preventing footprints and ensuring an even clean. It also helps in systematically covering the entire floor without missing spots.

Gentle Pressure

Apply gentle pressure while mopping. The microfiber pad’s design allows it to lift and trap dirt without the need for excessive force. Pressing too hard can potentially damage the floor or wear out the microfiber pad prematurely. Gentle, consistent pressure is enough to achieve a thorough clean.

4. Dry the Floor

After mopping, go over the floor with a dry microfiber pad to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps prevent water spots and ensures a streak-free finish. Drying the floor also reduces the risk of slipping and maintains the integrity of the LVP flooring.

5. Regular Maintenance

Incorporate regular sweeping or vacuuming into your cleaning routine to keep dirt and debris at bay. Regular maintenance reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning, preserving the floor’s appearance and extending its lifespan.

6. Maintaining Your Microfiber Flat Mop

Wash the Pads

After each use, wash the microfiber pads in the machine with a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce their effectiveness. Clean pads ensure optimal performance for each use and prevent any build-up of residues.

Inspect the Hardware

Regularly check the mop’s hardware for any signs of wear and tear. Ensuring the mop is in good condition will prolong its lifespan and maintain its cleaning efficiency. Tighten any loose parts and replace worn-out components as needed to keep the mop functioning at its best.

Replacement Dust Mops

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Replacement Wet Mops

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Read Now: How to Prevent Streaky Stick Floors After Mopping

Additional Tips for LVP Floor Care

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

Steer clear of abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools that can scratch the surface of your LVP flooring. Avoid products that contain abrasive agents, such as baking soda. And only use tools that are soft, like our microfiber mop pads.

Quick Clean-Up

Address spills and stains immediately to prevent them from setting in and becoming harder to remove. Especially for larger spills, these can also cause the vinyl to lift over time. Use absorbent microfiber towels or mop pads to quickly and effectively soak up any liquids.

Use Furniture Pads

Place pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches when moving items across the floor. For heavier furniture, invest in a furniture jack so you can safely and easily move furniture without assistance or damaging the floor.

Keep Your LVP Floors in the Best Shape for Years to Come

By following these steps and utilizing a Microfiber Flat Mop, you can keep your luxury vinyl plank floors looking pristine without any risk of damage. Regular maintenance and the right tools are key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your LVP flooring.

Happy cleaning!

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Written by

Em Rey

Content Contributor at

Microfiber Wholesale

Em is an experienced content writer and strategist, creating engaging and informative content for lifestyle, home, and beauty publications over the past eight years.

Her passion for eco-friendly cleaning aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions, and she’s a strong advocate for microfiber products due to their efficiency and environmental benefits.

Em’s in-depth knowledge of the cleaning industry and commitment to promoting green initiatives make her an ideal partner for crafting content that resonates with professional cleaners.

When she’s not creating content, you'll find her with a toddler in tow either outdoors, somewhere near water, or baking.