The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)

LVP Is Easy to Clean, If You Skip a Few Common Mistakes

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is popular in Madison and the surrounding area for a reason. It’s durable, comfortable, and handles busy households well. But the wrong cleaner (or the wrong mop) can dull the finish, leave sticky residue, or even void warranties.

At Harmony Flooring in Madison, we install LVP in kitchens, living rooms, basements, and commercial spaces all over south central Wisconsin. Here’s the practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your luxury vinyl plank floors looking great for years.

What Makes LVP Different From Hardwood or Laminate?

LVP has a protective top layer (the wear layer) designed to resist scuffs and stains. Most day-to-day “damage” isn’t damage at all. It’s usually:

• Grit and salt acting like sandpaper (classic Wisconsin winter problem)
• Cleaner buildup that makes floors look cloudy or streaky
• Rubber marks from shoes or furniture feet
• Too much water sitting in seams or edges

The goal is simple: remove grit often, clean with a gentle product, and never flood the floor.

The 2 Minute Daily Routine That Prevents 90% of Problems

Do this most days, especially in winter:

• Dry mop with microfiber or vacuum with a soft-floor setting
• Avoid vacuums with rotating beater bars, which can scuff some hard surfaces over time
• Focus on entry paths: mudroom, kitchen walkways, around the sink

Why it matters: Manufacturers commonly recommend dry removal of debris before any wet cleaning. Pre-vacuuming or dust mopping helps prevent micro-scratches and makes damp mopping more effective.

The Best Weekly Cleaning Method (Simple and Safe)

Step 1: Dry clean first

Sweep, microfiber dust mop, or vacuum.

Step 2: Damp mop, not wet mop

• Use a lightly damp microfiber mop
• Wring it out well
• Do not leave puddles or standing water (especially near toilets, tubs, and exterior doors)

Step 3: Use a pH-neutral cleaner

Many LVP care guides recommend a neutral pH vinyl floor cleaner to avoid residue and finish damage.

Pro tip for streak-free floors:

After damp mopping, do a quick pass with a clean, barely damp mop pad, then let it air-dry.

Best Tools for Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Plank

Keep it simple. Here’s what works best:

• Microfiber dust mop (daily grit control)
• Microfiber mop with washable pads (weekly damp mop)
• Soft bristle broom (quick cleanup)
• Vacuum safe for hard surfaces (no beater bar)
• Soft cloths for spot cleaning

Avoid: abrasive scrub pads or rough brushes that can scratch the wear layer.

Cleaners That Are Safe (And Cleaners to Avoid)

Usually safe options

• Manufacturer-recommended vinyl cleaners
• Neutral pH floor cleaners (follow dilution instructions)

Cleaners and methods to avoid

Many manufacturers and cleaning pros warn against these because they can dull or damage the protective layer, or leave residue:

• Steam mops unless your specific manufacturer explicitly approves them
• Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners
• Abrasive scrubbers or gritty pastes
• Wax, polish, or “shine enhancers” that create buildup
• Flood mopping or excessive water

What about vinegar on LVP?

You’ll see conflicting advice online. Some sources say diluted vinegar can be used, while several manufacturers specifically say to avoid vinegar-based products because acidity can affect the finish.

Best practice: follow your flooring brand’s care guide. If you’re not sure what LVP you have, Harmony Flooring can help you identify it and recommend a safe cleaner.

How to Remove Scuffs, Stains, and Sticky Spots (Without Ruining the Finish)

Scuff marks (shoes, chair legs, rubber soles)

Try, in order:

1. Damp microfiber cloth with warm water
2. Small amount of manufacturer-approved cleaner
3. For stubborn scuffs, rubbing alcohol is commonly recommended by home improvement resources. Test in a hidden spot first and rinse after.

Sticky residue (spills, syrup, “mystery spots”)

• Warm water + pH-neutral cleaner
• Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then wipe
• Rinse with clean water on a cloth and dry

Marker, ink, dye, or crayon

Some guidance recommends carefully using a small amount of mineral spirits on a clean cloth for tough stains, then wiping clean. Always spot-test first.

Paint drips

• If water-based, try warm water first
• If dried or stubborn, a tiny amount of mineral spirits can help, used carefully and wiped clean after

Grease near the stove

• pH-neutral cleaner
• Microfiber mop pad, not a scrubby sponge

Important: Never use steel wool or abrasive pads on LVP.

Deep Cleaning LVP (Monthly or Seasonally)

If your floors look hazy or feel sticky, it’s often cleaner buildup.

Try this:

1. Dry mop or vacuum first
2. Damp mop with a neutral pH cleaner
3. Do a second pass with clean water on a well-wrung mop pad
4. Let it dry completely before putting mats back down

Wisconsin-Specific Tips: Salt, Snow, and Grit

Winter is tough on every floor, including LVP. Here’s what helps most:

• Use a good doormat outside and a washable runner inside the entry
• Vacuum entry paths more often in winter
• Clean up wet boots quickly so moisture doesn’t sit at seams
• Avoid leaving salty slush under shoe racks

This is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of luxury vinyl plank in Madison-area homes.

Fast FAQ: Luxury Vinyl Plank Cleaning

Can I use a steam mop on LVP?

Most care guides say no, unless your manufacturer explicitly allows it. High heat and moisture can damage the protective layer or affect adhesives.

Can I use Swiffer-style mops?

A microfiber pad mop is great. Just be cautious with cleaning solutions that leave residue. Many manufacturers recommend neutral pH products and avoiding detergent buildup.

Why does my LVP look streaky after mopping?

Usually one of these:

• Too much cleaner
• Cleaner not rinsed
• Mop pad is dirty
• Floor wasn’t dry-mopped first

The Takeaway: The Best LVP Cleaning Plan

If you want your luxury vinyl plank flooring to stay beautiful:

• Dry mop or vacuum often
• Damp mop weekly with a neutral pH cleaner
• Avoid steam, abrasives, wax, and harsh chemicals
• Spot-clean stains carefully and always test first

Ready to Keep Your LVP Looking New?

If you’re in Madison, Verona, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Waunakee, DeForest, or Mt Horeb and want help choosing the right cleaner, identifying your product, or replacing worn flooring, Harmony Flooring is here for you.

Stop by our Madison showroom or schedule a free consultation with Harmony Flooring. We’ll help you protect your investment, “Covering Every Detail.”