How to Clean Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
Great tips for how to clean vinyl plank (lvp) flooring – has mop, robot vacuum, and floor cleaner recommendations. These cleaning ideas include the best way to keep up daily and weekly maintenance.
Affiliate links used in this post. Read more about my link usage policies.
So many of you found my little blog through this blog post that I originally published a few years ago – who knew how popular it would become? And then, in a move that pretty much fated me to be a mopping blogger 😂, a Tik Tok I made about the results of a new mop I bought went viral in late 2021. As of publish date, we're at over 14 million combined views on two versions of that video! Tik Tok has driven even more people to the blog. Since lots of you are looking for floor cleaning advice on the blog now, I thought it might be time to update this blog post with some of the new methods I'm using to keep my Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring clean!
The flooring in our custom build is something I was a little particular about choosing correctly. We've lived in quite a few homes (with quite a few different types of flooring) over the years, so I've gotten a pretty good idea of what I did and didn't want. I definitely didn't want something that was too glossy (impossible to keep streak-free), too dark (shows every piece of dirt), too light (shows every stain), or that was susceptible to water damage. With a dog and two kids, we needed something incredibly durable and stain-resistant.
When we lived in an apartment after moving to Mississippi, we fell in love with the luxury vinyl plank flooring that was throughout the common areas. It was so durable, water-resistant, barely showed stains/dirt, and had a gorgeous matte finish that was super streak-resistant. LVP was the obvious choice for our home, and as soon as our builder presented me with the Majestic Oak color by Artisan Mills, I fell in love. The color was deep enough to match our color scheme, but not too dark.
We've lived in our house for 4 years now and still absolutely love our flooring. It's soft underfoot and incredibly water-resistant. But, with kids and a dog in the house, there are constantly going to be spills/stains/shedding on the floor, so it's been really important to have a game plan for keeping our LVP clean. I've been using the following method for months now and it's worked fantastically well. Let's see what I've been doing!
How to Clean Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
Daily Cleaning:
I have this robotic vacuum that runs every afternoon at 2pm, on a timer, to keep the pet shedding and dirt to a minimum. I love it – it only requires emptying every few weeks, runs on a timer (so I literally don't even have to think about it), and even shows me specifically where it vacuumed each day in our home via a map in the app. It is really a low-maintenance way to reduce everyday dirt and dust. During my 10 minute clean-up sessions from my cleaning schedule, I also spot clean inevitable spills with e-cloth's Deep Clean Mop. It's great to have around for quick clean-ups and general maintenance. I don't really have a dedicated cleaning task daily for mopping…instead, I just spot clean as needed and try to hit the problem areas during my 10 minute clean-up.
I can typically go over a spot once or twice with this mop (with very little elbow grease) and remove any spots on the floor. If it's a really stubborn spot that won't quite come out with a few scrubs, I've found it effective to put my foot on top of the e-cloth cleaning pad and really press down into the stain. I haven't met a stain yet that didn't come up with that little bit of effort! It uses water (yes, just water!) to clean germs from the floor. With that water, e-cloth has been shown to remove over 99% of bacteria from flooring. And, once I'm through with mopping, I can simply throw the e-cloth fiber pad in the washer.
Weekly Cleaning:
In my cleaning system, Journey to Clean, I detail the need to vacuum once a week…that's still something I do occasionally, even though my robot vacuum has almost eliminated the need to do it on a consistent basis. On Thursdays, if needed, I usually vacuum the whole house (yes, even the LVP). If I see the need to vacuum on Thursday, I spend 20-30 minutes vacuuming every floor in our home. This is the vacuum I use for those tasks. It's probably the longest any cleaning task takes me during the week, but it's necessary. I'm not huge on sweeping, but I do get underneath cabinets and furniture with a broom first. With any kind of harder flooring, dust has a tendency to settle in those places.
This is where my routine has totally changed lately. Once I'm through vacuuming on Thursdays, I use the OCedar Spin Mop on the hard surfaces in our home, including the tile in our upstairs bathrooms and the LVP that runs throughout our first floor. Unlike the spot cleaning I do throughout the week, I get everywhere possible during this run.
As far as what cleaning formulas I use to clean my floor – that's where it gets a little complicated. 🙂 I've spent months researching the best mopping formulas over on Tik Tok – you can check those videos out for at that link, or click here to see the full results!
(NOTE: many of you are coming here through the Ocedar hack video where I separated clean and dirty water with a cheap bucket. If you need the link to that exact bucket, click here! They're also readily available in Dollar Tree stores.)
Now, let me make a confession: I don't mop the entire house on Thursday floor days. That would take forever. Instead, I have zones I complete every other week. Every week, I mop the common living area (including the kitchen and living room), downstairs hall, mudroom, and laundry room. Those are the areas I've found need it weekly. Every other week, I rotate out: one week I'll mop the dining room, office, and bedroom, and the other I'll mop the bathrooms.
I'm sure this will vary for every house. I recommend not mopping anywhere for a full week to see what gets the most dirty. Those should be the rooms you hit weekly. Then, take the remaining areas and divide them into 2 zones to do bi-weekly.
And that's it! It's not a super complicated method for keeping floors clean, but it's shown to be incredibly effective, especially when you stay on a schedule (hint hint: you can get a free schedule here).
Any other tips or tricks for how to clean luxury vinyl plank? I'd love to hear them – leave a comment and let me know!
Leslie, I am a repeat customer and love that you have come up with a plan to help me keep on task every year! Love having a clean organized home and your printables are cheery and makes one want to keep on task! Thank you for being an awesome homemaker or domestic engineer. I did not find a place to enter the code for repeat customers and did I get my discount? I paid with PayPal.
Thank you again Carol
Hi Carol, hope you love them! I’ll be glad to give you your discount – would you mind emailing me at [email protected]? Thanks!
I love the robot vacuum, and having 3 cats isn’t easy! My husband and I have a cleaning lady stop by every month for deep cleaning, but I’m definitely giving that a try:) We sweep every week but it just piles up so fast, maybe that will help a bit. Thanks for sharing
Kathy K.
Hi Leslie! Thanks for the info. I just installed new LVP flooring in most of my main floor. I’m stressing about cleaning it and not wanting to hurt it! I bought a robotic vacuum but am now reading reviews about them scratching LVP. Have you had any concerns about this? Does your have the rotating brushes?
You’re going to love it! I haven’t had issues with my robotic vacuum scratching them, it does have a rotating brush too. I’d definitely read reviews on your particular flooring and your particular vacuum though. I have had some scratches from moving furniture and general wear that I wasn’t expecting, but I’m pretty sure it isn’t coming from my vacuum.
I appreciate you sharing some tips for cleaning luxury vinyl floorings such as using a clean mop o wipe off dirt and dust. You said that using an e-cloth mop can easily get rid of spots with relative ease. Plus, you can also follow this up with vacuuming the floor to suck off some of the leftover dirt that was not absorbed by the mop. If I were to clean my own vinyl floors, I would make sure to take heed of your advice. Thanks.
Wonderful article – very informative. But I have really bad ra and allergies. I was told to get vinyl planking…but the idea of running a mop around my house is a very painful one. I guess my question is do you know of a machine that can help with the cleaning process – one that I dont have to push?
I’d definitely recommend a mopping robot! Here’s the mopping version of the model I use and love: https://amzn.to/2SBv5uc
Is is safe to use a steam mop on vinyl plank flooring?
The biggest problem with steam mops is the condensation they can cause between planks. If you get moisture between the planks, it can cause them to lift. I’ve never personally used one!
Nice post. Thank you for sharing this astounding post.
I have very hard water. Is it still ok to mop with it or should I use distilled water?
It’s ok to mop with it, but depending on how hard it is, you might see some streaking on your floors.
Where can you purchase your LVP flooring.? I’m
In the market. Do you have a link?
Hi Stephanie! Just responded to your email, but I’ll post a link here too for anyone that’s interested: Majestic Oak by Artisan Mills
Hallmark lux vinyl flooring is beautiful and has held up well for us. 2 dogs and no children.
I was having all kinds of problems with my LVP floor looking streaky after mopping. I purchased the e-cloth Aqua Spray Deep Clean Mop after reading your post. Unfortunately, I did not have a good experience as the mop stop spraying after 3 months of use. I am very disappointed for the money. I always appreciate hearing others’ experience, and so I wanted to share mine as well.
Your floors look beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the process you use to keep your LVP clean. That was very helpful!
Definitely contact their customer service – that shouldn’t happen. They’re wonderful about working with customers on these issues!
I just wanted to follow up to my original comment and let you know that at your suggestion I did contact customer service. I was very pleasantly surprised when a week later a brand new mop showed up at my door! The customer service email stated: “We have had problems with the sprayer on select mops, especially if vinegar or another agent is used in the bottle. This issue should be resolved with our new inventory, and we’d be happy to send out a replacement mop.”
I am very pleased with this company for standing behind their product and making things right! And, I am enjoying using my new mop on my LVP. Thank you for suggesting I contact e-cloth!
Kelly
This is so great to hear Kelly, I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Wonderful article. I appreciate you sharing some tips for cleaning luxury vinyl floorings such as using a clean mop o wipe off dirt and dust. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the information. I recently installed LVP. I purchased a microfiber mop that was rated 4.8 with over 4000 reviews. I chose it over the e-cloth. I started with using a vinegar solution in a spray bottle & a damp microfiber cloth. I lightly sprayed the cloth or the floor & mopped. I would see spots, such as water drips or dog drool or other. I pushed harder & even used a norwex microfiber cloth by hand & could not see much difference. Often when the floor dries I do not see them (or I choose not to look for I’m so frustrated). is this typical or what else can I do? I’d rather not use commercial cleaners. I diluted the vinegar more for in reading more info, thought it may be too strong & added a small drop or two of dish soap. Thank you for your advice.
Not sure – I haven’t had that issue. It might depend on the sheen on your flooring – mine is generally not very shiny, so I don’t see a lot of spots (but I have lived in homes with shiny floors, they can be a pain!).
Connie,
I too am having issues cleaning my LVP floor. I’m using a cleaner specific for LVP which worked well at first, but in the last month I’ve noticed the floors aren’t getting clean. I tried a bit of Clorox on a conspicuous spot and was astonished at how dirty the paper towel was. Were you able to figure anything out with yours?
Can you clean LVP flooring with Mrs. Meyers Multi Surface Cleaner ?
It’s not something I normally do (I prefer something like Lysol if I’m using a cleaner), but I don’t see why not!
I have the Deebot Ozmo 950 as well. My question with the LVP is, do you use your doobot with the Rotating beater brush or do you put on just the suction attachment? I heard the brush works better but I don’t want to ruin my flooring.
I have the side brushes attached as well; they’re really important to making sure you get all of the dust and dirt surrounding the vacuum get sucked up. I haven’t noticed any damage from them on my floors!
Hi. Does your aqua mop get the floor wet? I am worried about the planks getting water in between and causing damage.
I gets wet, but I’ve never had a problem with any kind of damage from the water. My planks are very close together, so that really isn’t an issue – it might depend on your LVP though.
You saved me!! My LVF has never looked clean to me. It has a matte finish and it always looked smudgey to me.( Hubby insists I’m nuts!) I’ve always used a microfiber mop and just water for a weekly clean, LVF cleaner with same mop monthly-ish. Bought new microfiber cloths for the mop-still smudgey. Until you recommended the ecloth mop! I CAN’T BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE!! I’m sooo happy and I thank you for the wonderful suggestion! I’m never going back to anything but the ecloth. Thank you, thank you,thank you!
I am so glad it helped! 🙂 Isn’t that mop a game-changer. I love it so much.
Love my e. cloth damp and dust mop too .
Aren’t they the best?
Hi Sue
I am curious what brand of LVT floors you have? I have CoreTec LVT throughout my house. I love the color of them and they are a matte beveled finish but I Absolutely hate them they are a nightmare to keep clean. It’s just my hubby and I and one dog. We don’t wear our shoes in our house. I sweep and mop daily (Norwex pad). I have tried every professional recommend floor product, vinegar and water, dawn dish soap and water, plain sink water, distilled water, nothing has worked. My floors always look smudgy and dirty: I can mop and with in minutes just from walking on them they look smudgy showing foot prints and dog paws. I am so disappointed after spending over 10,000 for these floors I am at my wits end. I thought getting these floors would had been less maintenance but instead it lie triple the work. Any advice for the specific CoreTec floors? I have read blobs and the specific product cleaning instructions from CoreTec. They recommend Encore cleaning solution but nothing has worked.
Feeling so discouraged
LaVonna
Hi Leslie,
What solution do you use in your spray mop?
Also, have you tried the iRobot mop? Would you recommend it?
I usually add a little bit of lysol – not required, but it helps clean that much more. I don’t really measure mine, just a splash or two. I don’t have an iRobot, but I do have an Ecovacs that I talked about in the post. I absolutely love it!
I am having a terrible time with dog drool and paw prints. I have a brand new vinyl
Plank floor darker color matte finish.
I have tried microfiber mop, diluted vinegar and windex wipes up with a microfiber cloth.
The floor is beautiful but the smudges are driving me crazy.
I’ve got an update to this post coming soon – I’ve been using the O-Cedar Spin Mop and absolutely love it!
Phew! It’s definitely a good thing to know that we don’t really have to vacuum our vinyl plank floor on a regular basis thanks to its smooth surface. I’ve been thinking of remodeling the entirety of my house internally, probably next year. I’ll certainly put this choice into consideration when I ask for an installation later.
What do you suggest to clean bamboo flooring? Especially cleaning said bamboo flooring with an aging little doggie that seems to continue to dribble (pee!) when he comes inside from his potty breaks! 🥺🙄😵
I wish I could help, but I’ve never had Bamboo flooring!
It works great, and you can throw it in the washer and dryer. I like to keep five pads on hand, and just dry them and put them to the side until I have a bunch to wash. Easy on and off The pad. I wet mind with this hot of water as I can get, then spray the bottom a couple of times with Clorox cleanup and off I go. You can use whatever cleaner you want, even Pet urine cleaners, Or just use plain water. We use them in the hospital, and since I come home from the hospital I use the Clorox cleanup, do I really need to say why?
I use in the kitchen, in the bathroom, etc. And if you want you can stand it in the corner on a small piece of shelf plastic, and not have to be change it all day, re-wet and go.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Products-18-in-Microfiber-Flat-Mop-Kit-FGQ101-20/202229415
That the cloth cleaner you have, Rubbermaid also makes one that you can buy at Lowe’s or Home Depot, with additional pad refills to purchase, Less than $30. If you use a cleaner with it, you wouldn’t need your O cedar mop. It also comes with a pad that can be used as a dust mop. They all go in the washing machine, and come out perfectly clean. Used in hospitals to clean all floor surfaces. And vinyl is never luxury.
Hello how do u clean full wood floors to bring back shine with the spin mop
Sorry, I don’t have much experience with hardwood.
Just curious, in the video with the dirty mop water, it looks like you are using Palmolive dish soap and something else but I didn’t see that in any of the formulas that you tried. Seems like it did a really good job cleaning.
It was really just because my floors were so dirty. 🙂 I didn’t love that combo, but I did test lots of other ones – here are the results! https://lambertslately.com/best-mopping-formula-solutions
Hi Leslie, any thoughts on what cleaning product would work the best on ceramic floor tiles? My husband walks on my kitchen floors w/his outside footwear all the time…. it drives me crazy lol it also makes it difficult to keep the grout clean. My floor tiles are textured which also make it harder to keep clean. They’re a greyish/blueish color. Please help lol
I use Mr. Clean on my ceramic tile (upstairs) as well – works great!
Love my O Cedar!!!! But seriously tho I found on accident that Lysol toilet bowl gel in squeeze bottle will deep clean floors and doesn’t dull!!! I dropped some on floor and cleaned it up to find that one spot was so much cleaner. Good OOPS BUT GOOD OOPS NONETHELESS!!! Check in a hidden spot for your floors. I’m a paycheck to paycheck person so I don’t have any expensive flooring but this does work!!!!
Thank you so much for your videos a n d posts on cleaning LVF. I have Narvco LVF and I absolutely love it. I really needed some info on maintaining it and you provided. What part of Mississippi do you live?
I live in Brookhaven, MS.
Thanks again!