How to Clean Vinyl / LVP Floors
What You'll Need
- Bucket
- 1 cup
- 1
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Remove all loose dirt with a soft broom or vacuum on hard floor setting. Grit scratches vinyl surface coatings.
Mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar per gallon of warm water. Mop with a damp (not wet) microfiber pad. Apple cider vinegar cleans without leaving the film that white vinegar sometimes does on vinyl.
Vinyl is waterproof on the surface but water can seep between planks at the seams. Do not let standing water sit. Dry with a second microfiber pad.
- Do not use a steam mop (heat warps vinyl and damages the adhesive)
- Do not use wax or polish (builds up and yellows)
- Do not use abrasive cleaners
- Do not use rubber-backed mats on vinyl (rubber reacts with vinyl and causes permanent yellow discoloration)
- Felt pads under all furniture legs. Rubber feet react with vinyl flooring and cause permanent discoloration.
- Entry mats at all doors protect vinyl from tracked-in grit. Use non-rubber-backed mats only.
- For scuff marks: rub with a tennis ball or a small amount of WD-40 on a cloth, then clean the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Steam mops force heat and moisture between vinyl planks, which can warp the planks, damage the click-lock system, and degrade the adhesive. Use a damp mop only. Most vinyl flooring warranties are voided by steam mop use.
Sources & Methodology
Vinyl flooring care per manufacturer guidelines (Shaw, COREtec, Lifeproof). Rubber-vinyl reaction (staining) is caused by antioxidant migration from rubber compounds.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026