How to Clean Vinyl & LVP Floors
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsVinyl flooring is durable and water-resistant—but not indestructible. Learn the right products and techniques to keep luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and sheet vinyl looking beautiful.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
All vinyl flooring cleans similarly, but understanding your type helps you care for it properly:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Tile (LVT)
Individual planks or tiles that click together. Water-resistant but water can seep through seams if flooded. Most popular new installation today.
Sheet Vinyl
Continuous roll with minimal seams. More water-resistant than LVP since fewer seams. Common in kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
Commercial-style tiles requiring waxing. Less common in homes. Needs different care (periodic stripping and waxing).
Daily & Weekly Cleaning
Daily: Remove Grit
Sand and dirt are vinyl's main enemies—they scratch the wear layer over time:
- Sweep or dust mop high-traffic areas daily
- Use microfiber (traps dirt better than broom)
- Place mats at entry points to catch grit
Weekly: Damp Mopping
Vinyl handles moisture better than laminate or hardwood, but still benefits from proper technique:
- Vacuum or sweep first—Always remove loose dirt
- Use vinyl-safe cleaner—Dilute according to directions
- Mop with microfiber—Damp, not soaking wet
- Rinse if product requires—Some cleaners leave residue if not rinsed
- Dry if desired—Not essential but prevents water spots
Deep Cleaning Vinyl
Deep clean monthly or when floors look dull despite regular cleaning.
Standard Deep Clean
- Vacuum thoroughly, including edges and corners
- Mix vinyl cleaner at slightly stronger concentration
- Mop floor in sections, letting cleaner sit 2-3 minutes on heavy soil
- Scrub stubborn spots with soft-bristle brush
- Rinse with clean water mop (important to remove residue)
- Dry with clean towels or let air dry
For Heavily Soiled Floors
If floors have buildup from wrong products or years of wear:
- Use floor stripper appropriate for vinyl (follow product directions carefully)
- May require multiple applications
- Rinse thoroughly after stripping
- Consider applying new polish (optional but restores shine)
Best Products for Vinyl
Recommended Cleaners
- Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner—pH-neutral, no-rinse formula
- Rejuvenate Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner—Made specifically for LVP
- Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner—Effective, affordable
- DIY option: 1 gallon warm water + 1 cup white vinegar + few drops dish soap
Products to Avoid
- Wax or polish (unless VCT)—Builds up, makes floor dull and slippery
- "Mop and shine" products—Leave waxy residue
- Abrasive cleaners/pads—Scratch wear layer
- Ammonia-based cleaners—Can break down vinyl over time
- Acetone/harsh solvents—Dissolve vinyl; use only for specific stains, briefly
Stain & Scuff Removal
Scuff Marks
Black heel marks and rubber scuffs are common on vinyl:
- Tennis ball method: Rub mark with tennis ball—works surprisingly well
- Magic Eraser: Effective but use lightly (slightly abrasive)
- WD-40: Spray on cloth, rub scuff, clean residue with vinyl cleaner
- Baking soda paste: Mix with water, gently scrub, rinse
Common Stain Solutions
- Food/drink stains: Dish soap + warm water, scrub gently
- Grease: Dish soap or degreaser, wipe clean
- Ink/marker: Rubbing alcohol on cotton ball
- Hair dye: Rubbing alcohol, then vinyl cleaner
- Nail polish: Acetone-free nail polish remover (test first)
- Paint: Scrape dried paint with plastic scraper, clean with appropriate solvent
Vinyl-Safe Cleaning Included
Our cleaning teams use appropriate products for every floor type—no wax on LVP, no harsh chemicals on vinyl. Proper care, every visit.
Serving: Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · +40 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach on vinyl floors?
Diluted bleach (1:10 ratio) can be used occasionally for disinfecting or stain removal. Don't use regularly—bleach can discolor some vinyl over time. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Why is my vinyl floor yellowing?
Common causes: product buildup (wax or wrong cleaners), sun exposure, rubber-backed mats (rubber reacts with vinyl), or age. Stripping and cleaning can often restore color; sun damage is permanent.
Can vinyl flooring be refinished?
Not like hardwood. Once the wear layer is scratched through, it can't be refinished. You can apply polish to restore shine temporarily, but deep damage requires replacement. Quality LVP has thicker wear layers that last longer.
Is vinyl or laminate easier to clean?
Vinyl is easier—it handles moisture better and is less prone to water damage. Laminate requires careful moisture management. Both scratch from grit, so dust mopping is important for both.
How long does LVP flooring last?
Quality LVP lasts 15-25 years with proper care. Wear layer thickness matters—20+ mil wear layers last longer than 12 mil. Avoid scratches from grit and don't use harsh chemicals.
Related Guides
Keep Your Vinyl Looking New
Our teams use the right products and techniques for every floor type. No wax buildup, no residue—just clean, beautiful floors.
Serving all of Long Island:
Great Neck · Manhasset · Garden City · Old Westbury · Roslyn · Woodbury · Syosset · Jericho
and 40+ more · View all areas