The Best Way To Clean Your New Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring typically comes in two main styles: luxury plank flooring (LVP) and luxury tile flooring (LVT). Both share the same waterproof, durable core, but the difference lies in their appearance and format. Luxury plank flooring is designed to mimic the look and feel of hardwood planks, making it a go-to choice for those who love the warmth of wood. Luxury tile flooring, on the other hand, is crafted to replicate natural stone, ceramic, or decorative tile patterns—perfect for those who want a sleek, modern, or patterned look. Together, they offer the flexibility to achieve nearly any design style.

First and foremost, vinyl flooring is waterproof. That’s right—unlike many of its alternative choices, waterproof wood flooring is ideal for common areas where there is hustle and bustle. (Not to mention—this makes for great patio and outdoor area flooring, as well!) Whether you’re worried about accidental spills, a dog bowl leaking, or spills from rowdy dinner guests—water droplets won’t destroy this amazing modern tile.

Second, this type of flooring gives off realistic visuals. Whether you’re seeking wood-like vinyl planks that mimic hardwood with great accuracy—or mosaic tiles with intricate patterns and colors—you won’t run out of options with luxury vinyl. Many homeowners prefer luxury vinyl planks to hardwood because it looks and even feels like hardwood without all the maintenance required!

Third, luxury vinyl flooring is very durable, meaning it’s scratch and stain-resistant. Not only is this an ideal choice for pets with dirty paws running around the house, but also for high traffic areas where wear and tear can occur. The ample variety of luxury vinyl flooring is also quite impressive, as you can find options ranging from concrete to decorative tile to even marble. This luxury vinyl tile guide shows you a wide range of possibilities.

Acclima Waldorf Luxury Vinyl Planks

So, what’s the scoop on caring for luxury vinyl flooring? Let’s look at how to keep these tiles and planks in good shape for years. Since vinyl flooring is such a boon—being so durable and attractive—it's only fair we do our part to preserve its quality.

First, let's compare how LVP and LVT flooring differ from other types. Hardwood floors require special oils to stay in good condition and clean, while marble needs hot water and a pH-neutral detergent—avoiding acidic or alkaline cleaners. Luxury vinyl is the simplest to maintain of all flooring options because it requires the least upkeep. And who doesn’t love low-maintenance flooring?

For dry cleanup, which you might do multiple times weekly, it’s best to use a vacuum cleaner set to “auto” or “hard floor.' This effectively removes dust and dirt from the day, allowing you to continue your daily routine. If you have pets and are wondering about pet hair, rest assured—this method also handles pet hair well on vinyl floors.

Strong vacuums, especially those that specialize in pet hair, are ideal. However, you can also clean up pet hair with a rubber broom. These brooms have short rubber bristles that reach every strand, helping your floors stay clean for the week ahead. Additionally, using a dry mop on luxury vinyl flooring to remove debris and pet hair is a great tip as well.

When it comes to deep cleaning—done more frequently by some than others—what's the best approach? For vinyl plank and vinyl tile floors, simply choose your preferred cleaner, whether that’s a commercial floor product or a simple mix of soap and warm water, and mop thoroughly. Repeating the process several times can help remove all dirt and grime. Lukewarm water is usually most effective. Some prefer using a homemade solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences.

Abingdale Luxury Vinyl Plank

Since most vinyl flooring is waterproof, it’s best to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth afterward. This helps keep your floors dry and shiny in the sunlight.

Many people opt to clean their floors biweekly, though households with pets and children might clean more often. The good news is that luxury vinyl flooring doesn’t need waxing like hardwood, saving on annual costs. Typically, luxury vinyl planks and tiles last about 25-30 years with proper cleaning and maintenance.

It’s nice to know you’re getting your money’s worth, particularly since mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming take up time and energy.

Now, when we discuss cleaning, we also need to cover mistakes to avoid. First, you should never steam clean your vinyl floors. They are water-resistant and steam-resistant. Steam is also known to damage the protective layer because of its high temperature.

Second, avoid abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool and similar rough materials. Use a floor mop or a large, soft sponge if cleaning by hand.

Third, try to avoid using ammonia or bleach, since they can break down the protective layer of your LVT and LVP flooring and potentially damage the inner layers.

Kenzi Taza Luxury Vinyl Tile

At the end of the day, luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring are excellent choices for your home—not only because of their appearance but also because of how easy they are to clean. Keeping a tidy home isn’t easy for anyone—whether you have a big family or live alone—so it’s reassuring to know that luxury vinyl flooring won’t require hours of effort to keep looking great.

For optimal results, sweep once or twice weekly and establish a practical mopping routine. Your floors—whether in the bathroom, living room, dining area, bedroom, or home office—are a vital part of your home. Therefore, it's important to take the right steps to keep them looking exactly as you envision.

Thankfully, luxury vinyl flooring is a stellar choice that will last over time with the proper care.

Read More About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Brighten Up Your Home with Natural Wood Tone Luxury Vinyl Planks
Go Big with Large Format Luxury Vinyl Tile
LVT vs. LVP Flooring: What Is the Difference?
Made In the USA With MSI's Domestic Luxury Vinyl Tile Manufacturing Facility
The Benefits of Everlife Luxury Vinyl Flooring