How to Care for and Maintain Your LVP Floors for Decades of Beauty
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the most popular choices for modern homes — and for good reason. It’s durable, affordable, and waterproof. But while it’s low-maintenance, that doesn’t mean no maintenance.
With a few simple habits, your LVP floors can stay looking brand new for 20+ years.
Here’s your complete guide to caring for luxury vinyl plank flooring — the right way.
1. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Dirt and debris may seem harmless, but over time, they act like sandpaper.
Daily or every other day:
-
Use a soft broom, dust mop, or vacuum with a hard-floor setting (no beater bar).
-
Focus on entryways, kitchens, and other high-traffic zones.
Consistent sweeping prevents micro-scratches and helps your floor retain its finish longer.
2. Mop with the Right Cleaner (Less Is More)
You don’t need harsh chemicals or steam cleaners to keep vinyl looking good.
Best practice:
-
Use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for LVP floors.
-
Avoid waxes, polishes, ammonia, and vinegar — they can dull or damage the wear layer.
A lightly damp microfiber mop does wonders. Think of it as “damp dusting” rather than wet mopping.
Pro Tip: If your floor looks streaky, try rinsing your mop in clean water between passes to remove residue.
3. Wipe Spills and Stains Immediately
Even though LVP is waterproof, it’s best to clean spills quickly to prevent staining or buildup along seams.
For sticky messes, use warm water and mild soap. For oil or ink, use a vinyl-safe cleaner and a soft cloth — never an abrasive scrubber.
4. Protect Against Furniture and Foot Traffic
Your LVP floors are tough — but not invincible.
Here’s how to protect them:
-
Use felt pads or silicone glides under chair and furniture legs.
-
Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas (avoid ones with rubber backing, which can discolor vinyl).
-
Encourage family members to remove shoes — especially heels or cleats — before walking on the floor.
Tip: Keep extra planks from installation. If one ever gets damaged, it’s easy to replace without removing the entire floor.
5. Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes
LVP is simple to maintain, but a few habits can shorten its life:
-
🚫 No steam mops: Excess heat can loosen adhesive or warp planks.
-
🚫 No bleach or solvent cleaners: They strip the protective coating.
-
🚫 Don’t soak the floor: Standing water seeps into seams.
If you love using a cleaning device, pick a spin mop with a wringer to control water levels.
6. Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Winter:
-
Use entry mats to catch salt, mud, and water from boots.
-
Keep humidity between 35–65% to avoid floor movement.
Summer:
Temperature stability helps your LVP adhesive or click-lock system last longer.
7. Long-Term Care and Refreshing Your Floor
After 5–10 years, your LVP might start showing light scuffs or dulling. To refresh:
Some premium lines like Lion’s Floor District Pro use advanced UV-cured coatings that resist wear longer than budget options.
8. Troubleshooting Small Issues
-
Scratches: Use vinyl repair kits or a matching plank filler.
-
Loose edges: Gently heat and reapply adhesive if it’s a glue-down system.
-
Odor or residue: Use a neutral cleaner and microfiber towel — don’t wax over buildup.
Final Thoughts
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is built for real life — pets, kids, kitchens, and everything in between.
Treat it right, and it’ll reward you with decades of beauty and performance.
Ready to upgrade or replace your floors?
Explore the premium Lion’s Floor LVP collection at Floor Direct USA, designed for long-lasting style and stress-free maintenance.
How to Clean and Maintain LVP Floors for Long-Lasting Beauty
How to Care for and Maintain Your LVP Floors for Decades of Beauty
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the most popular choices for modern homes — and for good reason. It’s durable, affordable, and waterproof. But while it’s low-maintenance, that doesn’t mean no maintenance.
With a few simple habits, your LVP floors can stay looking brand new for 20+ years.
Here’s your complete guide to caring for luxury vinyl plank flooring — the right way.
1. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Dirt and debris may seem harmless, but over time, they act like sandpaper.
Daily or every other day:
Use a soft broom, dust mop, or vacuum with a hard-floor setting (no beater bar).
Focus on entryways, kitchens, and other high-traffic zones.
Consistent sweeping prevents micro-scratches and helps your floor retain its finish longer.
2. Mop with the Right Cleaner (Less Is More)
You don’t need harsh chemicals or steam cleaners to keep vinyl looking good.
Best practice:
Use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for LVP floors.
Avoid waxes, polishes, ammonia, and vinegar — they can dull or damage the wear layer.
A lightly damp microfiber mop does wonders. Think of it as “damp dusting” rather than wet mopping.
Pro Tip: If your floor looks streaky, try rinsing your mop in clean water between passes to remove residue.
3. Wipe Spills and Stains Immediately
Even though LVP is waterproof, it’s best to clean spills quickly to prevent staining or buildup along seams.
For sticky messes, use warm water and mild soap. For oil or ink, use a vinyl-safe cleaner and a soft cloth — never an abrasive scrubber.
4. Protect Against Furniture and Foot Traffic
Your LVP floors are tough — but not invincible.
Here’s how to protect them:
Use felt pads or silicone glides under chair and furniture legs.
Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas (avoid ones with rubber backing, which can discolor vinyl).
Encourage family members to remove shoes — especially heels or cleats — before walking on the floor.
Tip: Keep extra planks from installation. If one ever gets damaged, it’s easy to replace without removing the entire floor.
5. Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes
LVP is simple to maintain, but a few habits can shorten its life:
🚫 No steam mops: Excess heat can loosen adhesive or warp planks.
🚫 No bleach or solvent cleaners: They strip the protective coating.
🚫 Don’t soak the floor: Standing water seeps into seams.
If you love using a cleaning device, pick a spin mop with a wringer to control water levels.
6. Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Winter:
Use entry mats to catch salt, mud, and water from boots.
Keep humidity between 35–65% to avoid floor movement.
Summer:
Close blinds to reduce UV fading (especially with lighter tones).
Wipe up tracked-in sand or water immediately.
Temperature stability helps your LVP adhesive or click-lock system last longer.
7. Long-Term Care and Refreshing Your Floor
After 5–10 years, your LVP might start showing light scuffs or dulling. To refresh:
Deep clean with a vinyl floor restorer (ensure it’s compatible with your wear layer).
Avoid applying generic “shine” products — many cause buildup.
Some premium lines like Lion’s Floor District Pro use advanced UV-cured coatings that resist wear longer than budget options.
8. Troubleshooting Small Issues
Scratches: Use vinyl repair kits or a matching plank filler.
Loose edges: Gently heat and reapply adhesive if it’s a glue-down system.
Odor or residue: Use a neutral cleaner and microfiber towel — don’t wax over buildup.
Final Thoughts
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is built for real life — pets, kids, kitchens, and everything in between.
Treat it right, and it’ll reward you with decades of beauty and performance.
Ready to upgrade or replace your floors?
Explore the premium Lion’s Floor LVP collection at Floor Direct USA, designed for long-lasting style and stress-free maintenance.