Can You Use a Steam Mop on LVP Flooring

Who doesn’t like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring? It has a sleek appearance, is water resistant, and above all, it’s highly durable. The best part is that it mimics the look of hardwood but without the high maintenance which makes it a perfect choice for your home. Isn’t that amazing? However, even after all these advantages, there’s one question that bothers many homeowners – “What is the best way to clean LVP flooring?”, “How can we prevent any potential vinyl flooring water damage​

Can you use a steam mop on LVP flooring or stick to other methods? Let’s dive into the details and help you maintain your beautiful floors with tried and tested LVP cleaning tips. 

Let’s get started! 

Can You Clean LVP Flooring with a Steam Mop?

The straightforward answer is No, you should not use a steam mop on LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring. This is because even though they’re water resistant, the heat and moisture that steam mops produce can significantly damage the flooring. The moisture can penetrate through the joints of your LVP flooring and cause the planks to peel off. In the worst-case scenario, your planks can also swell over time and develop ugly molds. We’re certain that this is definitely not something you might have envisioned for your flooring. Isn’t it? 

While some newer or higher-end vinyl floors might claim to be “steam mop safe,” it’s not common. It’s always safer to go with cleaning options that won’t put your floors at risk of peeling off. 

What Should You Use For LVP Flooring Cleaning? 

Now that you know that steam mops aren’t an ideal choice to clean your LVP flooring, the next most obvious question is “What should you rather use to clean your LVP floors?” 

Don’t worry, we’re here to your rescue. But before that, let’s figure out what tools you’d require in the process. 

1. Microfiber Mop – A microfiber mop is ideal for working through the dirt and moisture that might accumulate on your LVP flooring. 
2. Vacuum – A vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment at the end can be your savior when it comes to dealing with loose dust particles. 
3. Soft bristle broom – While most homeowners underestimate this, soft bristle brooms can do wonders for your LVP floors. Just like vacuum cleaners, they can help you remove loose dust debris so they don’t settle on your LVP flooring for too long. 
4. A DIY cleaning solution – To clean your LVP flooring, you can also make a cleaning mixture yourself. It’s extremely simple – mix 1 cup of apple cider or white vinegar with a gallon of water. Using this solution is absolutely safe and leaves no residue. 
5. Soft cloths and sponges – As soon as anything spills on the flooring, you should have soft cloths or sponges available to spot clean them. This can help you in numerous ways.  

How to Care for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Moving on, let’s talk about how you can take extra care for your LVP flooring. From regular sweeping and damp mopping to using gentle cleaners, there are numerous ways for LVP flooring care and maintenance. Let’s take a look at each one of these individually. 

1. Regular Sweeping and Vacuuming

Firstly, there’s one thing you should know – dirt, dust and small debris can act like a sandpaper on your LVP flooring. This can cause scratches and scuffs on its surface and hamper the sparkling look that you desire. To avoid this, we recommend you to make it a habit to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly. Cleaning your flooring regularly can help you avoid this issue. 

2. Damp Mopping

While you can not steam mop LVP flooring, a damp mop on the other hand is perfect for cleaning up spills or giving your floors a more thorough cleaning. Just be sure to wring out the mop well before using it, as excess water can seep into the seams and cause damage over time.

3. Gentle Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning solutions, we suggest sticking to pH-neutral or vinyl-specific cleaners. Most people are usually unaware that using harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia-based products can actually harm the protective wear layer of the LVP flooring. You can rather use a simple mix of water and a few drops of mild dish soap. This should help you for everyday cleaning.

4. Wipe Up Spills Immediately

Although LVP flooring is water-resistant, if you let spills sit for too long, they can still cause damage to your flooring. This is especially true if the liquid gets between the planks. Therefore, you should quickly wipe up any spills to protect your floors from stains and potential water damage.

5. Protect High-Traffic Areas

One pro tip is that you use rugs safe for lvp flooring in high-traffic areas of your home, such as entryways and hallways. This can reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your floors. Just be sure to choose the right type of rug backing to avoid damaging your LVP floors (more on that below).

To keep your luxury vinyl plank flooring in top condition, avoid using steam mops, as the high temperatures can cause warping, peeling, or distortion. Instead, always follow your manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines for the best results. A damp microfiber mop paired with a diluted vinyl-safe cleaning solution is a reliable and effective way to maintain the beauty and durability of your flooring.

What Rug Backing is Safe for Vinyl Plank Flooring?

If you plan to use rugs or mats on your LVP flooring, it’s essential that you choose the right rug backing to prevent any potential damage to your Vinyl Plank flooring. This is because some rug backings can discolor or scratch the surface of your vinyl flooring over time and can do more harm than good. 

Here’s what you should look for in a safe rug backing for your vinyl plank flooring:

1. Natural Rubber

Natural rubber-backed rugs are a great choice because they’re non-toxic and won’t cause any discoloration to your flooring. These rugs also provide a good grip on the floor, which helps prevent slipping without damaging the surface.

2. Felt

Rugs with felt backing are another safe option for vinyl flooring. Felt is soft, won’t scratch your floors, and can provide an extra layer of cushioning underfoot.

3. Avoid PVC or Latex Backing

Rugs with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or latex backing can react with the chemicals in your LVP flooring, leading to yellowing or staining. Always check the materials before purchasing a rug to ensure it’s vinyl-floor-friendly.

FAQ’s

What is the best way to clean LVP flooring?

The best way to clean LVP flooring is by using a microfiber mop with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaning solution. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will help prevent scratches, and damp mopping (not soaking) will keep your floors spotless.

How do you remove vinyl plank flooring without damaging it?

Removing vinyl plank flooring without damaging it requires care and the right tools. Start by removing the baseboards. Then, gently pry up the planks using a flat tool like a putty knife or a pry bar, starting from a corner of the room. If the planks are glued down, you’ll need to carefully break the adhesive bond with a heat gun or adhesive remover, working slowly to avoid tearing or cracking the planks.

What should you not clean vinyl plank flooring with?

Avoid cleaning LVP flooring with steam mops, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or acetone. These products can cause significant damage to the finish and the integrity of the flooring. Stick to gentle cleaners and tools designed specifically for vinyl or hard floors.

Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting LVP Flooring

1. Furniture Pads: To prevent scratches, place felt pads under furniture legs and heavy objects.
2. Sunlight Protection: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your LVP flooring to fade. Consider using curtains or blinds to reduce exposure, especially in rooms with large windows.
3. Shoe-Free Zones: Encourage family members and guests to leave shoes at the door. Shoes, especially ones with heels or heavy treads, can leave scuffs or cause dents in your vinyl floors.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your LVP Floors Looking Like New

Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is a fantastic option for any home, offering the beauty of hardwood with much less maintenance. But to make your vinyl flooring shine, you need to make recurring efforts to keep it looking its best. Avoid the steam mop, stick to gentle cleaning methods, and invest in rug backings that are safe for vinyl floors. By following these simple tips, you’ll keep your LVP flooring in excellent condition for years to come.

Remember, whether you’re dealing with LVP, LVT flooring, or SPC flooring, taking care of it properly will save you from costly repairs and replacements down the line.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions about maintaining your vinyl floors. You can also hire our experts for Corporate House cleaning—we’re always here to help!