How to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors (LVP) for Homes and Commercial Spaces

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is popular because it gives a modern look, handles everyday foot traffic, and is generally easier to maintain than timber or stone. But LVP also has a few common “failure points” that can make it feel harder to clean than it should be. Tiny bits of grit can create micro-scratches that catch light and make floors look cloudy. Soap, polish, or multi-purpose sprays can leave a sticky layer that attracts more dust. Over-wetting can push moisture into joins and edges, especially in busy commercial areas where mopping is frequent.

The good news is that LVP responds best to a simple, repeatable system. When you control grit, use the right amount of moisture, and keep it cleaner and residue-free, LVP usually stays clear and consistent with much less effort. This guide covers both home cleaning and commercial maintenance for offices, retail, strata common areas, and cleaning teams. You will get a step-by-step method, traffic-based cleaning schedules, a quick reset for hazy or sticky floors, and a safe stain-removal playbook for common spills and scuffs.

If you want a shorter version to share with staff or tenants, this quick reference on how to clean vinyl floors is useful as a simple routine checklist.

By the end, you will know what to do on each visit, what to avoid, and how to keep vinyl plank floors looking clean without over-cleaning them.

What is vinyl plank flooring (LVP) and why does the method matter

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a multi-layer floor with a clear protective wear layer on top. That wear layer is what keeps the floor looking good, and most cleaning mistakes slowly damage it over time. Even if LVP is sold as “waterproof,” it should not be flooded. Too much water can work into seams, edges, and gaps, which may lead to edge swelling, adhesive issues (on glue-down floors), or odours underneath.

Method also matters because LVP shows residue easily. Cleaner buildup, soap film, and hard-water minerals can look fine at first, then appear as haze or streaks when sunlight or strong lights hit the floor. That is why a stronger cleaner is rarely the fix. The right approach uses the correct product, minimal moisture, and leaves no film behind.

Vinyl Plank Floors cleaning principles for homes and commercial spaces

1) Remove grit before any wet cleaning

Dust, sand, and tiny stones act like sandpaper. If you wet mop before removing grit, you can grind abrasive particles into the wear layer and create fine scratches that build up over time.

Best practice

• Dry clean first with a soft broom, microfiber dust mop, or a vacuum that is safe for hard floors.
• In commercial spaces, focus on entrances, lift lobbies, and corridors where grit is tracked in the most.
• Use entry mats to reduce grit load and extend the time between deep cleans.

2) Use minimal moisture and dry fast, especially near seams and edges

LVP does not need a “wet wash” to look good. Excess water increases slip risk, slows drying, and raises the chance of moisture getting into seams and perimeter gaps.

Best practice

• Use a lightly damp microfiber mop rather than a dripping wet mop.
  
• Work in small sections and rinse or replace pads often so you are not spreading dirty water.
  
• Dry the area quickly if needed, especially in commercial settings where foot traffic returns fast.

3) Use a vinyl-safe, pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning

For day-to-day cleaning, a pH-neutral cleaner designed for vinyl is the safest option. It lifts soil without attacking the protective wear layer or leaving heavy residue.

Best practice

• Follow the dilution instructions exactly. Overdosing cleaners is a common cause of haze.
• If the floor looks streaky, the issue is often residue, not a lack of strength.
• In commercial spaces using auto-scrubbers, use the correct dilution and a compatible pad, then pick up the solution cleanly to avoid film.

If you are selecting products for a team, keep a “label and SDS-first” rule, meaning you follow the label and keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible in the workplace.

4) Avoid abrasive tools, steam, and harsh chemical shortcuts

Some “quick fixes” create long-term damage. Abrasive pads can scratch the surface, steam can force heat and moisture into seams, and harsh chemicals can dull the finish or leave stubborn residue behind.

Avoid

• Steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff scrub brushes
• Steam mops
• Bleach, ammonia, highly alkaline degreasers, or strong solvents unless the manufacturer specifically approves them
• Oil soaps, waxes, or polish products that are not designed for LVP (these often cause buildup and slippery floors)

Tools and products you need for Vinyl Plank Floors cleaning 

A good tool setup prevents 80% of issues like streaks and scratches.When tools are correct, cleaning stays fast, consistent, and low-risk for the wear layer. Below are the important tool needed for cleaning.

Tools

• Microfiber dust mop (wide head for speed)
• Vacuum with hard-floor setting (suction only is best)
• Flat microfiber mop with washable pads (keep multiple pads ready)
• Soft white cloths for spot cleaning
• Two buckets for bigger jobs (one solution, one rinse)
• Warning signs for commercial sites (slip risk control)
• Optional for commercial: fan or air mover for faster drying

Why microfiber matters: Microfiber traps fine dust and lifts film better than string mops. It also uses less water, which protects seams and reduces drying time.

Cleaners

• Best everyday choice: pH-neutral vinyl-safe floor cleaner
• Warm water for light soil and for a final wipe when needed

If your building has multiple floor types, it helps to standardise routines across surfaces. This broader floor cleaning guide can support mixed sites where vinyl sits alongside tile, carpet, or sealed concrete.

What to avoid (important)

These products commonly cause dullness, wear-layer damage, or residue.

• Steam mops and steam cleaners
• Abrasive powders, scouring pads, steel wool
• Bleach and ammonia for routine cleaning
• Strong solvents as whole-floor cleaners
• Soap-heavy mixes and “mop and shine” products that leave film

Simple rule: If a product promises instant shine or “no rinse needed” but leaves a coating, it often creates fast re-soiling in traffic lanes.

Vinyl Floor Maintenance Routine for Homes and Businesses

Step 1: Dry soil removal first

This is the most important step. Grit is what causes micro-scratches that make LVP look dull over time.

Do this first:

• Dust mop or vacuum traffic lanes and under tables
• Pay extra attention to entry points, hallways, and kitchen zones

Commercial tip: Start with the entrances and main walk paths. Those areas hold the most grit and make the biggest visual difference.

Checklist

• Entrances and mat edges
• Under chairs and desk zones
• Along skirting boards and corners
• Around bins, kitchens, and break rooms

Step 2: Mix cleaner correctly

Most streaks are caused by too much product or wrong dilution.

• Use a vinyl-safe pH-neutral cleaner.
• Follow the label dilution.
• Do not “double dose” to make it stronger.

If you use a mild soap, only use a few drops. Too much soap leaves a sticky film that attracts dirt.

Step 3: Damp mop, not wet mop

Your mop pad should be damp, not dripping.

How to mop correctly:

• Work in small sections (home: 1 to 2 square metres, commercial: a manageable zone)
• Use light pressure and slow, controlled passes
• Rinse and change pads often

The damp test: If you can easily squeeze water out of the pad, it is too wet.

Step 4: Dry fast and manage seams

Do not leave puddles or wet edges.

• Wipe wet edges and seam-heavy areas with a dry microfiber cloth
• In commercial spaces, use a fan to speed drying in busy areas

Safety note for commercial Cleaners: Use wet-floor signs and clean in zones to reduce slip risk and complaints. SafeWork Australia specifically recommends actions like cordoning off wet floor areas while cleaning is in progress and drying floors immediately after cleaning

Commercial LVP Maintenance SOP: Steps, Tools, and Frequency

Most competitor blogs skip this section or keep it too general. If you want a better blog, you need a traffic-based plan facility managers can actually use.

Daily routine (high-traffic commercial sites)

Best for: retail, lobbies, shared hallways, busy offices

Tasks

• Dust mop or vacuum entrances and traffic lanes
• Spot clean spills immediately
• Inspect mats and vacuum them

Why daily matters: Daily soil removal prevents the “dull traffic lane” look that develops when grit and film build up in the same paths.

2 to 5 times per week (depending on traffic)

Best for: most offices, clinics, strata common areas

Tasks

• Damp mop using pH-neutral vinyl cleaner
• Use clean pads and rotate frequently
• Focus on edges, corners, around counters, and doorways

Pad discipline rules

• Use fresh pads for entrances and kitchens
• Do not mop an entire office with one pad
• If the pad looks grey, swap it

Weekly full clean

Best for: offices, schools, low to medium retail

Tasks

• Full-area damp mop
• Detail edges and corners
• Clean under desks, chairs, and around bins
• Check for scuffs and spot treat

Quality check
Walk the floor from multiple angles under light to confirm no haze.

Monthly or as needed (deep refresh)

Best for: areas that look dull even after weekly cleaning

Tasks

• Do a residue reset (see deep cleaning section)
• For large spaces, consider a scrubber with the right settings (see auto-scrubber section)
• Re-check mat coverage and traffic patterns

If your commercial areas include epoxy zones (like loading bays, plant rooms, or back-of-house), the cleaning method changes. This epoxy floor cleaning guide helps prevent haze and wear from using the wrong pads or chemicals on epoxy coatings.

Commercial checklist block (print-ready)

Use this as a simple SOP for teams.

LVP Commercial Cleaning Checklist

Before you start

• Put wet-floor signs out
• Inspect floor for loose planks, lifted edges, hazards
• Check mats and remove heavy grit

Daily

• Vacuum or dust mop traffic lanes
• Spot clean spills and sticky marks

Weekly

• Damp mop full area with pH-neutral cleaner
• Detail edges, corners, under furniture
• Inspect for scuffs and treat
  

Monthly

• Residue reset for haze or stickiness
• Check pad rotation process (are pads swapped enough?)
• Review mat placement and coverage

Do not

• No steam mop
• No abrasive pads
• No bleach or ammonia for routine cleaning
• No soaking or leaving puddles

How to Fix Streaks and Stickiness: Deep Clean + Residue Reset

If your LVP looks worse after mopping, the problem is usually residue, not dirt. Residue can come from:

• Too much cleaner
• Soap-heavy products
• Dirty mop water
• Not changing pads often
• “Shine” products that leave film

The residue reset method (safe and effective)

1. Dry clean first (vacuum or dust mop).
2. Damp mop with warm water only to lift the top film layer.
3. Damp mop again with correctly diluted pH-neutral cleaner.
4. Final pass with a clean, barely damp pad if needed.
5. Dry quickly with airflow or a dry microfiber towel in seam areas.

Pro tip: If the floor feels sticky after drying, you likely used too much product. Repeat the warm-water pass and reduce the cleaner strength next time.

Vinyl Stain Removal: Quick Decision Guide (Home + Commercial)

Always test any method in a hidden spot first. Start with the mildest option and only step up if the mark remains. This protects the wear layer and helps you avoid turning a small stain into a dull patch.

Scuff marks (shoes, chair legs, trolleys)

For scuffs, begin with a microfiber cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner, using gentle rubbing rather than hard scrubbing. If the mark still shows, put a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, wipe the scuff, then follow with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. Avoid abrasive pads because they can scratch the wear layer and leave the area looking permanently dull.

Safety note for teams: Safe Work Australia’s Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS) classification for isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) lists it as a flammable liquid and includes key hazard statements.

Sticky spills (syrup, soft drink, sauces)

For sticky spills, start with a warm, damp cloth to soften the residue, then clean the area with a pH-neutral cleaner. If stickiness remains, use isopropyl alcohol sparingly on a cloth and wipe the spot, then finish with a clean damp wipe. Do not pour liquids directly onto the floor, especially near seams, because moisture can creep into joins and edges.

Grease spots (kitchens, break rooms)

Grease responds best to a vinyl-safe cleaner and a microfiber pad. If the spot is stubborn, use a very small amount of mild dish soap mixed in warm water, then wipe again with clean water to prevent soap film. The goal is to lift the grease without leaving a slippery or sticky residue behind.

Paint specks, marker, adhesive

For paint specks, marker, or adhesive, lift the material carefully with a plastic scraper held at a low angle so you do not gouge the surface. If residue remains, spot clean with a tiny amount of mineral spirits on a cloth, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove any solvent traces. Avoid metal blades and aggressive scraping, which can cut the wear layer and create visible scratch lines.

Dark streaks in traffic lanes

Dark streaks in traffic lanes are often rubber transfer mixed with trapped soil and residue. Fix this by doing dry soil removal first, then completing a residue reset, and finally improving your soil-control system with better mat coverage and more frequent pad rotation. This prevents the streaks from returning in the same walking paths.

Auto-scrubbers and large-area cleaning (commercial)

If you maintain large floors, an auto-scrubber can help, but only if the settings are right. Wrong settings create haze, water marks, and seam risk.

Safe auto-scrubber rules for LVP

• Use a neutral pH, low-foam cleaner
• Keep solution flow conservative
• Use soft brushes or soft pads
• Ensure the squeegee is sharp and leaves the floor nearly dry
• Do not let the machine sit in one place dispensing solution

Best practice workflow

• Pre-vacuum first (do not rely on the scrubber to remove grit)
• Scrub in lanes
• Inspect drying quality
• Follow with targeted microfiber detailing at edges and corners

How to Keep  Vinyl Plank Floors Clean Longer: A Simple Prevention Plan

Cleaning is easier when you stop dirt at the door and reduce friction wear across the floor. A strong prevention plan keeps LVP looking clean for longer, protects the wear layer, and reduces how often you need deep cleaning.

Entry and mat system

Use walk-off mats at every entry to catch grit before it spreads through the space. In commercial areas with heavy foot traffic, extend mat coverage so people take several steps on the mat before reaching the floor. Vacuum mats frequently because dirty mats stop trapping soil and start feeding grit back onto the surface, which increases scratches and dullness in traffic lanes.

Furniture and rolling loads

Protect the floor from scuffs and micro-scratches by using felt pads under furniture legs and replacing them when they flatten or collect grit. In offices and other commercial settings, check chair wheels often for damage and trapped debris because worn wheels can grind dirt into the wear layer. For heavy rolling chairs in high-use workstations, use a protective chair mat or a floor-safe runner to reduce friction wear in the same repeated paths.

Simple habits that prevent dullness

Wipe spills as soon as they happen so liquids do not dry into sticky residue or creep toward seams. Avoid overusing cleaners because excess product is a common cause of haze and rapid re-soiling. Swap mop pads often so you lift soil instead of spreading it, and do not leave wet areas to air dry slowly. Fast drying reduces water marks, streaks, and moisture risk around edges and joins.

If your site has bathrooms, kitchens, or entry zones with tile, grime from grout lines often gets tracked onto nearby vinyl and shows up as dark streaking in walk paths. Keeping those areas maintained using a solid tile and grout cleaning routine helps reduce re-soiling on adjacent LVP.

Common LVP Problems and How to Fix Them

My floor looks cloudy after mopping

Cloudiness after mopping is usually caused by too much cleaner, dirty pads or water, or residue build-up left behind as the floor dries. The fix is to do a residue reset, then reduce your cleaner concentration so you are not adding more film each time. You will also get better results by increasing pad changes, especially in kitchens, entrances, and commercial traffic lanes where soil loads are higher.

My floor feels sticky

A sticky feel is most often soap film or a coating product that has not been fully removed. Start with a warm-water pass to lift the top layer of residue, then switch back to a properly diluted, pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning. Avoid “shine” products because they commonly leave a layer that attracts dirt and creates faster re-soiling.

I see streaks in the sunlight

Streaks that show up in bright light usually come from uneven product distribution, a mop pad that is too wet, or water drying too slowly and leaving marks. Use a damp pad only, work in smaller sections, and dry faster with airflow so the floor dries evenly. Swapping to a clean pad sooner also helps because overloaded pads lay down film instead of lifting it.

Seams look swollen or edges are lifting

Swollen seams or lifting edges are typically linked to too much water, repeated over-wetting, or a leak that keeps feeding moisture under the planks. Stop wet cleaning right away, dry the area thoroughly, and investigate the moisture source. If the issue persists or spreads, consider a professional assessment because ongoing moisture can cause bigger flooring and subfloor problems.

When to Stop DIY and Call a Professional Cleaners

In both homes and commercial sites, it’s time to stop DIY when the problem is no longer simple surface dirt or light residue. If you keep cleaning the same issue without improvement, you can make the wear layer look worse or push more moisture into seams.

Call a professional like westlink commercial cleaners  if you notice widespread haze that returns immediately after residue resets, or if seam swelling and lifted edges keep coming back. These are signs the issue may involve trapped moisture, installation stress, or repeated over-wetting. You should also get help when there is heavy scuffing across large areas that does not respond to safe spot methods, because aggressive scrubbing can permanently dull the finish. Strong odors, musty smells, or any signs of moisture under the floor are also a reasons to stop, as this can point to leaks or water intrusion. Finally, if high-traffic lanes look permanently dull even after proper cleaning, the wear layer may be developing abrasion damage that cleaning cannot reverse.

A professional team can diagnose whether you are dealing with residue, wear, or moisture, then choose a safe restoration path that protects the floor rather than masking the problem.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl plank floors stay clear and good-looking when you keep the routine simple. Remove grit first, use a damp microfiber system (not a wet mop), and stick to a vinyl-safe pH-neutral cleaner mixed correctly. Most haze, streaks, and stickiness come from residue, dirty pads, or too much product, not from a lack of cleaner strength. When problems show up, a residue reset and better pad rotation usually fixes it fast.

For homes, the goal is consistency with low moisture and quick spill response. For commercial sites, the goal is a traffic-based SOP: strong entry mat control, daily grit removal in walk paths, frequent pad changes, and fast drying to protect seams and reduce slip risk. If haze returns immediately, seams start swelling, or large areas stay dull even after correct cleaning, pause wet cleaning and get the floor assessed, especially if you need a documented scope and a clear plan for ongoing maintenance. Get a quote. That protects the wear layer and prevents small issues from turning into costly damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a steam mop on vinyl plank floors?

Usually no. Steam combines heat and moisture, which increases the risk of seam issues and long-term damage. Use a microfiber damp mop instead.

What cleaner is safest for LVP in homes and offices?

A pH-neutral, vinyl-safe cleaner is the safest routine choice. Follow label dilution and avoid harsh chemicals.

Why does my LVP look cloudy after mopping?

Most often it is residue from too much cleaner, dirty water, or not changing pads often enough. Use the residue reset method and reduce product strength.

How do I stop my LVP from getting dirty so fast in commercial areas?

Improve the entry mat system, vacuum traffic lanes daily, and rotate mop pads frequently. Soil control at entrances makes the biggest difference.

Can I use vinegar on vinyl plank floors?

It depends on the flooring brand. Many floors do best with pH-neutral cleaners for routine care. If you use vinegar, keep it diluted, use it rarely, and test first.

What mop is best for vinyl plank floors?

A flat microfiber mop with washable pads. It uses less water, reduces streaks, and lifts residue better than string mops.

Do I need to rinse after mopping LVP?

Not always. If the floor feels sticky or looks hazy, a clean-water pass helps remove film. The key is correct dilution and clean pads.

How do I remove scuff marks from LVP?

Start with microfiber and vinyl-safe cleaner. If needed, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, then wipe with clean damp cloth.

How often should commercial sites clean LVP?

Traffic drives frequency. High-traffic sites should dust mop or vacuum daily and damp mop several times per week. Lower traffic offices can do weekly full cleans with spot cleaning daily.

Is LVP waterproof enough to wet mop?

LVP can resist spills, but routine soaking is not recommended. Use a damp mop, avoid puddles, and dry fast to protect seams and edges.