How to Deep Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring the Easy Way

If you’ve been procrastinating cleaning your LVP or LVT floors… come sit by me! I’ve got great news! Whether you live in an apartment or own your own home, today I’m going to show you how to deep clean vinyl plank flooring the easy way!

How to Deep Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring the Easy Way

Let me be honest with you.

If you’ve been around My Wee Abode for any amount of time, you know I LOVE DIY projects… however, this is one DIY project I HATE dislike immensely.

Since moving into new(er) My Wee Abode over 1.5 years ago, I’ve struggled with cleaning my LVP flooring.

Why?

For one thing… there is about 700 sf of luxury vinyl plank in my apartment that needs mopping. That’s a lot of scrubbing and cleaning, don’t you think?

Also, there is a lot of furniture to work the mop around, especially in the living room. So, it requires a bit of pulling-and-tugging, over-here-and-over-there. And then back again. Whew!

And finally, every time I have cleaned my vinyl floors (and I WON’T be honest with you how many times that has been. Procrastinators unite… tomorrow!), I will spill something and then go to wipe it up and it’s black… like seriously black.

Wait… what?! What happened to all that back-breaking work I did two days ago?

That black hand print right there is enough to make me throw my hands up in defeat, even before I start mopping… again.

Until now!

Have I got a solution for you (and me) AND our vinyl flooring!

Cleaning your luxury vinyl tile or plank has never been easier, or more affordable! And you probably already have everything you need under your sink or in your utility closet!

What NOT to Use to Clean LVP or LVT Floors

First, let’s just talk about what NOT to use to deep clean luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile.

1. DO NOT use a steam mop or steam cleaning machine. Because there are seams between planks and tiles, the forced moisture from the steam cleaners can penetrate the seams and cause warping and adhesive issues. It might not happen one time (ask me how I know this… yep, I did it before I knew it was a no-no), but you might be taking a risk repeatedly using steam on vinyl plank and/or tile.
2. This may seem like a no brainer, but don’t use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners on your vinyl flooring. This can cause scratching and damage to your vinyl flooring.
3. Don’t use polish on vinyl plank or vinyl tiles with texture. This might be appropriate for some sheet vinyl (remember Linoleum?), but not needed (or wanted) on planks or textures tiles.
4. Do not use ammonia or ammonia based products. It’s too strong, on many levels.
5. Do not use rubbing alcohol to remove scuffs or adhesive marks. This can dry out your vinyl flooring with repeated use. Read on for a better option.

The Actual Solution for Deep Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring

Seriously, besides hot water, you will actually only need 3-4 items to deep clean your LVP or LVT floors:

That’s it! Can you believe it? And the combination of hot water, white vinegar, and a couple drops of Dawn dishwashing soap is like liquid gold, but only costs a few pennies!

Natural Alternative for Degreasing

Notice that this deep cleaning formula contains no harsh or harmful products. However, if you want to omit the 1-2 drops of Dawn and go “au naturale”, try adding 1-2 drops of citrus essential oil to the mix!

Just a couple notes.

The Rejuvenate Microfiber Mop is my pick because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and the mop pads work well. Also, the pads are attached with velcro, stay in place, but are still easy to remove and reattach.

Hoover is also my go-to-brand for vacuums. They have never let me down. I’ve been using the brand since I was a girl, and my mom used Hoover since she was a girl, as well. I originally used the Hoover Stick Vacuum, but it’s no longer available. If I needed to by another one, I would def go with the Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Vacuum.

The Quick and Easy Steps for Deep Cleaning LVP Floors

Let’s start with a quick tip, first.

If you are cleaning your bathroom floors, I’ve found mixing the solution in a basin in the tub/shower works best. That way, there’s no need for a towel underneath the basin to catch the splashing or sloshing that might will happen. You can rinse your mop pad in the bathroom sink or tub.

If you have a double sink in your kitchen, fill one side with the solution, and you can rinse your mop on the other side.

Now… here are the quick and easy steps!

• First and foremost, give your floors a good vacuuming. This is where the Hoover ONEPWR comes in handy. I use my stick vacuum ALL the time. It works great for quick carpet vacuums, too. Use the rolling brush option, and vacuum both with the grain and against the grain of your luxury vinyl plank or tile (See Photos above).

• Fill your basin or sink with the deep cleaning solution (1 gallon water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1-2 drops of Dawn) (Photo 1). Soak your mop with the solution, squeeze out the mop pad, and mop your plank floor going WITH the grain (Photo 2). Mopping small areas at a time works best, and keeps the mop cleaner.
• Rinse your mop head in hot or warm water (Photo 3), and then soak in the cleaning solution again, squeeze out, and mop the same area a second time (Photo 4). Heavy traffic areas may take a third mopping, but most areas only take two rounds.
• Rinse the mop head again, and repeat on the next area.

• To help speed-up the drying process, take a clean and dry micro-fiber cloth and quickly swipe it across the wet area.

That’s it! Easy-peasy, right?

Here’s the REAL test. Wiping with a disinfectant cloth! No more handprint!

Keep Your Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Clean

And, I’ll let you on a secret that’s really not-so-secret.

One way to stay on top of keeping your (and my) home clean… After deep cleaning vinyl plank floors, you can keep them sparkling with the same solution once-a-week, or even every-other-week. One “round” of washing should be sufficient, and this type of maintenance will keep the need for deep cleanings fewer and farther between.

Heck, deep cleaning your LVP flooring might even be a thing of the past!