How to Deep Clean LVP Flooring: The Simple, Satisfying Way

You know those days when regular sweeping and mopping just aren’t cutting it? Maybe after a long winter, or when you finally notice the mysterious footprints leading away from the fridge. Sometimes your LVP flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank, remember?) needs a little more than the everyday swipe. But don’t worry—deep cleaning doesn’t mean hard work or harsh chemicals. You just need the right plan and a bit of patience!

Why Deep Clean? (And How Often Should You Do It?)

Let’s be honest: LVP is famously easy to keep clean. But every now and then, dirt sneaks into the edges, a sticky patch appears, or maybe you’ve had a big party and things just feel… not quite fresh. Deep cleaning is your chance to hit reset. Most people deep clean every few months, or whenever life (or pets, or kids) demands it.

What You’ll Need (No Fancy Gadgets Required)

• Soft broom or vacuum (with hard floor setting)
• Microfiber mop (or soft, non-abrasive mop)
• Two buckets (one for clean water, one for rinse water)
• Mild dish soap (or LVP-approved cleaner)
• Spray bottle (optional, but handy for spot cleaning)
• Old toothbrush or soft brush (for edges and grooves)
• Clean, dry towels
• White vinegar (optional, for stubborn spots—but diluted!)

Step 1: Start with the Basics—Remove Dust and Dirt

Always begin with a good sweep or vacuum. Dirt and grit can scratch the floor if you start mopping before you clear them away. Use a soft broom, dust mop, or a vacuum without a beater bar. Get into corners, under furniture, and anywhere dust bunnies hide.

(Pro tip: Move lightweight furniture out of the way if you can. You’ll be amazed what collects behind the couch!)

Step 2: Spot Clean Any Stains or Sticky Spots

If you notice spots—think: juice spills, dried ketchup, mystery blobs—deal with those first. Here’s how:

• Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out, and gently scrub the sticky area.
• For tougher stains (like marker or crayon), use a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth—but test in a hidden spot first!
• Stuck-on gunk in the grooves? Gently work it out with an old toothbrush.

No need to scrub like you’re cleaning the barbecue—gentle pressure usually does the trick.

Step 3: Mop the Floor (But Don’t Flood It!)

This is the heart of deep cleaning LVP. Remember, too much water isn’t good for any vinyl floor—so “damp” is the magic word.

• Mix your cleaner: Fill one bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, or use a cleaner designed for LVP (follow the instructions!).
• Dampen your mop: Wring it out so it’s just barely wet—no dripping.
• Mop in sections: Start in one corner and work your way across the room. Rinse your mop frequently in the second bucket (just clean water) to avoid spreading dirt around.
• Change the water if it gets cloudy: Fresh water means a cleaner floor.

Be sure to dry any spots where water collects—around edges, under the fridge, or in grooves between planks.

Step 4: Detail Work—Edges and Grooves

Ever noticed dirt building up where the floor meets the wall? Now’s your chance to deal with it:

• Use a soft toothbrush or a cloth wrapped around your finger to clean these spots with soapy water.
• If you see stubborn gunk, a spray bottle with your cleaner helps you target small areas without soaking the floor.

This step doesn’t take long, but it really makes the whole room feel extra fresh.

Step 5: Rinse—Optional, But Worth It

If you used any soap, it’s a good idea to go over the floor with your mop and just clean water. This removes any leftover cleaner that might leave a haze or streaks. Remember, barely damp is still the rule—don’t soak your beautiful floor!

Step 6: Dry and Shine

Use clean, dry towels (or a dry mop) to wipe up any extra moisture. Letting the floor air dry is fine, but if you want that just-finished look—and no footprints—wiping it dry is the pro move.

Tricks for Stubborn Spots (Like Scuffs, Marker, or Grease)

• Scuff marks: Magic erasers work wonders (test first in an out-of-the-way spot).
• Grease or oil: A bit of dish soap on a damp cloth lifts grease without harming the finish.
• Sticky residue: Diluted white vinegar (about 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gallon warm water) is safe for LVP and dissolves stickiness. Never use straight vinegar—too strong can be harsh over time!

Remember, always rinse and dry after spot treatments.

What Not to Do: Keep Your LVP Happy

• No steam mops: The heat and extra moisture can warp or damage the seams.
• No abrasive scrubbers or strong chemicals: These will scratch or dull the protective layer.
• No waxes or polishes: They leave a slippery, sticky mess and aren’t needed for LVP.
• No soaking the floor: Water under the planks is trouble—always keep things just-damp.

Bonus Tips for a Longer-Lasting Deep Clean

• Put doormats at entrances to trap dirt before it gets in.
• Take shoes off indoors—saves a ton of cleaning.
• Use furniture pads under chairs and tables to prevent scuffs.
• Trim your pet’s nails—happy paws, happy floors!
• Quickly clean up spills to avoid long-term stains.

Wrapping Up: A Deep Clean Doesn’t Have to Be a Big Deal

Honestly, deep cleaning LVP flooring is more about attention to detail than elbow grease. No special potions, no harsh scrubbing, and no fancy machines—just the right steps, a gentle hand, and a little time. Your floor will be back to its original shine, feeling fresh underfoot, and ready for whatever comes next (even if that’s a muddy dog sprinting through the kitchen).

And remember—if you ever have a cleaning question or mystery stain, your local flooring shop is only a call away. Chances are, they’ve seen it all before (and might even have a good story or two).

Deep cleaning doesn’t need to happen every week. But every now and then, when your floor is begging for a little extra love, you now know exactly what to do—and what not to!