How To Clean LVT Flooring

Quick answer: Remove loose dirt first, wipe up spills promptly, then clean with a well-wrung damp mop and a product suitable for LVT. Avoid abrasive tools, harsh chemicals and excess water.

Looking after luxury vinyl flooring is usually straightforward. The key is to clean gently: grit can scratch the surface, while strong products or rough pads can affect its finish. Before using any new cleaner or appliance, check the care instructions for your exact floor on its product page.

1. Sweep or vacuum away loose dirt and grit. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum set for hard floors. If your vacuum has a rotating brush bar that cannot be switched off, use a suitable hard-floor attachment instead. Clearing grit before you mop stops it from being dragged across the surface.
2. Clean up spills and marks. Blot fresh spills with a clean, absorbent cloth, then wipe the area with a damp microfibre cloth. For a dried mark, soften it with a little diluted LVT cleaner rather than scraping it. Work from the outside of the mark towards the centre so you do not spread it.
3. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Dilute the cleaner exactly as directed and use a clean microfibre mop. Wring the mop out thoroughly so it is damp, not dripping, and work across the room in small sections. Change the water if it becomes dirty instead of spreading grime back over the floor.
4. Allow the floor to dry. Leave the floor to air-dry before walking on it. If you can see small pools of water, remove them with a clean, dry cloth. This also helps prevent footprints and reduces the risk of slips.

For routine cleaning, choose a pH-neutral product made for vinyl or LVT and approved by the care guide for your floor. Follow the label carefully; using extra concentrate will not make the floor cleaner and may leave a dull or sticky film.

UK Flooring Direct’s WOCA Care and Protect Kit for lacquered, laminate and vinyl flooring includes products designed to remove dirt and grime from vinyl flooring. If you use a different cleaner, make sure the label specifically confirms that it is suitable for your type of LVT. Test an unfamiliar approved product in an inconspicuous area first.

Gentle cleaning protects the floor’s original finish. Avoid:

• Abrasive scourers, stiff brushes or rough cleaning pads
• Harsh chemicals, solvents, bleach or ammonia unless the floor manufacturer specifically approves them
• Undiluted cleaning concentrate or general-purpose products that are not labelled for vinyl or LVT
• Homemade mixtures such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or washing-up liquid, unless your floor’s care guide confirms they are suitable
• Waxes, oils or polishes unless they are specifically recommended for your floor
• A soaking-wet mop or water left sitting on the surface, particularly around edges and joints
• Steam cleaners, as heat and moisture can penetrate the joints, affect the adhesive or construction, and cause the floor to lift or buckle.

Acting quickly is the safest approach. Start with the mildest method and only move on if the mark remains.

• Food, drink and pet accidents: Remove any solids first, then blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Clean the area with diluted LVT cleaner, following the product instructions, then dry it with a clean cloth. 
• Grease: Apply a small amount of diluted cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe gently. Do not pour concentrated product directly onto the floor.
• Muddy footprints: Let thick mud dry, lift away the loose dirt, then damp-mop the remaining mark. This avoids smearing grit across the floor.
• Scuff marks: Try a damp microfibre cloth first. Avoid abrasive erasers or pads, which may change the sheen of the wear surface.

If a stain remains after gentle cleaning, stop and check the product’s care guide or ask for advice. Repeated scrubbing or stronger chemicals can make the affected area more noticeable.

There is no single schedule for every home. Sweep or vacuum often enough to stop grit from building up, deal with spills as soon as they happen and damp-mop when the floor looks dirty. Busy kitchens, hallways and homes with children or pets may need attention more often than quieter rooms.

It is better to use a light, regular cleaning than to wait for heavy dirt to build up and then scrub aggressively.

A few simple habits reduce the amount of cleaning your floor needs:

• Place entrance mats where they can catch grit, but check that the backing is suitable for vinyl
• Wipe up spills promptly
• Use appropriate furniture protectors
• Lift heavy furniture or appliances instead of dragging them.

For more advice on preventing scratches and looking after your floor over time, read our guide to maintaining vinyl flooring.