Maintaining the Beauty and Longevity of Your Vinyl Plank Flooring: Tips from Trademark Flooring

By Tyler Weaver, Owner of Trademark Flooring

TL;DR: Luxury vinyl plank flooring is easy to maintain with the right routine, and a few simple habits will keep it looking great for decades.

The Low-Maintenance Floor That Still Needs a Little Love

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is one of the most popular choices we install across Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Lehi, and the surrounding areas. And it is easy to understand why.

LVP is durable, waterproof, and significantly easier to care for than hardwood or carpet. But "easy to maintain" does not mean "no maintenance required."

A simple routine keeps your investment looking like new for years. This guide covers everything you need to know, from daily habits to deep cleaning and scratch prevention.

What Makes LVP Different from Other Floors

Before jumping into cleaning tips, it helps to understand what you are working with.

Luxury vinyl plank is made up of multiple layers:

• Wear layer: A clear, protective top coat that resists scratches, stains, and scuffs

• Decorative layer: A high-resolution image that mimics the look of real wood or stone

• Core layer: A rigid, waterproof core that gives the plank its structure and stability

• Backing layer: A bottom layer that reduces noise and provides cushioning underfoot

The wear layer is what you interact with every day. Protecting it is the key to keeping your floors looking great long-term.

According to FlooringInc, the thickness of the wear layer is one of the most important quality indicators in luxury vinyl. Thicker wear layers resist damage longer, which is why we recommend higher-mil products for high-traffic areas.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Habits

Consistency is the most important part of LVP care. A few minutes a day prevents most of the problems homeowners run into.

Daily Sweeping or Vacuuming

Dirt, grit, and debris are the biggest enemies of your wear layer. Fine particles act like sandpaper underfoot, slowly dulling the surface over time.

Sweep or vacuum daily in high-traffic areas. A few things to keep in mind:

• Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop

• If vacuuming, use a hard floor setting or a soft brush attachment

• Avoid vacuums with a beater bar, as these can scratch the surface

Weekly Mopping

Mop weekly with a lightly damp mop. The key word is damp, not wet.

LVP is waterproof at the surface, but excessive water can work its way into seams over time and cause problems with the subfloor beneath.

Tips for mopping LVP correctly:

• Wring out your mop thoroughly before use

• Use warm water with a small amount of dish soap or a cleaner made specifically for vinyl floors

• Avoid steam mops entirely. The heat can damage the wear layer and loosen adhesive bonds.

• Rinse the floor with clean water after using any soap-based cleaner to prevent residue buildup

How to Remove Stains from Luxury Vinyl Plank

Act fast. That is the most important rule.

For most everyday spills, blotting the area immediately with a clean cloth is all you need. Here is a quick reference for common stains:

Stain Type	Recommended Cleaner
Food and drink	Warm water and mild dish soap
Grease	Dish soap or diluted white vinegar
Scuff marks	Rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth
Ink or marker	Isopropyl alcohol
Adhesive or rubber marks	WD-40 or mineral spirits, wiped clean after

Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first. And avoid anything abrasive, as it will scratch the wear layer.

Deep Cleaning LVP Floors

Even with a solid weekly routine, floors benefit from a more thorough cleaning every few months.

For a deep clean:

1. Sweep or vacuum the entire floor first to remove loose debris

2. Mix a solution of warm water and a manufacturer-approved vinyl floor cleaner

3. Mop in sections, working from the far end of the room toward the exit

4. Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaner residue

5. Allow to dry completely before walking on it

Avoid using wax-based products, oil-based cleaners, or anything labeled as a "hardwood floor cleaner." These leave a film on LVP that attracts dirt and can dull the finish over time.

Preventing Scratches and Damage

The best maintenance strategy is prevention. Here are the habits that make the biggest difference.

Furniture Protection

Heavy furniture is one of the leading causes of scratches and dents in LVP.

• Attach felt pads to the bottom of all furniture legs

• Replace felt pads regularly, as they collect grit and become abrasive over time

• When moving furniture, lift it rather than sliding it across the floor

• Use furniture cups or coasters under heavy pieces like sofas and beds

Area Rugs and Entry Mats

Placing rugs strategically throughout your home protects the floor and reduces how much dirt gets tracked in.

• Use a quality entry mat at every exterior door

• Place rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways and in front of the kitchen sink

• Make sure any rugs you use have a non-rubber backing. Rubber-backed rugs can discolor vinyl over time.

Footwear

Encourage a no-shoes policy indoors. Shoes track in grit, dirt, and debris that scratch floors over time. High heels are particularly damaging and can dent even the most durable wear layers.

Sun Protection

Direct sunlight can cause LVP to fade and discolor over time, especially in rooms with large south or west-facing windows.

• Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film in sunny rooms

• Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to prevent uneven fading

How to Handle Scratches and Scuffs

Even with good habits, scratches happen. Here is how to address them.

Minor scuffs and surface marks: A clean microfiber cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol will handle most surface scuffs. Buff gently in a circular motion.

Deeper surface scratches: A vinyl floor repair kit can fill and blend shallow scratches. These are widely available at hardware and home improvement stores. Match the color carefully before applying.

Severely damaged planks: One of the great advantages of vinyl plank flooring is that individual planks can be replaced without redoing the entire floor. This is why we always recommend saving a few extra planks from your original installation.

As one of the top flooring companies serving Salt Lake City, our team at Trademark Flooring can assess damage and help you source matching replacement planks if needed.

What to Avoid on Luxury Vinyl Plank

A short list of things that can cause damage:

• Steam mops or excessive heat

• Wax, polish, or shine-enhancing products not designed for vinyl

• Ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaners used at full strength

• Abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool

• Rubber-backed rugs placed directly on the floor

• Rolling office chairs without a protective mat underneath

For more guidance on which products are safe for your specific floors, the manufacturer's care guide is always the best reference. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute also maintains standards and guidance for vinyl flooring care.

LVP Care FAQ

Can you use a Swiffer on luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Yes. A Swiffer or similar dry mop is a great tool for daily sweeping. For the wet mop version, use the plain water setting and avoid the cleaning solution pads, as some formulas leave a residue on vinyl.

Is it safe to use vinegar on LVP floors?

A diluted solution of white vinegar and water works well for cutting grease and light buildup. Use about half a cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Avoid undiluted vinegar, as the acidity can dull the finish with repeated use.

Can you use a robot vacuum on luxury vinyl plank?

Yes, as long as the vacuum has a hard floor setting and no spinning beater bar. Most modern robot vacuums work well on LVP.

How often should LVP be professionally cleaned?

For most households, a professional clean is not necessary. A consistent home routine handles everything your floors need. If you are dealing with deep stains or significant buildup that home cleaning cannot resolve, a professional can help.

Will pet nails scratch luxury vinyl plank?

Pets can scratch LVP over time, but a thicker wear layer (12 mil or higher) holds up much better than thinner products. Keeping pet nails trimmed and placing rugs in areas where pets spend the most time goes a long way.

How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?

With proper care, quality LVP can last 20 to 25 years or more. Higher-end products with thicker wear layers tend to outlast budget options significantly.

Want Floors That Are Built to Last?

At Trademark Flooring, we are proud to be one of the top flooring companies in Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. We carry a full selection of luxury vinyl plank flooring alongside hardwood, carpet, and laminate options.

Every installation comes with guidance from our team on how to care for your specific floor so it looks great for years to come.

Request your free estimate today and let us help you find the right floor for your home and lifestyle.