How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Expert Tips from Bombay Tile

How to Clean Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT): Tips from the Experts at Bombay Tile

"How do you clean luxury vinyl flooring?" is probably the most common question we get here at Bombay Tile — and it's a great one. When you've made a real investment in your home or business, you want to make sure you're taking care of it the right way.

Personally, I love LVT. It's one of the most resilient flooring options on the market, but that doesn't mean it should be neglected. Like anything worth having, a little regular care goes a long way toward keeping it looking its best for years to come.

Here's everything you need to know.

Daily Maintenance

The good news is that day-to-day upkeep couldn't be simpler. A dust mop, broom, or vacuum on the hard surface setting is all you need to keep dirt and debris from building up. Make this a habit and your floors will stay looking fresh with minimal effort.

Mopping & Wet Cleaning

When your floors need a deeper clean, a damp mop with water only is the way to go. The key word here is damp — make sure your mop is thoroughly wrung out before it touches the floor. Never pour water or any liquid directly onto the planks, and never use an excessively wet mop that leaves puddles or standing moisture. If any water does pool, dry it immediately.

What to Avoid

This is where most people go wrong. To protect your LVT investment, keep these hard rules in mind:

• Never use detergents, soaps, or harsh chemicals. If you need something beyond water, use a neutral pH cleaner specifically formulated for LVT.
• Never use floor polish or wax — these can leave a residue that dulls the finish over time.
• Never use steam mops. The heat and moisture can damage the planks and void your warranty.
• Avoid rotating beater bars, scrubbers, jet mops, or buffers — these are too aggressive for LVT surfaces.
• Wipe up spills and liquids immediately. While LVT is waterproof, standing liquid around edges and seams can cause issues over time.

Protecting Your Floors from Scratches

LVT is tough, but it's not scratch-proof. A few simple precautions will keep it looking like new:

• Place area rugs or mats at all exterior doorways to catch gravel, dirt, and debris before it gets tracked onto the floor.
• Add felt pad protectors under chairs and furniture legs — this is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do.
• Replace plastic or metal casters on office chairs with rubber wheels.
• Always lift heavy objects rather than sliding them across the floor.

Still Have Questions?

We're always happy to help. Reach out to us at info@bombaytile.com or chat with a live rep directly on our site. Our team knows flooring inside and out and can point you in the right direction for your specific product.