Keeping your vinyl plank floors clean is essential to protecting their beauty, durability, and long-term performance. But choosing the best vinyl floor cleaner isn’t always straightforward, especially with so many products claiming to be safe for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a cleaner safe for vinyl plank floors, what to avoid, and how to maintain your LVP so it lasts for years.
Why Vinyl Plank Floors Need Special Cleaning
Vinyl plank flooring (LVP/LVT) is known for its durability, but it still requires specialized cleaning methods to keep it performing and looking its best. Unlike sheet vinyl or engineered hardwood, vinyl plank flooring has specific structural features—especially its wear layer, core construction, and click-lock seams—that make proper maintenance essential. Here’s why the right cleaner matters:
The Wear Layer Matters
Every vinyl plank is protected by a clear wear layer, which shields the floor from scratches, scuffs, and everyday wear.
The wrong cleaner can damage this layer by causing:
- Premature dulling
- Cloudy or hazy buildup
- Etching from acidic or alkaline solutions
Weakening of the protective coating
That’s why the best cleaner for vinyl plank floors is always pH-neutral, non-abrasive, and formulated to leave zero residue. Anything too strong—or even a common DIY mix like vinegar—slowly erodes this protective surface.
Click-Lock Installation Creates Edge & Seam Vulnerabilities
Most luxury vinyl plank floors use a floating, click-lock installation system.
While this system is strong, the seams are still vulnerable to:
- Excess moisture or puddling
- Steam penetrating between planks
- Harsh chemicals softening the core or locking mechanism
When water or steam gets into the joints, it can lead to:
- Curling or cupping
- Plank swelling
- Separation or gapping
- Weakened click-lock joints
Some manufacturers explicitly warn that improper cleaning—especially steam cleaning—can void the flooring warranty.
Different From Sheet Vinyl & Engineered Hardwood
LVP is not maintained the same way as other flooring types:
Sheet Vinyl:
- Fewer or no seams
- Less moisture risk
- More forgiving with general-purpose cleaners
Engineered Hardwood:
- Completely different finish types
- Not damaged by mild acids at the same rate
- Cleaned with wood-safe cleaners, not vinyl-safe ones
Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP/LVT):
- Has a multi-layer synthetic construction
- Uses urethane-based wear layers
- Needs low-moisture, pH-neutral, LVP-safe cleaners
- Cannot tolerate steam or acidic formulas
This combination makes choosing the right vinyl plank floor cleaner essential for preserving both the beauty and structural integrity of your floors.
What to Look for in the Best Cleaner for Vinyl Plank Floors (LVP)
Not all floor cleaners are safe for LVP. The best ones share these characteristics:
pH-Neutral Formula
A pH-neutral cleaner prevents damage to the wear layer and avoids etching or cloudiness. Acidic cleaners (like vinegar or citrus) and alkaline cleaners can degrade the surface.
No-Residue or Low-Residue
Residue attracts dirt, causes streaks, and leaves vinyl looking dull. The best cleaners evaporate cleanly and leave no sticky film behind.
Low-VOC for Indoor Air Quality
LVP is often used in bedrooms, nurseries, and living spaces.
Low-VOC formulas:
- Are safer for families & pets
- Reduce chemical odors
- Help maintain a healthier home
Designed Specifically for Vinyl Plank Floors
Cleaners made for multiple flooring types may be safe, but LVP-specific formulas target the material’s unique needs, especially the wear layer and surface coating.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Steam Cleaners
Steam is one of the biggest threats to LVP. It can:
- Force moisture into seams
- Cause warping
- Soften adhesives
- Void warranties
Most major LVP manufacturers—such as Shaw, COREtec, and Mohawk—specifically warn against using steam mops.
Vinegar or DIY “Natural” Cleaners
Vinegar is acidic and slowly erodes the wear layer, causing dullness or haziness.
Even diluted vinegar is not recommended.
Wax, Oil-Soaps, or Polish
These can create buildup, trap dirt, and permanently damage the surface coating.
Abrasive Scrub Pads
Anything that can scratch plastic can scratch vinyl plank.
Discover the Best Cleaner for Vinyl Floors
A little spray goes a long way with these best cleaners for vinyl floors, which are made specifically for high-traffic areas. They work exceedingly well on vinyl, cutting through grease, eliminating stains, and providing a beautiful and clean surface.
Squeaky Cleaner, COREtec Clean Spray, and Bona Pro are great for the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and any other room in your home. They’re ideal for vinyl floors and work on a variety of hard surfaces. You can order a single 32 oz. bottle or gallon of concentrate. With ready-to-use concentrate, you get a great value: less than $30 for about 30 gallons of cleaner, which will last you a long time.
1. Basic Coatings Squeaky Cleaner 32 – oz.
Topping the list is Basic Coatings Squeaky Clean 32 oz., a favorite among flooring installers and cleaning professionals. Many people call it the answer to all their hard-surface cleaning needs.
This light-blue and low-VOC floor cleaner works like a charm, and it’s easy to use. It’s effective on vinyl, hardwood, and other resilient laminate flooring types. You can even use it to clean wooden kitchen cabinets.
Squeaky Cleaner Features
- Cuts through dirt and grime without a buildup of dull residue
- Low-VOC formula
- Great for LVT, LVP, and hardwood flooring
- Works with an automatic scrubber
- No-rinse alcohol-based cleaner that dries ultra-quick
- Great for water-based and oil-based polyurethane-coated floors no matter the sheen
Just spray it and run a microfiber cloth or mop over the surface. Use it for daily cleaning or prior to recoating with any Basic Coatings finish. It’s perfect for vinyl and versatile, even if you have refinished original hardwood from the 1920s. You will love how irresistibly nice and clean it leaves your floors.
2. COREtec Encore 12x Clean Spray – 32 oz.
Next on the list is COREtec Encore 12x Clean Spray. This pH-neutral cleaner takes care of smudges, dirt, stains, spills, spots, scuffs, and more. Versatile and effective, it works on all types of hard surfaces – from hardwood and ceramic to laminate and vinyl floors.
COREtec Encore 12x Clean Spray Features
- Lovely scent that doesn’t linger
- Low-VOC
- Made for COREtec flooring
- No-rinse alcohol-based cleaner with rapid dry time
- Works just as well on hardwood as it does on vinyl
- No residue or tacky feel. Doesn’t leave an unattractive film on the floor or a sticky mess
If you have any doubts, put this cleaner to the test. Try it on a tough smudge and wait less than 30 seconds for the magic to happen.
3. Bona Pro Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner Spray – 32 oz.
Third on our list is Bona Pro Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner. It’s another reliable product that gives you a deep clean lasting several weeks. Like Squeaky Cleaner, many people call it the best cleaner they’ve ever used, especially in the kitchen. If you have never used it, you won’t believe how clean your floors will be.
Bona Pro Cleaner Features
- Fine light-purple mist that doesn’t leave behind residue
- Low-VOC and GREENGUARD certified
- Good crisp lemon-mint smell that doesn’t reek of chemicals
- Water-based cleaner that dries quickly
- Works on many types of hard surfaces
- Make your floors glow with minimal effort using Bona Pro cleaner on your vinyl floors.
Order the popular Bona Pro Stone, Tile, & Laminate Cleaner today.
FAQs About Vinyl Floor Cleaners
Can I use vinegar on vinyl plank floors?
No. Vinegar is acidic and can slowly erode the wear layer, leading to dullness, streaks, and potential long-term damage. Use a pH-neutral vinyl plank floor cleaner instead.
Is a steam mop safe for LVP?
Almost always no. Steam mops introduce high heat and moisture that can damage click-lock seams or cause warping.
Most LVP manufacturers specifically state that steam mops void the warranty.
What about pet messes—what’s the safest cleaner?
- Use an enzyme-based, LVP-safe cleaner for pet accidents.
- Avoid bleach or alkaline cleaners.
- Wipe spills promptly to prevent odors from absorbing into the plank edges or seams.
Does using the wrong cleaner void my flooring warranty?
Often, yes. Many brands require:
- pH-neutral cleaners
- Non-abrasive products
- No steam cleaning
Always check your flooring’s official care guide to stay protected.
How often should I deep clean vs. regular cleaning?
- Regular Cleaning: Weekly cleaning with an LVP-safe cleaner
- Deep Cleaning: Every few months or as needed, depending on foot traffic
Avoid any “heavy-duty” cleaners unless the brand specifically lists LVP-safe usage.
Trust Panel Town & Floors for the Best Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Choosing the right cleaner is crucial for protecting your vinyl plank floors in the long term. Whether you’re looking for a pH-neutral, low-residue formula, a cleaner approved by your flooring manufacturer, or products safe for kids and pets, Panel Town & Floors has everything you need to keep your LVP in top condition.
Discover our expert-recommended cleaners, tools, and maintenance essentials, all carefully curated to help your floors look beautiful and perform at their best for years to come.
Shop the best vinyl floor cleaners today and give your floors the care they deserve.
