Cleaning Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Floors
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has become the dominant flooring choice in Ontario condo renovations and new builds over the past decade — it's durable, water-resistant, affordable, and looks similar to hardwood without the hardwood care requirements. Millions of Ontario homes now have LVP on main floors and in basements. Understanding how to clean it properly matters for both homeowners and professional cleaners.
LVP Cleaning Advantages Over Hardwood
- Water-resistant: LVP can handle damp mopping without the risk of warping that hardwood faces. Still avoid standing water and very wet mopping — but a properly wrung damp mop is safe
- Scratch-resistant topcoat: Most LVP has a urethane wear layer that resists scratching from pets and furniture better than real hardwood. It's not scratch-proof, but it's more forgiving
- No refinishing: Unlike hardwood, LVP can't be sanded and refinished — it's replaced when worn, not refinished
What to Use on LVP
- pH-neutral floor cleaner: Products like Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner (blue bottle) are safe for LVP. Avoid anything acidic (vinegar) or alkaline (ammonia-based) — both can cloud the wear layer over time
- Microfibre mop: The right tool — traps dust and debris without scratching the wear surface
- Avoid: Steam mops (heat degrades the adhesive and wear layer in most LVP), wax-based cleaners (build residue on the urethane layer), abrasive scrubbers