How to Clean Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Stains

Waterproof vinyl plank flooring stands out when looking at the varying types of vinyl plank floors on the market. It is an ideal choice for durability as it is suited to just about every room in a home. However, when it comes to home floor maintenance, many of us wonder how to keep this flooring type looking its best and prevent that dreaded dullness.  

Fortunately, vinyl plank flooring is low-maintenance, so it's not too tricky to clean – even when you factor in tough stains. In this blog, our team at Baker Bros has shared how to clean waterproof vinyl plank flooring stains. We will also highlight the top tips when deep cleaning LVP flooring and things to avoid.

Cleaning Your Vinyl Flooring: The Day-to-Day Approach

Thanks to its high durability, LVP flooring can handle busy households with pets and children. However, despite its durability, it still needs to be maintained, so cleaning your vinyl flooring should be a daily task. 

Think about it: households often track in debris and dust daily, and regardless of the particulate size, this floor surface becomes scuffed like sandpaper. So, if you are searching for a means to keep your waterproof vinyl plank flooring new and polished, you should at the very least be consistent with a daily sweeping schedule. 

The tried and tested warm water and sponge mop method also works well for cleaning waterproof luxury vinyl plank floors. You can also use a vacuum to remove any dust and debris, mop at least one to two times a week, and promptly clean any spills by wiping them up using a pH-neutral cleaner. These practices will help prevent stains in the first place.

How to Clean Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Stains

Luckily, you can use the organic and inorganic cleaning methods below to remove stains. Organic cleaning methods typically involve natural, non-toxic ingredients, while inorganic methods may include mild chemical cleaners that are more effective for tougher stains.

Organic

Natural floor cleaners like pure white vinegar are best to clean your waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring. Vinegar can get rid of pesky organic spots on your residential or commercial LVP floor without harming the surface. 

Similarly, for more stubborn stains, you can use a paste made from baking soda that is applied directly to the stain. Baking soda has natural bleaching and absorbing properties that help remove the stain from the floor without damaging it.

Inorganic

Sometimes, cleaning stains organically doesn't work on vinyl plank flooring. If your stains are a little too tough for natural cleaners, you can try chemical cleaners. However, you must be careful as chemical cleaners can harm waterproof vinyl plank flooring. 

We recommend you use a pH-neutral cleaner with a microfiber mop or a mild solution like dish soap. Alternatively, there are commercial cleaners specifically designed for this flooring type, so keep an eye out. 

How to Deep Clean Waterproof LVP Floor Stains by Stain Type

You can use the below tips when cleaning specific stains. These methods should help you get rid of the stain and have your waterproof vinyl plank flooring clean and stain-free:

1. For mustard and wine stains, mix up a paste using baking soda and water and apply gently across the stain. Once the stain disappears, remove any excess baking soda.

2. You can use mineral spirits to tackle paints, markers, and crayons from kids' arts-and-crafts projects; however, take caution as this could lead to dullness in the area cleaned.

3. For those stubborn scuff marks, use a manufacturer-recommended buffing product.

4. Use a soft nylon brush head to eliminate hard-to-remove gunk and spots. 

5. Rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol can be used to eliminate lipstick, hair dye, and inks; however, be cautious as it may dull the surface of the area.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning LVP Flooring

While the above instructions for cleaning LVP flooring are good to reference, there are a few things to avoid when cleaning LVP floors. These include:

• Never use a steam cleaner on luxury vinyl plank flooring.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents, and soaps that may leave LVP flooring dull and flimsy.
• Avoid using the vacuum “beater bar” attachments, which could damage the LVP floor surface.
• Don’t use solvent-based polish with acetone or paste-like waxes on LVP floors.
• Steer clear of harsh cleaning products like steel wool and other abrasive scrubbing brushes.
• Avoid using ammonia solutions or cleaners with trace amounts of ammonia, as it can cause vinyl to crack and break down. 

The Wrap-Up on How to Clean Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Stains

Now that you know how to clean waterproof vinyl plank flooring and that it isn’t difficult, you can decide on the type you want to install in your business or home. Since deciding on vinyl waterproof vinyl plank flooring can be challenging, you can visit us at Baker Bros. We can help choose your LVP flooring, or if you want additional tips for cleaning it, we can assist with that, too!