Knowing how to clean LVT flooring properly will keep it looking new for years. LVT is one of the easiest floors to live with — it handles spills, muddy boots, and dog paws without much fuss. But a few common mistakes can dull the surface faster than you’d expect, and some of them are surprisingly easy to make.
If you’re thinking about LVT for your home, book a free home visit and we’ll bring samples to you — no phone calls needed.
How to clean LVT flooring day to day
For everyday dirt and dust, a soft-bristle broom or a dry microfibre mop is all you need. Avoid stiff brushes or anything abrasive — LVT has a wear layer on the surface that protects the printed design underneath, and you want to keep that intact.
A quick sweep every couple of days is enough for most households. If you have dogs or kids, probably every day.
The right way to mop LVT flooring
LVT is waterproof, but that doesn’t mean it likes sitting in puddles. Mop with a damp mop rather than a wet one — wring it out properly before it touches the floor.
Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner diluted in warm water. You don’t need much product at all. Rinse off any residue with clean water if you’ve used more than a tiny amount.
Avoid when mopping LVT:
- Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
- Steam mops (the heat damages the wear layer and lifts edges over time)
- Wax polish or oil soap — these leave a residue that builds up and goes dull
- Washing up liquid (it leaves a film)
Dealing with spills on LVT flooring
Most liquids won’t stain LVT as long as you wipe them up reasonably quickly. For sticky spills like juice or food, a damp cloth with a small amount of floor cleaner will sort it.
For tougher marks like scuffs or heel marks, a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth usually does the trick. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
What not to use on LVT flooring
This is where most people go wrong when cleaning LVT flooring. Things that seem like they’d be fine but aren’t:
Steam mops are the big one. A lot of people assume that because LVT is waterproof it can handle steam. It can’t. The heat forces moisture into the seams and under the edges, which causes lifting and degrades the wear layer over time. Don’t use them on LVT.
Wax or polish is another common mistake, especially if people are used to solid wood floors. LVT doesn’t need it and it makes the floor look worse — you end up with a cloudy film that collects dirt.
Vinegar gets recommended online as a natural cleaner for everything. On LVT it’s too acidic and will slowly break down the wear layer. Stick to pH-neutral products.
Protecting LVT flooring from furniture damage
Put felt pads under chair legs and table legs. LVT is tough but repeated dragging of furniture will eventually scratch the surface.
Heavy items like sofas and wardrobes are fine — static weight isn’t an issue. It’s the back-and-forth movement of dining chairs that causes damage over time.
Does LVT flooring need to be resealed?
No. LVT has a factory-applied wear layer that doesn’t need topping up. Unlike solid wood or some laminates, there’s nothing you need to do to maintain the surface protection — just avoid products that strip or coat it.
If you’re choosing between LVT products and want to know which wear layer is right for your home, our Karndean fitting page explains the difference between domestic and commercial grades.
How long does LVT flooring last with proper care?
Karndean and Amtico, which are the brands we fit, carry wear layers of 0.3mm to 0.55mm depending on the product. With normal cleaning and furniture pads, they’ll comfortably last 20 years or more in a domestic setting. Some of the floors we fitted ten years ago still look new.
The wear layer is what determines lifespan more than anything else, which is why we don’t recommend cheaper LVT for kitchens and hallways — the thinner wear layers show traffic much faster. You can read more about the options on our LVT flooring page.
Quick summary
- Soft broom or dry microfibre mop for daily dust
- Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner for deeper cleans
- No steam mops, no bleach, no wax, no vinegar
- Felt pads under furniture legs
- Wipe spills as they happen
That’s genuinely it. LVT flooring is one of the lowest-maintenance floors you can have, and cleaning it correctly is straightforward once you know what to avoid.
If you’re thinking about having LVT fitted and want to see how Karndean or Amtico would look in your home, book a free home visit — we bring samples to you and give you a quote on the day.
