Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors are all the rage right now for good reason. It offers the look and feel of real hardwood or stone, but with increased durability and water resistance. Not to mention, LVP is affordable and easy to install – making it a go-to choice for many homeowners. But even the nicest floors get dirty, am I right? And LVP needs to be cleaned properly to avoid damage. Which begs the question: can you steam clean LVP floors?
Well, this article did some digging to get the facts. So, read on to learn more on this and how to keep your LVP floors looking fabulous!
How LVP flooring is made
Before we dive into cleaning methods, let’s look at what LVP flooring is made of. This will help us understand how it can and can’t be cleaned.
LVP flooring consists of four layers:
The wear layer
This top layer is a clear film that protects against scratches, stains, and wear. It’s what gives LVP its durability.
The print layer
Underneath is a printed design layer that mimics materials like wood, tile, and stone. This is what gives LVP its realistic visual appeal.
The core layer
The core layer in the middle provides the floor’s shape, structure, and rigidity. It’s usually made of limestone or PVC composite.
The backing layer
Finally, the bottom backing layer helps stabilize and attach the flooring. It’s typically made of PVC or fiberglass.
So in summary, LVP flooring is mostly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a protective top layer coating.
Can LVP floors be steam cleaned?
Now back to our original question – can you steam clean LVP floors?
The short answer is yes, LVP flooring can be steam cleaned. The key is to use a low-moisture steam mop designed for vinyl and other sealed floors.
Caution with excess moisture
Here’s why you need to be cautious with moisture on LVP flooring:
Water can damage the floor over time
While the layers are sealed together, excess water can still seep between them and cause the flooring to swell, warp, or discolor.
Moisture breaks down the adhesive
LVP planks are held together by a special vinyl-safe adhesive. Too much moisture can break down this glue and cause planks to lift or separate.
Standing water invites mold growth
If puddles or pools of water sit on the floor, it can feed mold growth between the planks. This causes nasty stains and an even bigger headache.
Chemicals in tap water can discolor the floor
The chlorines, fluorides, and other additives in tap water can dingy or fade LVP over time with repeated exposure.
Choose a steam mop wisely
To safely steam clean LVP flooring, choose a mop made specifically for sealed floors. Look for key features like:
Adjustable steam levels
You’ll want a lower moisture setting for LVP floors, especially if they are glued down rather than floating click-lock planks.
Large low-profile head
A wide mop head cleans more floor efficiently while gliding easily under toe kicks and tight spaces.
Washable microfiber pads
Reusable pads trap dirt effectively while absorbing moisture so it doesn’t sit on the floor.
Quick dry time
You want a mop that applies only a light moisture film that dries within minutes so water doesn’t pool.
Steaming benefits for LVP floors
When used properly, low-moisture steam offers many benefits for cleaning LVP flooring:
Removes dirt, debris, and dust
Hot steam naturally loosens and lifts away dried-on messes better than just sweeping or mopping.
Sanitizes floors
Steam heat kills up to 99% of bacteria without harsh chemicals, keeping your floors truly clean.
Deodorizes floors
Steam vapors will penetrate and remove stubborn stains and odors that make floors look and smell dingy.
Safe for finished floors
Low-moisture steam is gentle enough for use on sealed hard floors including LVP, laminate, hardwood, tile, and linoleum.
No chemical residues left behind
With just water vapor, steam leaves no sticky cleaning product residue to dull your pretty floors.
Steaming tips for LVP flooring
Follow these tips when steam mopping LVP floors for the best results:
Vacuum or sweep first
Remove loose dirt, sand, and debris that can scratch floors with the steam pad.
Don’t over-wet floors
Use the minimum steam setting and make quick passes to prevent excess moisture.
Work in sections
Steam clean only small sections at a time so moisture doesn’t pool.
Don’t leave standing water
After each section, use a dry terry cloth mop or microfibers to absorb any remaining moisture.
Buff dry any wet spots
Immediately soak up wet areas on seams and edges where water can seep between planks.
Allow to fully dry
Don’t walk on floors until completely dry to prevent shifting planks or transferring moisture.
Keep LVP floors beautiful
With proper care and low-moisture steam cleaning, you can safely maintain gorgeous LVP floors:
- Place mats at entryways to absorb dirt, sand, grit, and moisture from shoes.
- Sweep or vacuum daily to remove abrasive debris.
- Use furniture leg caps and floor protectors under heavy pieces to prevent scratching.
- Avoid using rubber-backed mats or furniture legs that can stain vinyl floors.
- Wet mop with plain water only when needed between deep cleanings.
- Deep clean every 1-2 months using a vinyl-safe low-moisture steam mop.
Bottom line
So in summary, yes you can absolutely steam clean LVP floors! Just be sure to choose the right steam mop and use proper techniques.
