How to Clean and Maintain LVT & SPC Floors

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) floors are known for their impressive durability, waterproof structure, and stylish appearance. But even the toughest flooring benefits from proper care. Whether you’ve just had new floors installed or want to protect an existing investment, knowing how to clean and maintain your LVT or SPC flooring correctly will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

This guide will walk you through daily care tips, cleaning product recommendations, how to handle spills and scuffs, and what habits can help you avoid long-term damage. With the right approach, maintaining your LVT or SPC floor is quick, easy, and highly effective.

Daily & Weekly Cleaning Tips

Regular cleaning not only keeps your floors looking fresh but also prevents grit and debris from causing scratches or dullness over time. Fortunately, LVT and SPC floors are low-maintenance, and a simple routine is all you need.

Daily sweeping: Use a soft-bristle broom or dry microfiber mop to remove dust and small particles.
Vacuum weekly: Use a vacuum designed for hard floors without a beater bar to avoid surface damage.
Damp mopping: Once a week, clean the floor with a lightly dampened microfiber mop and a pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner.

Avoid: Soaking the floor, using steam mops, or applying abrasive brushes. These can damage the wear layer and reduce the floor's lifespan.

Safe Cleaning Products for LVT/SPC

Choosing the right cleaning products is essential to preserve the surface of your vinyl flooring. Harsh chemicals or incorrect formulas can leave residues, dull the finish, or even damage the wear layer over time.

Use pH-neutral cleaners: These are designed specifically for vinyl flooring and won’t harm the protective surface.
Avoid ammonia-based or bleach cleaners: These can break down the flooring’s finish and lead to discolouration.
Do not use wax or polish: LVT and SPC floors have a built-in finish and do not need additional sealants.

If you’re unsure what to use, stick to floor cleaners labeled as suitable for LVT or SPC, or ask a specialist. For professional advice and suitable products, visit our Vinyl Flooring section or contact our support team for recommendations.

Dealing with Stains, Spills & Scuffs

One of the biggest advantages of LVT and SPC flooring is how resilient they are against everyday messes. Still, quick action and the right technique will ensure spills and scuffs don’t leave a lasting mark.

Act fast on spills: Wipe up water, drinks, or other liquids immediately with a soft cloth to prevent seepage into seams or edges.
Remove stains gently: For tougher stains like food, wine, or oil, use a damp cloth and a mild vinyl-safe cleaner. Avoid scrubbing too hard.
Scuff marks: Erase rubber shoe scuffs using a melamine pad (like a magic eraser) or a soft cloth with diluted cleaner.

Never use steel wool, abrasive pads, or solvent-based stain removers, as these can strip away the surface layer of your floor. With the proper technique, most marks can be cleaned without leaving a trace.

Protective Habits to Extend Floor Life

In addition to regular cleaning, a few simple preventative measures can significantly extend the life and beauty of your LVT or SPC flooring. These habits help reduce everyday wear and keep your floor looking newer for longer.

Use furniture pads: Attach felt protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratching and dents when moving items.
Lay entrance mats: Place mats at exterior doors to trap dirt, moisture, and grit before it gets tracked onto your floor.
Rugs in high-traffic areas: Use vinyl-safe rugs in busy areas like hallways or in front of kitchen sinks to reduce surface stress.
Maintain humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity between 40–60% to prevent floor expansion or contraction.
Use blinds or curtains: Protect your floor from direct sunlight that can cause fading over time.

If your floor is installed over underfloor heating, ensure temperatures don’t exceed the recommended limits. You can learn more in our dedicated guide: Using LVT or SPC Flooring with Underfloor Heating.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Floors

While LVT and SPC floors are low-maintenance, using the wrong cleaning techniques or products can lead to surface damage, discolouration, or reduced longevity. Here are some common cleaning mistakes to avoid:

Steam cleaning: The intense heat and moisture can damage the floor’s core and cause it to warp or loosen over time.
Harsh chemicals: Products containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasive powders can strip the wear layer and lead to permanent damage.
Soaking the floor: Excess water can seep into joints and edges, especially if the floor is not sealed properly.
Vinegar-based solutions: Although natural, vinegar is acidic and can degrade the finish of vinyl flooring over time.
Wax and polish: LVT and SPC come with a built-in protective layer—adding wax can create buildup and a slippery surface.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll protect your investment and maintain the elegant look of your flooring for years to come.

Maintenance FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some of the most common queries about cleaning and maintaining LVT and SPC floors:

How often should I clean LVT/SPC flooring?
Sweep or vacuum daily to prevent grit build-up, and mop weekly using a pH-neutral cleaner.
Can I use a vacuum on vinyl flooring?
Yes, but make sure it’s designed for hard floors and doesn’t use a rotating beater bar that could scratch the surface.
Do I need to reseal or refinish LVT/SPC?
No. These floors come with a durable top wear layer and don’t require waxing, sealing, or refinishing.
What should I do for deep cleaning?
Use a damp microfiber mop with a vinyl-approved cleaner. For tougher stains, follow spot-cleaning instructions using gentle techniques.

Conclusion: Keep Your LVT/SPC Floors Looking Their Best

With just a little regular care, LVT and SPC flooring can stay vibrant, clean, and resilient for many years. From daily sweeping to using the right products and avoiding common mistakes, your maintenance routine doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.

If you're looking for quality LVT or SPC flooring or need reliable cleaning products tailored for your floor type, browse our full LVT and SPC Flooring Collection. For more care advice or product tips, our team is always here to help.