Skip to Content

What Can You Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring?

There are few things more confusing than being faced with a new material that you are not quite sure how to care for. When it comes to vinyl plank flooring, figuring out what you can use on the surface may leave you a bit perplexed. What can you use on vinyl plank flooring? 

When it comes to the care of vinyl plank flooring you can use a wide variety of different cleaning agents like Pine-Sol, Goo Gone, Goof Off, Clorox Wipes, Clorox Bleach, diluted bleach, essential oils, vinegar and water, Fabuloso, and even a Magic Eraser. 

Mop cleaning on a laminate floor

Vinyl flooring is a material that was created to be extremely durable and ultra-long lasting. True to its form, it is also very receptive when it comes to the different types of cleaning solutions that can be used on its surfaces. It is important to find a cleaner that works best for every scenario your floors might encounter. Continue reading to see all the different products you can use on your vinyl plank flooring and take a look at a few that should be avoided. 

Can You Use Lysol on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Top of disinfectant spray

Lysol may be what you think of when you consider the degerming of your doorknobs and countertops, but this brand also makes a fantastic multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on just about any surface in your home – including your vinyl plank flooring. This is a solution that is quick and easy to use that is very effective in cleaning and disinfecting. Simply spray the cleaner, let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe away germs and grime in a matter of seconds! 

Can You Use Pine-Sol on Luxury Vinyl Plank? 

Close up of sponge cleaning laminate floor

Just as pine-sol can cut through and clean the dirtiest of surfaces like finished hardwood, granite, and even aluminum, it can also be used on your luxury vinyl plank. To use this  multi-purpose cleaner on your luxury vinyl plank, add ¼ cup per each gallon of water and either use a mop to spread or spot clean quickly with an absorptive rag. Always be sure to use a soft mop if moping and to avoid soaking the vinyl to avoid excessive water build-up.

Can You Use Goo Gone on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Close up image of a Goo Gone bottle

Goo Gone has come out with a wide array of different cleaning products since its humble beginnings, but their all-purpose cleaner is what will work best on vinyl plank flooring. For spot cleaning, directly spray the area about 6 inches above the spot and wipe clean. For larger areas, dilute ½ cup of Goo Gone in a gallon of water and mop or scrub the area. As with Pine-Sol, do remember to spread the solution thinly without soaking your vinyl floor. 

Can You Use Goof Off on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Close up of Goo Off products

Goof Off is a great product if you have a tough mess that simply will not budge from your vinyl plank flooring. For spots like tree sap, stickers, and even nail polish, Goof Off provides a household cleaner that can cut through just about anything. Goof off is intended as a spot removal type of cleaner, therefore should be sprayed on the specific area, left to sit for 1-2 minutes, then wiped away clean with no residue left behind. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 2, 2021.

Can You Use Clorox Wipes on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

And disinfectant wipes

You can always find a box of Clorox wipes in the classroom, but did you know you can even use them on your vinyl plank flooring? For little messes and spills here and there, simply grab a wipe from the dispenser, wipe the area of the floor clean, and go back to ensure that no excessive moisture was left behind to dry. Clorox wipes are a very easy and reliable cleaner for your small mess vinyl plank flooring needs.  

Can You Use Clorox Bleach on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Bleach being poured out of container

Clorox Bleach is great for getting whites whiter, but it is also a fantastic disinfector when it comes to your vinyl plank flooring. Never use Clorox bleach without it being diluted to clean your vinyl plank flooring, but always be sure to combine ¾ cup of Clorox Regular Bleach with one gallon of water. Once diluted it can be either used with a soft mop or can be used with a rag to tend to smaller areas that are in need of cleaning and disinfecting. 

Can You Use Diluted Bleach on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

A cleaning sponger being writhed out over bucket

Clorox bleach is a great option for cleaning your vinyl plank floors, but it is not your only option when it comes to bleach that can get the job done after it has been diluted. At the end of the day, any diluted regular bleach will work just fine to disinfect your vinyl plank floors. To dilute, add ¾ cup of bleach to one gallon of water and you will be disinfecting in no time at all through the use of an age-old trusted disinfectant – diluted bleach. 

Can You Use a Steam Cleaner on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Steam mop cleaning laminate floor

The short answer is No. While vinyl plank floors are very durable floors. Applying heat and moisture to vinyl plank flooring through the use of steam cleaners will ruin it. While many modern vinyl planks are waterproof they are not heated water vapor proof.

The main reason for this is material that vinyl plank flooring is made of, water vapor may penetrate the outer layers and enter the fibrous core. This combination can cause the vinyl plank flooring to begin to warp after repeated exposure to steam or can even cause the surface to begin peeling or even cause the condensed water vapor inside the vinyl planks to grow mold.

Can You Use Essential Oils on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Essential oil bottles

Essential oils should not be used without first being diluted, but they can be a great addition to other types of natural cleaners in order to add a more pleasant aroma. To add essential oils to other cleaning regimens, all you need to do is add a few drops (or more depending on how strong you want the scent) and stir or shake well to clean your vinyl plank flooring. Shaking is key so that the oil is not accidentally applied at a concentrated level on your floors. 

Can You Use Vinegar and Water on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

White vinegar cleaning bottle

Vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners and disinfectant you can use on your vinyl plank flooring. You can choose either white vinegar (which works as a cleaner and disinfectant) or apple cider vinegar (which works only as a cleaner), dilute one cup of vinegar with one gallon of hot water, and then mop or spot clean the solution over your vinyl plank floors. 

Can You Use Fabuloso on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

A cleaning product solution

There is something to be said for a good cleaner though, and Fabuloso’s all-purpose cleaner is a great solution for your vinyl plank flooring. It can be safely used by taking ¼ cup of Fabuloso and adding it to one gallon of room temperature water. Once you have everything combined, it can be easily spread with a soft mop to give you the cleanest vinyl floors. This is not a disinfectant, but the product can clean well without damaging your floors. 

Can You Use a Magic Eraser on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Melamine sponges on wooden table

Mr. Clean came out with a product that could cut through drawings on walls, tough stuck-on grime, and even permanent markers through the invention of the Magic Eraser. Even more, though, the Magic Eraser can be used for tough spot cleaning on all your vinyl plank flooring. Simply wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze excess water, and scrub those scuffs away. If too much water remains in the eraser, it can cause excess water to be spread on the floors surface.

Can You Use Floor Wax on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 

Floor wax application on laminate

No. It is best to avoid using floor wax on your vinyl plank flooring. Because this material comes with a factory finish, it is essentially impenetrable which would not allow for wax to be absorbed. This will then result in product build-up which can cause a dull surface to begin to appear and can also cause the surface area to become quite slick. Although a shiny floor may seem appealing, it is not an aesthetic feature your vinyl plank flooring is in need of.

Check out our Vinyl Plank Flooring Project Calculator to estimate your project.

Related Articles

Can You Remove and Reuse Vinyl Plank Flooring?

What Can You Use To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Can You Install Vinyl Plank over Ceramic Tile?

Can Water Get Through Vinyl Plank Flooring?

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 2, 2021.

Can You Fix Scratches in Vinyl Plank Flooring?