Caring for a vinyl plank floor

Nearly all visible wear is grit ground underfoot. Mats at every exterior door and regular sweeping or vacuuming do more for the finish than any product you can buy.

A damp mop with a manufacturer-approved cleaner handles almost everything. Standing water on the floor eventually finds seams. Skip steam mops unless the manufacturer specifically allows one.

Felt pads under every leg, and wide non-staining casters on rolling chairs. Rubber-backed mats and some rubber wheels can discolor vinyl over time, so check the backing on anything you leave in place.

Direct sun can fade any floor over years. Blinds or a sheer on a big south-facing window slow it down considerably.

Your specific care instructions come with the floor and control over general advice. Following them is also usually a condition of the manufacturer warranty.