Can you steam mop LVT flooring?

Steam mops offer a convenient way to clean floors, as they can easily remove stains by applying heat and a thin layer of water, for a thorough clean without the need to mop. However, not every flooring material is suitable for a steam mop, as the high level of heat can damage certain types of floors.

LVT flooring is a popular option due to its great looks, durability, and comfortable underfoot feel, but can you use a steam mop on your LVT? In this guide, we’ll discuss whether LVT is safe for use with a steam mop, as well as give some tips to keep your flooring looking spick and span. 

Can you use a steam mop on LVT?

In short, no, you should not use a steam mop on your LVT flooring. The heat and moisture from a steam mop can damage the vinyl used in your tiles, potentially leading to warping or discolouration. Although LVT is renowned for its durability, it’s best to avoid steam cleaning to keep it in ideal condition.

You may also be asking, ‘Can you mop LVT flooring?’. While steam mops aren’t suitable for use with LVT, using a regular mop is perfectly safe, although you should take care not to waterlog your LVT when cleaning it. This means your mop should be thoroughly wrung out before washing, so make sure it doesn’t drip water when lifted from your bucket.

Why shouldn’t you steam mop LVT flooring?

Although water-resistant LVT options exist, most luxury vinyl flooring remains susceptible to damage from moisture and liquids. If too much moisture seeps through the vinyl layers, it can cause warping in the tiles, resulting in uneven surfaces and lifting floors.

High levels of heat can also affect the bond between your LVT and your flooring adhesive, which will loosen your tiles. As a result, your LVT may move out of place and require repairs. Make sure to clean your LVT with a regular mop and a suitable vinyl cleaning solution rather than using excessive amounts of heat and water.

What should I do if I’ve used a steam mop on my LVT?

If you’ve started cleaning your LVT with a steam mop, stop immediately and wait for your floors to fully dry in case signs of damage begin to appear. If you notice any warping, bubbling, or lifting, start treating the damage as soon as possible.

You can repair your LVT flooring if a small area has started to bubble by cutting the affected area with a utility knife, then applying new adhesive below the tile using a putty knife. If you’re repairing more significant damage, like a tear or a piece of LVT that has lifted, you may need to remove the affected area completely and replace it with a spare tile.

You can also repair scratches in your LVT flooring using an appropriate repair kit, or remove minor scratches and scuffs with warm, soapy water.

LVT cleaning tips

Now that you know to avoid using a steam mop on your LVT flooring, what are some helpful LVT cleaning tips you can use instead? If you’re looking for quick LVT cleaning hacks you can use instead of steam mopping, here are some of our favourites:

• Using household solutions on stains – Treating a tough stain in your LVT? Using baking soda paste or a lemon wedge can sometimes help get rid of difficult marks in your vinyl. These solutions can also give your LVT the perfect shine to keep them looking good as new.
• Avoid hard-bristled brushes – Despite LVT’s reputation as being scratch-resistant, stiff bristles can cause damage to vinyl floors. As such, it’s best to use a soft-bristled brush when sweeping up any dirt on your LVT flooring, as this will be much gentler on the surface of your tiles.
• Don’t use excess water – If large volumes of water are left to seep into your LVT over time, you’ll experience many of the same issues as with steam mopping. To avoid this, make sure you wring your mop thoroughly before you start cleaning, and dry up any spills or splashes as soon as they happen.
• Test your cleaning products first – LVT is susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals, so it’s always best to test your cleaning products in an inconspicuous area before applying them to your whole floor. If you notice any discolouration or damage, avoid using the chemical and look for an LVT-friendly cleaner instead.

For a full breakdown of how to maintain your tiles, read our guide to cleaning LVT floors.

Conclusion

Cleaning your LVT is relatively easy with the right tools and products, but you should avoid using a steam mop on your tiles, as the heat and moisture can cause damage and may require repairs.

Looking for more advice on your LVT flooring? Our helpful blog has a variety of articles to help with any questions you may have. Use our LVT flooring cost guide to learn more about the price of installing luxury vinyl tiles, or read about how to pick an LVT floor to suit your needs.