06 Mar 2025 5 Things You Should Never Use to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring, Cleaning Pros Say

See the full article in The Spruce

By Shagun Khare

Vinyl plank flooring is a more affordable alternative to traditional hardwood that provides a similarly sleek, luxe look. It’s much thicker than wood planks, and thus considered to be quite durable.

However, vinyl plank flooring requires care when cleaning to make sure it truly lasts, as using the same cleaners for traditional flooring can cause it to wear. To prevent any cleaning mishaps—and keep your floors in tip-top shape—we tapped two experts for the things you should never use when cleaning vinyl floors.

Ammonia and Bleach-Based Cleaners

Ammonia- and bleach-based cleaners may seem like good ideas since they disinfect and cut through grime. However, they are often too harsh for vinyl plank floors. This includes formulas like Mr. Clean’s All-Purpose Cleaner and Clorox Clean Up.

“[These products] and others with ammonia break down the protective coating of vinyl floors which leads to discoloration, fading, and surface damage,” explains Robin Murphy, president of home-cleaning service Maid Brigade.