How to Clean Your Floors (LVP, Hardwood & Tile) – Indianapolis Homeowner Guide

josh6987
7 days ago
3 min read

If you saw our Facebook video where we showed how NOT to clean your LVP floors—you probably noticed we had a little fun with it. Jess spilling coffee, grabbing the wrong tools, using way too much water… yeah, we’ve actually seen all of that happen in real homes.

The truth is, most floor damage we come across isn’t from anything extreme—it’s from small, everyday cleaning habits done the wrong way over time.

So instead of just showing what not to do, we wanted to give you a clear, simple guide on what you should be doing.

Whether you have luxury vinyl plank (LVP), hardwood, or tile, here’s how to clean your floors the right way—without causing damage or unnecessary wear.

How to Clean LVP Floors (Luxury Vinyl Plank)

LVP is one of the most durable and low-maintenance flooring options available—but it’s not indestructible.

What NOT to do

Don’t dump water and mop excessively
Don’t use harsh chemicals or strong cleaners
Don’t scrub with coarse sponges or abrasive pads

These can cause wear, dull the finish, or even damage the protective layer over time.

The Right Way to Clean LVP

For regular cleaning:

Sweep or vacuum (bare floor setting recommended) to remove dirt and debris
Use a lightly damp microfiber mop (not soaking wet)
Use a gentle cleaner designed for LVP

At J Michael Flooring, we recommend Bona cleaners. Why Bona?

It evaporates quickly, so you’re not leaving moisture behind
It doesn’t leave streaks or buildup
It’s a product we trust and use ourselves

There are other acceptable cleaners out there, but Bona is consistently reliable and safe for LVP flooring.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors require a bit more care, especially when it comes to moisture.

Best practices:

Use a dry dust mop or vacuum regularly (again, barefloor setting)
Use a hardwood-specific cleaner (like Bona Hardwood Cleaner)

Avoid:

Excess water (this can cause warping or cupping)
Steam mops
Harsh or oil-based cleaners

A good rule of thumb: if your floor is staying wet for more than a minute or two, you’re using too much moisture.

How to Clean Ceramic Tile Floors

Tile is durable, but the grout can be vulnerable if not maintained properly.

Best practices:

Sweep or vacuum regularly
Mop with warm water and a mild cleaner
Use a soft brush for grout when needed

Avoid:

Dirty mop water (this spreads grime around)
Harsh chemicals that can break down grout over time

For deeper cleaning, focusing on grout lines occasionally will keep your tile looking fresh.

The Biggest Floor Cleaning Mistake We See

Across all flooring types, the most common issue is simple: using too much water.

More water does not mean cleaner floors—it usually leads to:

Streaking
Residue buildup
Long-term damage

Less is more when it comes to cleaning modern flooring.

Need Help Choosing Low-Maintenance Flooring?

If you’re in the Indianapolis area and want flooring that’s easy to maintain—or if you’re not sure what’s best for your home—we’re happy to help.

At J Michael Flooring, we help homeowners choose floors that look great and fit their lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your floors doesn’t have to be complicated—but as you saw in our video, it’s easy to do the wrong things without realizing it.

From using too much water to grabbing the wrong cleaner or tools, those small habits can add up over time and take a toll on your floors.

If you haven’t watched it yet, you can check out our quick video on how not to clean your LVP floors here:👉 [Watch the video]

The good news is, it’s just as easy to do it right.

Stick with simple methods, avoid excess moisture, and use safe, proven products like Bona—especially for LVP.

And if you’re ever unsure, or you’re thinking about upgrading to something more low-maintenance, we’re here to help.

At J Michael Flooring, we work with homeowners across the Indianapolis area to find flooring that not only looks great, but fits real life.

👉 Reach out anytime for advice, product recommendations, or a free estimate.