Vinyl Maintenance

Care & Maintenance for your new floor

Flooring, no matter how new or beautiful, is meant to be walked on. Vinyl flooring is no
exception. Time and foot traffic will most certainly take its toll. But keeping your vinyl flooring as beautiful as the day it was installed, just requires a little knowledge.

New vinyl flooring is extremely durable and long lasting, but like any floor covering, they still
need regular maintenance to stay looking like new.

Follow these general guidelines for maintaining your vinyl and for more detailed information
always refer to the manufacturer’s written floor care procedures.

Consistency is the key.

New vinyl floors are extremely durable and long lasting, but like any floor covering they still need regular maintenance to stay looking like new.

Follow these general guidelines for vinyl flooring. For more detailed information always refer to the manufacturer’s written floor care procedures.

Time and Temperature are key.

For the first 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas and
don’t walk on the seam sealer.

Keep the room temperature at 65° F or greater for at least 2 days before and after the
installation, to allow the adhesives to setup properly.

Do not roll any heavy objects directly on to a newly installed floor for at least 5 days. This can
cause the vinyl and adhesive to become compressed, and once the adhesive sets up, compressed
marks will become permanent. Always lay plywood or other protective material down to
disperse the weight.

Try to allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give more time for the
adhesives to cure.

Protecting your new floor

Before placing chairs or furniture on your new vinyl floor check the condition of all the casters
or rollers. Replace any worn casters or rollers.

Protect the legs of furniture with felt protectors.

If you purchased a PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the manufacturer’s
recommended floor polish on the floor upon installation.

Getting down and dirty with dirt.

Remove dust, sand and grit particles by frequently sweeping or vacuuming.

Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar as it may scratch your floor. The attachments that come
with your vacuum are useful to clean the edges or to get to hard to reach areas

Mop the floor with clean, fresh, warm water. If water alone does not clean the surface, use
cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.

One tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent added to one quart of water is helpful, if you
can’t locate the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Or use one tablespoon of clear ammonia to one quart of lukewarm water. Make sure you rinse
the surface to avoid leaving behind a film.

Place non-staining, walk-off mats or throw rugs at every outside entry. This will help keep sand
and grit from being tracked on to your floor in the first place.

Note: be sure to avoid using rubber-backed mats as they can damage and potentially discolor
your floor.

Tips for when the inevitable happens….Spills

Wipe spills or spots up immediately, and use a clean cloth to wipe the cleaner onto the floor.

Make sure it is a manufacturer’s recommended cleaner, and that the product label indicates “self-
cleaning. This means you will not get a buildup of wax on your floor.

Rinse the spot or spill area thoroughly and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools as they will leave scratches.

Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes, or solvents on your vinyl floor.

How to get the old sparkle back.

If your floor becomes dull, try cleaning it with lukewarm water and clear ammonia to see if there
is a film on the floor causing it. See mixing proportions above.

If that doesn’t work, use the manufacturer’s recommended floor polish to restore your vinyl floor
to its original gloss.

Any vinyl floor with a PVC wear layer will show scuffs, scratches and other marks very easily.
By adding the coats of floor polish you will make the floor easier to maintain.

Dings, gouges or scratches…Call the Pros.

If you have a seam that opens, cover it immediately and do not wash that area. Contact us to send
a vinyl floor covering professional to repair the seam.

If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately. A professional installer can
repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt it may be difficult to repair correctly.

For more maintenance information specific to your vinyl flooring, remember to consult the
manufacturers’ recommendations.

You can’t avoid wear on your vinyl flooring, but knowing how to care for and maintain it can keep you floor in beautiful condition and make it a source of pride for years to come.