Vinyl Maintenance
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. Always refer to the manufacturer’s written floor care procedures. But there are general guidelines for vinyl flooring.
Remove dust, sand, and grit by frequently sweeping or vacuuming the vinyl floor. Don’t use a vacuum with a beater bar, as it may scratch the floor. The attachments that come with your vacuum are very useful for cleaning the edges or hard to reach areas.
When sweeping or vacuuming does not remove the dirt, mop the floor with clean, warm water. Rinse the floor thoroughly with fresh water. If water alone does not clean the surface, use cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. If you are unable to determine the manufacturer’s recommendations, use one tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent to one quart of water. You can also use one tablespoon of clean ammonia to one quart of lukewarm water. Make sure you rinse the surface to avoid leaving a film behind.
Place non-staining, walk-off mats and rugs at every outside entry to your room. This will help keep dirt, sand, and grit from being tracked onto your floor. Be sure to avoid using rubber-backed mats or rugs, as they can damage and potentially discolor your floor. Instead, use mats or rugs made especially for vinyl floors and remember to treat them accordingly.
SPILLS HAPPEN. USE THESE TIPS.
For spots or spills, wipe them up immediately and use a clean cloth to wipe the cleaner onto the floor. Make sure the floor’s manufacturer recommends the cleaner and the product label indicates “self-cleaning” so you will not get an accumulation 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 floors.
HOW TO GET THE OLD SPARKLE BACK.
If your floor becomes dull-looking, first try cleaning it with the above recommendations. If that doesn’t work, use the manufacturer’s recommended floor polish to restore your vinyl floor to its original gloss level. If you purchased a PVC vinyl floor, you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the floor polish on the floor immediately. Any vinyl floor with a PVC wearlayer will show scuffs, scratches, and other marks easily. By adding the coats of floor polish, you will make the floor easier to maintain.
FOR SERIOUS DAMAGE, CALL ON THE PROS.
If you have a seam open, cover it immediately, do not wash the area, and contact us for a vinyl floor covering professional who can repair the seam. If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately and call us. A professional installer can repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt, it may be difficult to repair correctly.