Looking for reliable information on sheet vinyl maintenance?
So let’s get started on becoming a little smarter about smart and stylish sheet vinyl flooring.
New vinyl floors are extremely durable and long lasting, but they still need regular maintenance to stay looking like new.
Follow these general guidelines for vinyl flooring
For more detailed information, refer to the manufacturers’ written floor care procedures.
- For the first 24 hours after your vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas and don’t walk on the seam sealer.
- Keep the room temperature at 68 degrees or greater for at least 2 days after installation, to allow the adhesives to set up properly.
- Don’t roll heavy objects on to a newly installed vinyl floor for at least 5 days. Allow 5 days before washing the floor to give time for the adhesive to cure.
- Before moving heavy objects across your floor, lay plywood or underlayment sheets down to disperse the weight.
- Before placing chairs or furniture on the floor, check the condition of the casters or rollers. Replace any worn casters or rollers.
- Protect your vinyl floor by covering the legs of furniture with felt protectors.
- Remove dust, sand and grit particles frequently by sweeping or vacuuming your 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 useful to clean the edges, or get to hard to reach areas
- When sweeping or vacuuming does not remove the dirt, mop the floor with clean warm 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 dishwashing detergent to one quart of water.
- 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.
- Think prevention. Place walk-off mats or rugs at outside entries to the room.
- Just be sure to avoid using rubber-backed mats or rugs as they can damage and discolor a vinyl floor.
- Instead use mats or rugs made for vinyl floors and remember to shake them out frequently.
- 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 that the product label indicates “self-cleaning,” meaning 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 a vinyl floor.
- If the floor becomes dull looking, first, try cleaning it with lukewarm water and clear ammonia to see if there’s a film causing the dullness.
- If that doesn’t work, use the manufacturer’s recommended polish to restore the vinyl floor to its original gloss level.
- Any vinyl floor with a PVC wear layer will show scuffs, scratches and other marks very easily.
- If you purchased a PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the manufacturer’s recommended floor polish on the floor immediately.
- By adding coats of floor polish you will make the floor easier to maintain.
- If a seam should open, cover it immediately, do not wash that area, and call please contact us so we can help connect you with a professional to repair the seam.
- If your floor gets a cut or gouge in it, cover the area immediately and again contact us so we can assist you with a repair.
- A professional installer can repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt it may be difficult to repair correctly.
Smart, regular care and upkeep will keep your vinyl floor looking great, and your home looking beautiful.
