Vinyl/Resilient
The latest technology has made vinyl/resilient flooring more durable and long-lasting, but like any floor covering, regular care and maintenance will keep it looking like new and can add years to its life.
A few handy tips
• For the first 24 hours after installing your new vinyl floor, protect all seamed areas and avoid walking on the seam sealer. For at least 2 days after installation, room temperature should be kept at 68o F or greater to allow the adhesives to setup properly. Avoid rolling heavy objects directly on a newly installed floor for at least 5 days. Vinyl and adhesive can become compressed and the marks may become permanent. Allow 5 days before washing your floor in order for the adhesive to cure.
• Protect your vinyl floor by using felt protectors on all the legs of your furniture and make sure to clean them regularly as dirt can become embedded in them.
• To reduce your vinyl floor’s exposure to UV rays and excessive heat, use window coverings during peak sun exposure. You will avoid any thermal degradation of the vinyl.
• Before moving heavy objects across your floor, lay underlayment sheets underneath to disperse the weight.
• Sweep or vacuum your vinyl floor frequently to remove dust, sand and grit particles. If sweeping or vacuuming does not remove the dirt, mop your floor with clean warm water and rinse with fresh water. If this does not clean the surface, manufacturer-recommended cleaning products can be used. If manufacturer’s recommendations are unavailable, using one tablespoon of liquid dish washing detergent to one quart of water can be used. You may also use one tablespoon of clear ammonia to one quart of lukewarm water, making sure that the floor is well-rinsed to avoid leaving a film. After washing, buffing your floor will help in maintaining its original lustre.
• Place non-staining mats or rugs at every outside entry to your room to prevent tracking in sand and grit on to your floor. Avoid rubber-backed mats or rugs which can damage and even discolour your floor. Don’t forget to shake off your mats from time to time!
• For spots or spills: Wipe them up immediately and apply some cleaner to your floor using a clean cloth. Make sure the cleaner is manufacturer-recommended and that the product label states ‘self-cleaning’ so that wax will not accumulate on your floor. Rinse the spot or spill completely and wipe dry using a clean cloth. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing products so as not to scratch your floor. You should never clean your vinyl floor with abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes or solvents.
• If you would like to restore your vinyl floor to its original gloss level, use a manufacturer-recommended floor polish. For PVC vinyl floor, apply 2-3 coats of the manufacturer-recommended floor polish on your floor immediately. In doing this, your floor will be easier to maintain. A floor with a PVC wear layer tends to show scuffs, scratches and other marks easily.
• More serious repairs: If a seam opens on your floor, cover it immediately, do not wash the area and consult with your retailer to have the seam repaired. If your floor gets a cut in it, cover the area immediately; a cut filled with dirt may be difficult to repair. Call your retailer who can refer you to a professional installer to repair the cut.
