Care and Maintenance- For Vinyl Floors
CARE AND MAINTENANCE- FOR VINYL FLOORS
Today’s vinyl floors are tough, non porous and resistant to normal household spills. They are easily maintained and will always look best with regular care.
Immediately after installation
Do not walk over “seam sealing” for at least 24 hours. This will ensure a proper seam bond. If your seams are disturbed before they’re dry, permanent damage can occur. Keep traffic to a minimum for at least 24 hours after installation. The adhesive under your floor needs time to thoroughly dry after installation. Therefore, we recommend that you do not scrub or wash your floor for five days. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe off the vinyl manufacturers logo on the face of the floor. Be careful not to wipe across any seams. Avoid putting heavy furniture and appliances in place for 24 hours.
Proactive protection for your floor
Move heavy furniture or appliances carefully, lay a plywood panel on your floor and “walk” the items across the floor. Do not push loaded panels across the floor. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears. Furniture legs should be equipped with non-staining large surface casters or furniture cups to reduce indentation. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the items, the wider the floor protector needed. Be careful with rolling casters. They can damage a floor and therefore are not recommended.
After all cleaning procedures
And when the floor is completely dry, a simple buffing should restore normal luster.
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STAIN |
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METHOD |
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CRAYON |
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Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. Or; Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
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LIPSTICK |
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Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. Or; If the stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. Or; Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
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GRAPE JUICE OR WINE |
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Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. Or; Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
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MUSTARD |
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Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry,then buff. |
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PEN INK |
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Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. Or; If the stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. Or; Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
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MARKER |
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Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. Or; if stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth. Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry then buff. |
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HAIR DYE |
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Rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. If stain still shows, rub the stain with mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean whit cloth. Or; if stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow instructions on label) on a clean white cloth. Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
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PAINT OR VARNISH |
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If paint stain is wet, wipe up stain with water on a clean white cloth. If paint is dry, carefully scrape reside with a thin spatula. If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. If stain still shows, rub the stain with mineral spirits*, or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. Or; if the stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow instructions on label) on a clean white cloth. Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff |
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NAIL POLISH |
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Very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover* containing acetone (follow instructions on label) on a clean white cloth. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff |
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RUST |
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Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened in a mild solution of floor manufacturers cleaner. If traces remain, rub with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of oxalic acid and water (1 part acid to 10 parts water). Note: Please follow instructions and cautions on label as oxalic acid is poisonous. |
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CIGARETTE BURNS |
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The procedure depends on the exact construction of your floor. Consult your United Floors retailer. |
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BLACK HEEL MARKS |
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Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad or with a clean white cloth dampened. Or, Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. Rinse well, allow to dry, then buff. |
Control tracked in dirt
Dirt has an abrasive effect which lessens the original appearance of the floor. The simplest way to reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home is the use of door mats at entrances. Do not use mats with rubber or latex backing, as they can cause permanent discoloration.
Footwear and heels can mark floors
It’s a good idea to check the soles of footwear in the household as the marks they make can be unattractive and are sometimes hard to remove. High heels can cause dents and damage to vinyl flooring.
Avoid extreme sunlight
Normal and moderate sunlight will not affect your vinyl floor. However, extreme exposure to the sun rays through sliding glass doors must be avoided. Draw your drapes or shades during periods of peak sun exposure.
Sweep or vacuum regularly
Loose dirt can scratch your floor. Do not use the vacuum beater bar or vinyl floors, since it can visibly damage your flooring surface.
Wipe up spills promptly
Do not let spills set. Blot up with a paper towel and then wipe with a clean, white dampened cloth. See stain chart instructions for removing specific stains.
Wash your floors regularly
Do not flood your floor. Apply the recommended cleaner with a sponge mop. After the soil has been loosened from the floor, mop up thoroughly.. If cleaner is left, the floor may become sticky, attract dirt and appear dull. If this occurs, rinse with clean water and remove the water using a “rinse only” sponge mop, frequently wrung out. Allow for the floor to dry before traffic is resumed.
NOTE: Do not use dish detergents or vinegar and water, abrasive cleaners and cleaners containing solvent.
