Vinyl Flooring Care

Vinyl Care

Vinyl flooring is designed for durability and easy care. This means that the maintenance required for this type of flooring is limited. However, there are still steps you should take to make sure your floor is protected and looking its best at all times. 

Preventative Maintenance

Below are some preventative maintenance suggestions for vinyl flooring:

  • Protect your floor after installation. During the first 24 hours following installation, do not put any heavy objects, including furniture, on your vinyl floors. You should also avoid walking on the new floors as much as you can, especially near the seams. To ensure that the adhesive sets properly, keep the temperature in the installation area no lower than 68 degrees. 
  • Protect the floor from furniture. Use felt pads to create a barrier between the feet of your furniture and the vinyl floors. This will reduce the risk of scratching when furniture is under pressure or moved. 
  • Use mats in entryways. Place mats or rugs in entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your floors. Do not use mats or rugs that have a rubber backing, as they sometimes cause discoloration on vinyl floors. 
  • Take off your shoes. Keep your floors cleaner and reduce the risk of damage by removing your shoes when you enter the house. 
  • Wear socks or slippers. To prevent oil from your feet from coming into contact with the floor, wear slippers, or socks when walking on your floors. 
  • Repair cuts and exposed seams. If you notice any exposed seams or cuts in your vinyl floor, cover them immediately to prevent further damage and dirt collection. Contact a flooring professional to schedule a repair as soon as possible. 
  • Brighten up your floor. – If you notice that your vinyl floor is beginning to look dull, mix 1 quart of warm water with 1 tablespoon of clear ammonia, and use the solution to clean the floor. 

Regular Cleaning

Vinyl flooring is not as vulnerable to damage from debris as other flooring options, but you should still make an effort to keep it clean. Use a manufacturer-recommended non-abrasive cleaning solution and a damp mop to eliminate all dust particles from your floor as needed. Make sure that the cleaning solution you use is designed to rinse clean. Some cleaning solutions may leave a sticky or waxy residue that affects the look and feel of the floor. This residue will also attract more dirt. 

You should also sweep and vacuum the floor regularly between moppings. When using a vacuum, be sure to choose one that does not have a beater bar so you can avoid scratching the floor. 

Addressing Spills

Spills and other messes can be removed from vinyl flooring with ease. When a spill occurs, simply wipe up the liquid with an absorbent towel. Even though the moisture will not damage your vinyl floors, it is still important to wipe up spills as quickly as possible to prevent staining. 

If a stubborn stain develops on a vinyl floor, use a scrubbing pad and/or non-abrasive cleaner to remove it. Scrubbing pads will usually remove stains caused by hair dye, mildew, mold, shoe polish, ink, and permanent marker. To remove black heel marks, spray WD-40 onto a cloth and rub it into the stained area. Be sure to clean the area with a mild detergent and warm water and rinse it clean once the stain has been removed. 

If you have any further questions regarding your new vinyl flooring, contact Hiltons Flooring today.