General Maintenance of PVC Vinyl Flooring

Although PVC vinyl flooring is durable, all floor coverings require some care to look their best and many problems can be prevented before they occur. The type and frequency of traffic on your floor will determine the frequency of maintenance needed.The type of floor and even the color will also have some bearing on how much care may be necessary. For example, solid color floors will visually show scuffs, scratches, dirt and general wear to staining to degree than multi-colors of chips or patterns. Of course, white or light colors will visually show staining to a greater degree than darker colors. For this reason, solid color and white floors should receive special attention in regard to preventative maintenance and amount of care provided. Good judgment when choosing the type and style of floor will help prevent maintenance problems before the floor is even installed!

Here are the proper steps for maintaining your PVC vinyl flooring:

1. All traffic and furniture should stay off the floor for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive to dry. Do not wash any installation for 48 hours.

2. In order to prevent indentation and scratches, provide glass, plastic or other non-staining cups with flat under surfaces not less than 2” in width for legs of heavy furniture or appliance. Equip swiveled-type office chairs and other rolling furniture with broad surface non-staining casters at least 2” in diameter. Remove small diameter buttons from the legs of straight chairs and replace with metal glides that have bearing surfaces not less than 1” in diameter.

3. Protect your floor against burns. Burns from the glowing end of a cigarette, matches, or other extremely hot items can damage vinyl floor.

4. Do not flood floor, subject to frequent standing water, or use in high moisture areas. Flood mopping, hosing and frequent spills can loosen adhesive.

5. Protect your floor from tracked-in-dirt and grit particles by using non-staining mats at all outside entrances. Take time to remove any imbedded grit particles from shoe soles before entering the room. Avoid the use of rubber-backed mats, as certain rubber compounds can permanently stain vinyl. Avoid tracking in tar or asphalt from driveways, as this can also discolor vinyl. Avoid the use of stiletto heels on your floor. They can cause permanent damage. Do not use vinegar, one-step cleaner/polishes or oil soaps on vinyl floor products.

6. All PVC vinyl floor have a good resistance to stains. They are not affected by most common household spills: however, any spill should be cleaned up immediately. The longer the spilled materials are left on the floor, the greater the risk of permanently staining the floor. For information regarding the proper method or solution to use on a specific stain, contact Our Technical Department.

7. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. During peak sunlight hours, the use of the drapes or blinds is recommended. Prolonged direct sunlight can result in discoloration, and excessive temperatures might cause tile expansion.

8. Do not use vinegar as a cleaning agent on PVC vinyl foor products.