The new vinyl floors are durable and long lasting, but like any floorcovering they need regular maintenance to stay looking like new. Follow these general guidelines for vinyl flooring. For more detailed information refer to the manufacturer's floor care instructions.
AFTER INSTALLATION
• For the first 24 hours after your new floor is installed protect all the seamed areas and don't walk on the seam sealer.
• Keep the room at 68° F or greater for at least a 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.
• Don't roll heavy objects directly onto a newly installed vinyl floor for at least five days. This can compress the vinyl and adhesive; once the adhesive sets any compressed marks will become permanent. Always lay plywood or underlayment to disperse the weight of heavy objects being moved across your vinyl floor.
• Allow five days before thoroughly washing your floor. This gives the adhesive time to cure.
• Before placing chairs or furniture on your new vinyl floor, check the condition of all casters or rollers. Replace any that are worn.
GENERAL FLOOR CARE
• To remove grit and sand, vacuum regularly. Wash your floor occasionally with the manufacturer's recommended floor cleaner.
• Wipe up spills immediately. If needed, clean with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. You can also clean with lukewarm water and clear ammonia.
• If your floor starts to dull, you may need to add the manufacturer's recommended floor polish to restore the original gloss level. First, try cleaning with lukewarm water and clear ammonia to see if there's a film on your floor causing the dullness.
• Never use abrasive cleaners, soaps, paste waxes, or solvents on your vinyl floor.
• Place non-staining walk-off mats at every outside entry to your room. This will help keep sand and grit from being tracked onto your floor.
FLOOR CARE TIPS
• If your floor gets a cut or gouge, cover the area immediately and call your professional floorcovering store. A professional installer can repair the area, but if the cut is filled with dirt it may be difficult to repair correctly.
• If you purchase an inexpensive PVC vinyl floor you should consider placing 2-3 coats of the recommended floor polish on the floor immediately. Any vinyl floor with a PVC wearlayer will show scuffs, scratches, and other marks easily. Adding coats of floor polish you will make the floor easier to maintain.
• If a seam is open, cover it immediately. Don't wash that area, and call a floor covering professional to repair the seam.
• When moving heavy objects across your floor, first place plywood, or underlayment, down and move the object over them.
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