Our friends at Armstrong have allowed us to excerpt parts of their online guide for your benefit. Thanks to them.
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible.
- Dried spills can be cleaned with a floor stripper or cleaner and a white cloth.
- Also, wash your vinyl floor with a no-rinse floor cleaner occasionally.
- Please do not: use detergents, abrasive cleaners or “mop and shine” products because they may leave a dull film on your floor; use paste wax or solvent-based polishes; use a beater bar when vacuuming, because it will visibly damage the surface; use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.
To protect your vinyl floor:
- Lay a plywood or hardboard panel on your floor when moving appliances or heavy furniture and “walk” the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.
- Use floor protectors under furniture to reduce indentation. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector. Be especially careful with furniture with metal feet. These can cause deep indentations and rust stains.
- Be careful with rolling casters. They can damage the floor. If you choose to use them, the double-wheel types are best.
- Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home.
- Stain Removal and Damage Repair
Vinyl floors are not immune to staining, although many types of stains are removable. If spills occur, quick removal can make all the difference. One interesting note, professional cleaning and stripping products are specific to manufacturers.
So, if you have an Armstrong floor use Armstrong products to get the best results. Check with us, test a scrap of vinyl or use a little in an unseen spot to make sure it’s safe to use.
Also, and very important, some cleaning products, such as mineral spirits, turpentine and alcohol, are flammable and possibly explosive! Always READ and FOLLOW label directions for safe use!
