Floor Protectors a must!

Always put felt protective pads on the legs of your furniture. They allow the furniture to be moved easily without scratching or denting your floor and can also provide a sound deadening barrier. For large furniture use wide plastic or non-staining rubber casters or cups  to offset the weight, cover bottom of caster with felt. The size of the protector or caster should be in proportion to the weight of the furniture, meaning the more an item weights the larger or wider the protector should be to provide adequate protection.

Replace your felt pads often as dirt and grit can become embedded in them or as they become worn.

Regular Maintenance with Proper Cleaning Products

When your vinyl floor needs cleaning, use the manufacturers recommended cleaner when known. Wipe up food or other spills immediately using the recommended cleaner and a soft cloth. Vacuum, dust or sweep regularly to remove dirt and grit.

Use a vacuum or soft broom for dry spills and abrasives. When using a vacuum, if possible turn off the beater bar and  use a hose or wand with an upholstery attachment. Vacuum wheels may also be a source for indenting and scuffing, check the wheels for imbedded grit.

A good maintenance routine should be completed once a week or as often as needed depending upon the traffic in your home.  Never use more cleaner that what is required.

Tip:  Most manufacturers vinyl cleaners are concentrated, a good idea is to mix a batch using the proper dilution ratio and keep it handy in a spray bottle.  Your pre-mixed spray bottle can be used to conveniently and quickly wipe up spills.

Exposure to Sunlight

Your vinyl floor will discolor or fade in strong light. To avoid the damaging effects of direct sun drape or shade large sun-facing windows during peak sunlight hours.

Extreme Heat

Some appliances and air registers produce a direct flow of heat to your floor, which may eventually scorch, discolor, burn or fade your flooring.  Hot objects such as matches, cigarettes, pots and oil may also damage your floor. To prevent damage place non rubber-backed mats at strategic areas, such as your stove.

Walk Off Mats and Rugs

Use good quality, dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to prevent dirt and sand (which can act like sandpaper) from entering your home. Your door mats can become a source of dirt themselves if they are not cleaned regularly.  Maintain your walkways to avoid tracking in of dirt. Stains can also be tracked in from your driveway, as tar and asphalt will permanently stain your floors surface. Use latex-based sealers to prevent such damage.

Use area rugs on high traffic pathways and pivot areas: at ends of steps, near doorways, etc. All rugs should allow floors to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated rugs. Use no-slip rug underlayment made especially for hard surface flooring to prevent your rugs from moving.

High Heels

Keep high heels in good repair. Heels that have worn down or lost their protective cap exposing the steel support rod will dent and pit wood, fracture tiles or stone and perforate your vinyl flooring.

When  to Apply Polish,  No-Wax does not mean No-Polish

Today's vinyl floors are tough enough to withstand even the most active families but are not indestructible and will dull over time. To protect your floor and renew lost luster it is necessary to apply a coat of polish as a part of your periodic maintenance routine. Use the manufacturers recommended products when known.  Make sure your floor is clean and thoroughly dry before applying polish. Remove excess layers of polish with the recommended stripper when known, followed with 2 thin coats of polish.