Caring for Your New Floors
Cleaning up has never been easier!
KEEP YOUR NEW FLOORS LOOKING GREAT
Your luxury vinyl flooring is durable and easy to maintain, but it is not scratch proof nor damage proof. Use these best practices for regular care and maintenance to keep your floors looking great for years to come.
DO
Do remove loose dirt with a soft bristle broom. If you leave dust and debris on your floor, you could scuff the finish because small specks of dirt actually have sharp edges that can damage your floor over time. Fine particles of grime can act just like sandpaper and slowly remove the finish from the floor as you track it around your home with your feet or shoes.
Do wash the floor with warm water only. .
Do use a soft mop. We love the microfiber ones.
DO NOT
Do not use soaps, detergents, ammonia, bleach, abrasive cleaners, waxes, or “mop and shine” products or you may damage the floors and leave permanent splotches and discoloration.,
Do not use a vacuum with beater bar engaged. Instead turn off beater bar or use a bare floor setting to avoid damaging your floor.
Do not use a steam mop to clean your floor because the high temperature may cause damage to vinyl flooring.
PREVENTING SCUFFS
Furniture legs can scuff or mar flooring. Use soft padded protectors where furniture contacts the floor. For heavy furniture and appliances that do not move frequently, use rubber furniture casters or cups where they meet the floor. Never push, pull, or drag furniture, appliances, or other items across the floor. Always lift and carry.
REMOVING SPILLS & STAINS
Accidents happen and spills and stains can result. To avoid this, use a clean, white cloth when cleaning spots from your flooring. Scrub with a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad. For pen and markers spots, rub gently with mineral spirits on clean white cloth, then rinse with water. For rust stains, rub with lemon juice on a clean white cloth, then rinse with water.
REMOVING PAINT, VARNISH OR STUBBORN ITEMS
Paint, nail polish and wood varnish will stain your flooring. If any of these harsh fluids dry on your floor, rub them with a soft eraser to loosen the stain, then lightly rub with mineral spirits on a clean, white cloth. If still visible, very softly rub the stain with a citrus cleaner (such as Goo Gone) on a clean white cloth. Always finish by rinsing the area with water and drying with a soft cloth.
There are some stubborn items that will want to grab your flooring and not let go — like gum, oil, wax, glue, and tar. If this happens use your fingernails to remove residue, then clean with a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad and lightly rub with isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits on a clean, white cloth. Then rinse with water and dry the area.
REMOVING SCUFFS AND SMUDGES
Rubber shoe marks and other scuffs will happen. When they do, simply rub the mark with your finger or use a soft eraser. Clean the area with a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad
or cloth.
EXTRA PROTECTION
Invest in high-quality floor mats for an added layer of protection but avoid rubber-backed mats as the rubber may discolor vinyl flooring. Place the mats at doorways to collect and trap corrosive substances that can be tracked in, such as dirt, salt, sand, oil, etc.
Use felt pads or cups on the bottom of all furniture legs and casters. Do not roll or push heavy items across the floor. Instead, all items must be lifted and placed in the desired location. Furniture and seating with rolling casters or wheels, including wheelchairs, will damage floors and that damage is not covered under our Lifetime Guarantee. Place chair mats under any rolling chairs or furniture with wheels or casters.
See Refloor’s 5-Plank Guarantee for coverage on damaged floors.