Vinyl flooring will give years of performance if some basic cleaning and maintenance procedures are followed. Always check your manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning guide for specific instructions. Failure to follow proper care and maintenance measures may void some warranties:

• Vacuum and sweep vinyl flooring regularly – at least once per week. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR as that could possibly damage the flooring.
• Wipe up all spills promptly with a damp cloth or mop. For tougher-to-clean stains, stronger solutions may be needed.
• No-rinse cleaners are recommended for use on most vinyl flooring. Check with the manufacturer to make sure.
• DO NOT USE SOAP-BASED DETERGENTS, DISHWASHING LIQUIDS, ABRASIVE CLEANERS, “MOP AND SHINE” PRODUCTS, OR OIL-BASED CLEANERS, as these products may leave a dulling film on the floor that attracts dirt. Some may even permanently damage the flooring. Improper use of polishes and finishes also causes slipperiness that can result in injuries.
• When a floor begins to look dull it is usually because of scratches caused by dirt, grit, and sand laying in the wearlayer. Manufacturer-recommended floor polishes can bring back the shine. DO NOT USE WAX OR SOLVENT-BASED POLISHES AND DO NOT BUFF OR STRIP THE FLOOR.
• Adding too much cleaner can cause streaking. Washing your floor with ammonia and warm water will remove excess cleaner.
• To prolong the life of vinyl flooring it is recommended that felt pads, wide-based casters, or hard plastic floor protectors/glides be placed under all chair and table legs. The heavier the furniture, the wider the floor protector needed. Avoid metal protectors, but if used, make sure they are rustproof. Casters (not rolling) with a minimum ¾” flat surface width are recommended as well. If rolling casters are used, the double wheel type is recommended; other kinds may damage the floor.
• If possible, always lift heavy furniture rather than dragging, pushing, or pulling it. If appliances and furniture must be pushed, lay strips of plywood or hardwood on the floor and slide the items onto the strips and pull them that way.
• Place non-staining, vinyl-backed and/or natural-fiber doormats and/or woven rugs near outside doorways and entrances to collect excess moisture, dirt, and debris. Look for mats and rugs that say “non-staining” and “colorfast” on their backings. DO NOT USE RUBBER- OR LATEX-BACKED MATS as they contain chemicals that can permanently stain a floor.
• Vinyl flooring should be shaded from direct sunlight. The flooring will yellow if not protected from prolonged exposure.
• Do not wear stiletto, spiked, and/or high heels on vinyl flooring as they can cause indentations in the flooring.

IMPORTANT: If your vinyl flooring experiences minor cuts, burns, and gouges – or if a seam opens --promptly cover the area with masking tape, limit traffic near the damage, and contact a flooring professional/retailer for advice.