Mom and daughter sitting on their vinyl floor

10 Ways to Ensure Your New Vinyl Floor Stands the Test of Time

by | Dec 7, 2018 | Care & Maintenance | 0 comments

Your stunning new vinyl floors have been installed and now you want to keep them looking like new for years to come. That starts with ensuring you’re following proper vinyl flooring care and maintenance.

All Urban Surfaces flooring is designed to be durable and stand the test of time, but part of ensuring your floor has great longevity is regular care and maintenance. The type of floor, along with the level of traffic, and even the color, are all considerations when determining your maintenance routine.

Here are 10 ways to ensure your new floor stands the test of time.

#1. Use a Mat and Take Off Your Shoes

To protect your vinyl floors you’ll need to use a mat to avoid scuffing and scratching from tracked in dirt. Gritty substances are like sandpaper to vinyl floors and will compromise the finish.

Use mats at all outside entrances to keep dirt and chemicals outside and off the floor. Keep in mind that rubber back mats should be avoided as they may stain.

To extend the life of your floors, make a habit of taking off your shoes when in the house. (Especially high heels, which can cause permanent damage.) While you can’t always see it, the bottom of your shoes may have various chemicals on them from items you come into contact with on a day-to-day basis, like asphalt. These chemicals can stick to your shoes and then to the floor which can cause damage to the wear layer.

#2. Clean Up Spills Immediately

Although your vinyl floor is waterproof, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave spills for a long time. Whether you spill a cup of water or a glass of red wine, you want to ensure it gets cleaned up before it dries on your vinyl floor. By cleaning up any messes immediately, you’re ensuring your floor stays looking brand new for as long as possible.

If you do have a spill that dries and leaves a residue, never use a hard bristled brush, sharp object or chemical stain remover to clean it as you risk causing permanent damage to your vinyl. Use a soft cloth and with mineral spirits and gently rub the spot clean.

#3. Sweep or Vacuum Frequently

One of the best ways to keep your floor looking good for years to come is to keep it clean. By regularly sweeping or vacuuming the floor you can help avoid having dirt and grit getting ground into the floor and doing damage.

#4. Use The Right Vinyl Floor Cleaner

The wrong cleaner leaves you at risk of taking the shine off the vinyl or possible doing other damage as many cleaners contain chemicals that are far too abrasive to be used on vinyl.

We recommended simply wet mopping as needed, and not scrubbing the floor too hard as excessive scrubbing can compromise the finish on your vinyl floor.

Also, we don’t recommend using undiluted vinegar as a cleaning agent on Urban Surfaces resilient products as it can damage the surface of your floor. Apple cider vinegar can be used for cleaning if it’s diluted with hot water.

#5. Avoid Soaking the Floor

While vinyl floors are the best options when looking for a waterproof option, they aren’t completely indestructible or immune to water damage. If there’s too much water on the floor it can work its way into cracks, seams, and edges.

Once water seeps in if there was an adhesive used on the floor the water can cause the vinyl to come loose or the corners to curl up. Avoid flood mopping, using a hose, or leaving large spills standing on your floor.

#6. Rinse It Well

Any residue left on your floor can actually end up collecting dirt. Your vinyl floor will need minimal cleaning agents used on it. When you need to wash the floor using a cleaner, you can use two mops. Use one for washing, and one just for rinsing so you’re sure there’s nothing left behind on the floor.

#7. Wax It

Vinyl floor wax (Clear-Coat) can help make your floors be protected and stand up to wear and tear. While waxing adds an extra step to your maintenance routine, it’s not something that needs to be done every time and will ensure your floor stays protected. Before waxing, ensure the floor has been thoroughly cleaned and apply the wax as directed.

#8. Use Floor Protectors

Just like any other type of flooring, vinyl can be scratched or dented. The weight of heavy items, like appliances or large furniture that are stationary, can dent and furniture pieces that are moved around, like dining chairs, can leave scratches. Use felt pads on the bottom of your furniture to protect your floor from potential damage.

Rolling chairs or any furniture on casters should be changed out to use broad non-staining casters that are at least 2 inches in diameter.  Also, you may want to consider using hard surface chair mats with any rolling chairs to prevent damage.

Contact us for complimentary floor protectors sent free of charge.

#9. Lift, Don’t Drag

Dragging heavy furniture or appliances over your vinyl floor is a surefire way to damage it by scratching and scraping it. Whenever possible, large items should be moved by lifting as opposed to dragging it across the floor.

Should you need to move something your floor will have to be protected, so consider using plywood or heavy-duty blankets to cover your vinyl and add an extra layer of protection.

#10. Minimize Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight on the floor for prolonged periods of time can cause discoloration. Over time with repeated exposure, the heat from the sun begins to break down the finish on the floor and it can start to yellow. Using drapes or blinds to minimize sun exposure during peak sunlight hours is highly recommended.

Are you about to tackle a flooring project and are wondering if vinyl flooring might be right for you?  Click here to request more information or get a flooring sample.

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