Proper care and maintenance of your vinyl floor begins right after installation. For example, keep traffic light for the first 24 hours after installation is completed so that the adhesive can dry properly. The seam sealers also need that long to dry before being stepped on. Also, try to avoid scrubbing or washing your new vinyl floor for at least 3 days after installation. You should clean any adhesive residue leftover from installation with a clean, white cloth dipped in mineral spirits. Take care, though; mineral spirits, plus other chemicals like lighter fluid, painter’s naphtha and isopropyl alcohol are flammable. Take any and all precautions listed on their containers.
First of all, sweep your floor often to remove loose dirt. Wipe up spills as soon as you can. If you have dried spills remove them with a mild cleaner or clean cloth. You should not use harsh abrasives or scrubbing tools on your vinyl floor. Occasionally take a damp mop to the floor using a quality no-rinse cleaner to eliminate dirt build-up. Use a manufacturer’s recommended cleaner or 2-3 capfuls of clear, non-sudsy ammonia diluted into one gallon of water. Using too much ammonia can leave a dull film on your floor.
Some care and maintenance tips that work for hardwood floors are just as well with your vinyl floors: do not drag furniture across the floor; use ”glides” instead. Try to keep the floor from excessive or strong direct sunlight so close those drapes or blinds. Use non-staining mats or rugs in high traffic areas to reduce damage. Use a beater bar when vacuuming because without it you can visibly damage the floor surface.
Scuff marks that could not be removed with routine cleaning can be tackled with multi-purpose household cleaner such as Fantastic or Lysol. Apply it directly to the problem area, let it stand for 10-15 seconds, then remove it with a damp cloth. Some pesky marks may require a little mineral spirits applied to a clean cloth.
Household stains such as acids, alkalis, blood, ketchup, mustard, food dye, fruit juice, rust, urine, and excrement can be taken care of with a full-strength mild detergent applied with a wet cloth or sponge. Really stubborn stains can be defeated with a 1-1 mixture of water and liquid bleach on a saturated cloth for up to a maximum of one hour. Rinse it well.
Remove products and chemicals like hair dye, iodine, mercurochrome, nail polish, oil-based paints and wood stains AT ONCE! Rub lightly with a clean white cloth and mineral spirits. Miscellaneous stains, however, like adhesives, candle wax, asphalt, grease, oil, and tar can just be scraped with a putty knife. Take care, however, not to scratch or gouge the floor. Then rub the floor, again, with a white clean cloth dipped in mineral spirits and follow up with isopropyl alcohol on another clean cloth.