Linoleum, or vinyl flooring as it is called today, has seen some major improvements over the years and has become one of the easiest types of flooring to maintain. Vinyl flooring is typically used in rooms that typically require extra maintenance, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Occasional spills are likely to occur in these rooms, from ketchup and hairspray to sand and mud being dropped or brought in, proper daily maintenance will need to be done to keep your vinyl floors looking great.
Vinyl Flooring – Manufacturers often have their own or recommended cleaning products for their vinyl flooring. Once you purchase your floor, be sure to read their recommendations, as some cleaners will damage the vinyl’s protective coating and/or dull the floor’s natural shine. General maintenance is a must sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming should be a daily routine.
Many manufacturers will have a two or three part system to keep vinyl flooring looking like new. It typically consists of a cleaner, stripper, and refinish product, and each has recommended wear times, be sure to follow their recommendations if you want to maintain your newly established look.
Normally a cleaner will be used weekly but can be used more frequently if needed. It is usually diluted and then used to mop the floor, making sure to repeatedly rinse the mop is a good idea on especially dirty floors.
Strippers are commonly used once a year, their primary purpose is to remove soap buildup from normal floor cleaning and mopping that builds up over time and gives your floor a dull appearance.
The finishing product is used to help make your floors shine. Refinishing shouldn’t be done too often, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or you’ll not only ruin the finish, but also void your warranty.
Without the proper precautions, vinyl flooring can be damaged by moving furniture and appliances, so be careful when doing so. It would be much better in cost to get felt furniture protectors to use in your rooms with vinyl flooring, these can be purchased at any hardware or flooring store. Chairs and other furniture with wheels should not be used on a vinyl floor, as they will eventually damage your floor over time.
If your flooring is damaged by a small cut or tear, it’s best to repair it right away to protect it from any further damage that may occur. Using a small amount of the manufacturer’s recommended seam sealer will seal these cuts and tears and protect your floor from further damage. (Seam sealant is used to join pieces of vinyl)
Vinyl flooring is an affordable and durable type of flooring, as long as you know its limitations. Following these steps will keep your vinyl floor looking great for years, just remember that vinyl flooring has its limits. Use felt floor protectors or at least some type of protector on all your furniture, perform regular maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s schedules for your type of flooring, and enjoy your vinyl flooring for years to come.
