Home Flooring Guide

High performance and attractiveness go hand in hand with quality vinyl. While most vinyl products are refined with an outer coating shield that protects, proper care and maintenance of a vinyl floor will ultimately result in a longer life span of the product. While vinyl is a tough and durable floor solution, like any product, everyday wear and tear will become noticeable if the vinyl is not cared for properly.

The removal of dust and grit is very important as long-term buildup will cause long-term damage. If a vinyl floor is to be swept, be sure to use a soft bristled broom as opposed to a straw broom. Not only will straw brooms leave scratches on a vinyl finish, they quickly dull the surface. Straw brooms are unreliable in removing dirt and grit and usually require repeated brush strokes across the same areas. Soft bristles are the most effective and choosing a broom with straight edged bristles will allow for easy removal of dirt and grit with minimum strokes required. As vinyl is the most popular choice for high traffic flooring, dirt and grit are a common presence and easily become embedded in to the outer layer of the vinyl. Sweeping a vinyl floor regularly with a soft edge broom will diminish the chances of this occurring which will in turn reduce the need for mopping the surface. Whilst regular mopping is necessary, it is best to avoid using harsh chemicals that can breakdown the elements of the top layer of the vinyl. Try and use cleaning products that contain natural ingredients as cleaning agents to effectively remove dirt and grime without leaving a residue. Be sure to move furniture and appliances when cleaning the vinyl. Dirt easily builds up around footings and edges and will eventually lead to permanent damage and fading. Consider floor protection products such as wheels, holders and blocks under heavy furniture that may be in place for prolonged periods of time. Similarly, if furniture or objects are to be moved around, consider the effect of edges and shapes that will move across the floor.

High traffic areas bring many elements to the floor surface. Consider the location of the vinyl and its immediate surroundings. Components of the environments such as gravel, dirt, clay, chemicals, liquids and gases are easily transferred via traffic from things such as shoes and clothes. A vinyl floor can avoid harsh exposure to environmental damage by easy solutions such as the removal of shoes or effective placement of rugs and mats. Be sure to avoid the contact of rubber on vinyl as it will affect the vinyl color over time, usually creating yellow tinges.