Things You'll Need:
- Soft bristled broom
- Sponge or wring-type mop
- Bucket of lukewarm water
- Manufacturer's cleaner or no-wax vinyl cleaners
- White cleaning cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Turpentine or mineral spirits
- Acetone-based fingernail polish remover
- Oxalic acid
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Step 1
Know your type of floor composite. There are three different kinds of what manufacturers refer to as "wearlayers." No-wax vinyl is for less trafficked areas and the least exposure to dirt. Urethane is a normal composite vinyl substance for normal to heavier traffic and it is scuff-resistant and resists scratches (from chairs or furniture). The last type is Urethane that has been enhanced to maintain its luster. This is the best able to take the heaviest traffic and the most abuse from stains and scratches.
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Step 2
Wait for the cure. You must protect the seams of newly laid floors until they have properly bonded. Room temperature should be a regulated 65 degrees for 48 hours. Major manufacturers such as Armstrong suggest you don't scrub or wash your new floor for at least five days after installation, allowing the adhesive to cure.
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Step 3
Sweep any debris from floor.
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Step 4
Use a manufacturer's cleaner diluted in water (follow specific directions) or another no-rinse floor cleaner. Apply the cleaner with a damp mop. Rinse the floor and let it dry.
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Step 5
Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Over time, dried spills and other stains may need an extra-strength floor stripper, as produced by the manufacturer. That procedure would need to be followed by a shine retention (often called "shine keeper") product.
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Step 6
Troubleshoot potential stains such as crayon, permanent marker, asphalt driveway sealer or shoe polish by rubbing it with turpentine or mineral spirits dispensed from a clean, white cloth. Follow with clean water and let the area dry.
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Step 7
Rub the following stains with isopropyl alcohol dabbed on a clean white cloth: lipstick, pen ink, hair dye or paint or varnish. Finish with floor stripper and clean water.
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Step 8
Remove color trails from grape juice, wine or mustard with floor stripper and a nonabrasive white scrubber pad. Follow this with a clean water rinse and a manufacturer's shine enhancer product.
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Step 9
Remove stubborn nail polish stains with an acetone-based fingernail polish remover. There will be dulling in the area cleaned, so you may decided to rinse well and follow with the manufacturer's shine enhancer.
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Step 10
Apply an extra-strength floor stripper to rust and black heel marks. Let the solution sit for five minutes and wipe it away with a scrubbing pad. Rinse and dry the area.
Oxalic acid of 1 part acid to 10 parts water can follow if necessary. Wear gloves to protect your hands with both these products.
