How to Clean Vinyl Tile With a Natural Shine
You've just had your new vinyl tile flooring installed; it's clean, it's shiny and you want to keep it looking that way. Some folks make the mistake of ruining the natural shine finish on their vinyl tile by using cleansers and products that strip away the factory glow that was meant to last for years. Cleaning vinyl tile is a simple and easy process. You may be surprised at how little upkeep it takes to keep it looking fabulous. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft absorbent cloth
- Manufacturer-recommended no-rinse floor cleaner
- Microfiber mop
- Manufacturer-recommended floor stripper
- Soft scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Low-gloss floor finish
Instructions
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Clean up spills as quickly as possible to keep the floors shining; wipe fresh spills with plain water and a soft absorbent cloth. Dried-on spills should be cleaned with warm water and a no-rinse floor cleaner, such as Armstrong's Once 'n Done Floor Cleaner. Put a small amount on a damp cloth, wiping well, then go over the area with clean water.
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Mop floors once a week or as needed with a mild no-rinse floor cleaner and a microfiber mop. Avoid products with wax in them such as "mop and shine" floor cleaners. Never use an abrasive cleaner such as bleach on floors as it will strip the shine.
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Strip the floor only when there is a heavy dirt build-up or the finish has become dull. Before beginning, ventilate the area well with a fan, open windows and wear rubber gloves and face mask.
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Apply a heavy-duty vinyl floor stripper such as Mannington Heavy Duty Cleaner & Stripper. Apply stripper, let it sit for the recommended time and scrub with a soft-bristled brush, wiping off excess with a towel. Rinse and mop with warm water, and let dry completely before applying a sealant.
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Finish with a low-gloss floor finish such as Johnson Wax Care Free Matte Low Gloss Floor Finish. This will leave a protection without altering the natural low-gloss look of your vinyl floor. Apply according to the manufacturer's directions with a mop or apply by hand with a cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Never slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring; place a plywood panel over flooring and "walk" items across it.
Choose floor rugs that do not have rubber or latex on the back of them---this can yellow flooring.
Avoid paste waxes and polishes that are solvent-based.
Never run a beater bar from a vacuum across flooring, it will damage it.
Never use abrasive scrubbing tools on flooring; stick to soft bristles for heavy cleaning.
