Use and Care Manual

MAINTENANCE FOR LUXURY VINYL TILE AND PLANK
PRIOR TO AND AFTER INSTALLATION
The home must have a working heat and air conditioning source operational for a minimum of one week prior to installation and remain in operation during
the life of the floor. Conditions should be at the same temperature and humidity level expected during normal use (between 65°-85°F/18°-29°C with a
relative humidity no greater than 65%).
BASIC CLEANING
Once all traces of adhesive have been removed, the floor should be dry vacuumed to remove all dust and loose debris, then clean with our EarthWerks
®
Floor Cleaner in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and allow to dry. Always remove excess water. It not only can cause slip and fall
hazards, but the water can attack the adhesive, break the bond, and cause the flooring to release from the substrate. Do not use soap-based detergents,
caustic cleaners or abrasive cleaners.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AND TIPS ON CARE
The easiest way to reduce maintenance costs is to reduce the amount of dirt, grit and moisture brought into a building with an effective barrier mat. This
should be cleaned regularly. The use of rubber-backed mats is NOT acceptable since they are known to cause yellow stains in vinyl floors.
Never slide heavy furniture or fittings over an unprotected floor or severe scratching may result. The floor should be protected from the wheels or feet of
fittings, avoiding rubber products, which may stain. Use hard plastic or felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent point loads. Use flat, polished metal glides
with a minimum 1” diameter under chairs and stools. These should have a rounded edge and pivot to remain in flat contact with the floor.
Non-staining felt pads can be used, provided they are changed on a regular basis to prevent dirt, debris and sand build-up. Wide, non-staining casters
at least 2” in diameter or floor protectors should be used on rolling furniture such as office chairs.
Furniture polish and window cleaning agents should be applied to a cloth to avoid spillage onto the floor. Contact with some agents, such as silicone, will
make the floor surface extremely slippery, which may result in accidents.
Regular cleaning is more beneficial to the floorcovering and more cost effective than occasional heavy cleaning.
SPOT PROTECTION AND REMOVAL
Most domestic agents will not harm the floor, however all residue of cleaning agents should be removed to avoid discoloration.
The following substances can cause discoloration:
Tar, Nail Polish, Varnish, Spices, Shoe Polish, Paints containing acetone, Lipstick, Solvent-based Paints, Rubber Mats, Coco-Fiber Mats, Asphalt,
Permanent Marker Pens, Crayons
Action:
1. Wipe immediately with a paper towel or cloth.
2. Spots, which have already dried, might be removed using a plastic scraper
3. The area should then be washed with diluted cleaning agent using a damp cloth or sponge.
4. Obstinate spots might be removed with a firm nylon sponge.
5. Should the spot still remain, moisten a cloth with clear odorless mineral spirits and rub with circular movements over the whole area.
Always test in a inconspicuous area to check for compatibility of the mineral spirits and flooring.
Note: Only use mineral spirits in well-ventilated rooms.
Additional Considerations:
 Regular light maintenance is more cost effective than periodic heavy maintenance and more beneficial to the floorcovering.
 Always sweep, mop or dry vacuum the floor regularly. Never use a steam mop as they can cause damage to the flooring.
 Always use clean equipment – dirty equipment only redistributes the dirt.
 Do not mix cleaning products from different manufacturers – they may not be compatible.
 Always remove any spillage immediately.
 Always remove excess water.
 Always take precautions to prevent dark rubber from coming into contact with the floor.
 Never deviate from the manufacturer’s recommended dilution rates.
 Wet floors are slippery; always use warning signs to advise that cleaning is in progress
 Protect against direct sunlight through the use of curtains, blinds or solar film to protect against thermal dimensional change.
rev. 060515
EarthWerks
®
• 10850 Train Ct. • Houston, Texas 77041 • [phone] • www.earthwerks.com