Care & Maintenance

LVT (LUXURY VINYL TILE)

Selection of the floor maintenance system for any building should be considered carefully before initiating the program. Expectations of end results and budget information from the customer will help to establish the cleanliness and appearance levels, while environment, traffic conditions, congestion and time factors determine methodology and frequency of delivery.

Regardless of the polish system selected, all LVT floors have four maintenance periods – initial, daily/routine, periodic and restorative.

MAINTENANCE PERIODS & PROCEDURES

INITIAL MAINTENANCE

  • 1. Sweep, dust mop or vacuum (suction only, no beater bar) the floor thoroughly to remove all loose dust, dirt, grit and debris.
  • 2. Remove any dried adhesive residue with a clean, white cloth dampened with denatured alcohol, carefully following the installation instructions.
  • 3. Damp mop the floor with a micro pad and mist properly diluted XL LVT/Wood Floor Cleaner. Allow to dwell 2-3 minutes.
  • 4. If heavy soiling is present, a deep scrub may be necessary. Scrub the floor using a rotary machine, counter rotating brush machine, or automatic scrubbing machine with appropriate scrubbing brushes (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M white pad for light scrub, 3M red pad for medium scrub).
  • 5. Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Remove rinse water and allow the floor to dry completely.
Application/ Coverages:
  • Damp Mop: 1,000-1,200 sf
  • Medium Soil: 500-600 sf
  • Heavy Soil: 250-350 sf

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

  • 1. Apply diluted cleaning solution to the floor, wetting evenly and allow to dwell approx. 5-10 minutes.
  • 2. Machine scrub with a rotary floor machine, automatic scrubbing machine or counter rotating brush machine. Agitate the solution using the appropriate scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M red pad for light scrub, 3M blue pad or equal for a medium scrub).
  • 3. Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with clean water. Remove rinse water using wet vacuum with wand or floor squeegee attachment, extractor with hard surface tool, automatic scrubbing machine or wet mop in conjunction with bucket and wringer. Allow the floor to dry completely.
Finishing Option

Application of a removable acrylic floor finish may be used to offer extra protection to the flooring material or to provide a different appearance. XL Matte Finish is the most common. XL 25 High Gloss Finish can also be used.

Application/ Coverages:
  • Medium Soil: 500-600 sf
  • Even with a good daily/ routine maintenance program, soil build up can occur.
  • Service with mechanical agitation may be required.

RESTORATIVE MAINTENANCE

  • 1. Apply a liberal amount of diluted XL FS Floor Stripper solution uniformly on floor with mop or via pump sprayer. Allow the stripping solution to dwell for the approx. 10 minutes. Keep areas to be stripped wet, applying more liquid if necessary. Do not allow to dry.
  • 2. Scrub the floor using a rotary machine, counter rotating brush machine or automatic scrubbing machine with appropriate scrubbing brushes (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M white pad for light scrub, 3M red pad or medium).
  • 3. Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with clean water. Remove rinse water using wet vacuum with wand or floor squeegee attachment, extractor with hard surface tool, automatic scrubbing machine or wet mop in conjunction with bucket and wringer. Allow the floor to dry completely.
  • 4. Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with clean water. Remove rinse water using wet vacuum with wand or floor squeegee attachment, extractor with hard surface tool, automatic scrubbing machine or wet mop in conjunction with bucket and wringer. Allow the floor to dry completely.
  • 5. Apply 3 – 5 coats to achieve desired appearance.
Stripping & Refinishing

Prepare the area by setting wet floor signs at all entrance points and tape off all stationary items to protect against damage from the stripping solution.

NOTES FOR ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Do not wet wash, machine scrub or strip the floor for at least 3 days after installation. This allows the adhesives to set.
  • Never dry buff or burnish a floor that does not have a finish on it.
  • Do not use excessive amounts of liquid during maintenance.
  • Use only the floor pad aggressiveness that the flooring manufacturer recommends.
  • When moving furniture or heavy equipment, it should be carried. If dollies are required, lay down 1/4″ or thicker plywood or other types of underlayment.
  • Do not place heavy furniture on newly finished floors for at least 24 hours.