Resilient Flooring
Resilient flooring (vinyl, linoleum, and similar materials) is durable and easy to maintain. Understanding proper care techniques will help keep your floors looking great for years.
Avoid using cleaning or finishing agents on new flooring until the adhesive has thoroughly set—approximately two weeks.
Routine Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep debris | Daily or as needed | 5 minutes |
| Wipe up spills | Immediately | 2 minutes |
| Damp mop (minimal water) | Weekly | 10 minutes |
| Apply floor finish | As needed | 30 minutes |
| Check furniture coasters | Monthly | 5 minutes |
Daily Care and Cleaning
Follow manufacturer's specific recommendations for your flooring type.
General guidelines:
- Wipe up spills promptly
- Sweep debris and crumbs instead of frequent water washing
- Limit mopping with water—excessive water can penetrate seams and edges
- Water under flooring causes lifting and curling
No-wax flooring: Has a clear, tough coating providing shiny appearance and durable surface. Even this surface will scuff or mark. Follow manufacturer recommendations for maintaining finish.
Protecting from Furniture
- Install coasters on furniture legs to prevent permanent damage
- Never drag appliances across resilient flooring—causes tears and wrinkles
- Moving heavy items can cause permanent damage
Leftover scraps: If installation scraps remain, we leave them for potential repairs. Matching dye lot makes repairs less apparent.
Preventing Seam Damage
Seams can lift or curl if excessive moisture penetrates them:
- Use special caulking at tub or floor joints to seal seams
- Avoid getting large amounts of water on floor from baths and showers
- Limit water when mopping
Any brand or type of linoleum flooring may separate slightly due to shrinkage.
Troubleshooting
Seams Lifting or Curling
Common causes:
- Excessive water penetration
- Improper cleaning methods
- Subfloor moisture
Prevention:
- Seal seams at wet areas
- Use minimal water when cleaning
- Address spills immediately
Raised Nail Heads
Raised nail heads result from floor joist movement caused by natural shrinkage and deflection.
To fix:
- Place a block of wood over the raised area
- Hit the block with a hammer to reset the nail
Ridges Showing
Ridges from underlayment joints may show through flooring:
- Minor ridges are normal
- Significant ridges (more than 1/8" high) should be reported during warranty period
Scuffs and Marks
Even no-wax flooring will scuff or mark over time:
- Try manufacturer-recommended cleaners
- Some scuffs can be buffed out
- May require floor finish application
What to Avoid
- Don't drag appliances - Causes tears and wrinkles that cannot be repaired
- Don't use excessive water - Water under flooring causes lifting and curling
- Don't skip furniture coasters - Heavy furniture without coasters causes permanent indentations
- Don't use abrasive cleaners - Can damage the floor surface
- Don't clean new floors for 2 weeks - Allow adhesive to fully set
Flooring Information
Your color selection sheet provides a record of the brand, style, and color of floor coverings in your home. Retain this for future reference.
Regular Finish Maintenance
Some resilient floors require regular application of an approved floor finish to retain their appearance. Check your manufacturer's recommendations for:
- Type of finish recommended
- Application frequency
- Cleaning products to use
Related Topics
Warranty Coverage: See Resilient Flooring Standards for coverage periods and exclusions.