LVT
Initial Maintenance
- Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove all loose dust, dirt, grit and debris.
- Remove any dried adhesive residue with a clean, white cloth dampened with mineral spirits, carefully following the directions on the container.
- Damp mop the floor with a properly diluted neutral (pH 6 to 8) cleaner such as XL APC, All Purpose Cleaner from XL North.
- If necessary, scrub the floor using a rotary machine or auto scrubber with an appropriate scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M red pad for light scrub, 3M blue pad or equal for a deep scrub)
- Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Remove rinse water and allow the floor to dry completely.
Daily Maintenance
- Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor daily to remove dust, dirt, grit and debris that can damage the floor and become ground into the surface.
- Spot mop as needed. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately.
- Damp mopping of the floor should be performed on a regular or daily basis, depending upon traffic and soil levels in the area. Use a properly diluted neutral (pH 6 to 8) cleaner such as XL APC, All Purpose Cleaner from XL North
Periodic Maintenance
- When needed, a machine scrubbing with a rotary, auto scrubber or counter rotating brush machine can be used. Properly dilute a neutral (pH 6 to 8) cleaner such as XL APC, All Purpose Cleaner from XL North
- Apply diluted solution to the floor, wetting evenly, agitate the solution using the appropriate scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M red pad for light scrub, 3M blue pad or equal for a deep scrub).
- Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Remove rinse water and allow the floor to dry completely.
Finishing Option
If desired, a finished can be used to enhance the appearance of the floor by applying a commercial floor finish. A Matte finish is most common; however a High Gloss can also be used.
- Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove all loose dust, dirt, grit and debris.
- Remove any dried adhesive residue with a clean, white cloth dampened with mineral spirits, carefully following the directions on the container.
- Damp mop the floor with a properly diluted neutral (pH 6 to 8) cleaner such as XL APC, All Purpose Cleaner from XL North.
- If necessary, scrub the floor using a rotary, auto scrubber or counter rotating brush machine with an appropriate scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M red pad for light scrub, 3M blue pad or equal for a deep scrub)
- Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Remove rinse water and allow the floor to dry completely.
- Apply 3 to 5 coats of high‐quality commercial floor Finish such as XL Matte Floor Finish or XL 25 High Gloss, depending upon the desired appearance
Restorative Maintenance – Stripping
Choose a professional floor stripping solution such as XL FS, Floor Stripper.
Mix stripping solution to the appropriate dilution, depending on floor finish build‐up.
Prepare the area by setting wet floor signs at all entrance points.
Tape off all stationary items so as to not have damage from the stripping solution.
- Apply liberal amounts of solution uniformly on floor with mop. Let stripping solution soak for the appropriate amount of time recommended per the instructions on the label. Keep areas to be stripped wet, applying move liquid if necessary.
- Machine scrub the floor with a 175 rpm floor machine with a scrubbing brush (aggressiveness equivalent to 3M green pad or equal) to break up the polish film.
*Note: Do not allow stripping solution to dry on the floor. - Remove slurry with a wet vacuum, extractor or mop
- Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with fresh, clean water. Allow the floor to dry completely.
- Apply 3-5 coats to achieve desired appearance
Notes
Do not wet wash, machine scrub or strip the floor for at least 4 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.
The use of scrubbing brushes is recommended to reach into the textured surface to remove dirt, particles and residues.
Do not use brown or black pads or the equivalent stiffness in brushes.
When moving furniture or heavy equipment, it should be carried, but 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.
Never use metal pole, or razor scrapers to remove material off of the face of the tiles.
