Vinyl Sheet Flooring – Maintenance
To keep the lasting shine and fresh feel of your investment for as long as possible,
we recommend that you...
DO
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Remove dried spills with New Beginning® Floor
Stripper and Cleaner on a white cloth.
- Wash your floor occasionally with Armstrong™ Once 'n Done® No-Rinse Floor Cleaner
or an equivalent no-rinse floor cleaner.
- Use Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper for heavy duty cleaning.
- Use Armstrong Shinekeeper® Floor Finish or Armstrong Satinkeeper® Low Gloss Floor
Finish to return your floor's original shine if it begins to dull over time.
DON'T
- Use detergents, abrasive cleaners or "mop and shine" products - they may leave a
dull film on your floor.
- Use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.
- Use a beater bar when vacuuming because it can visibly damage the floor surface.
- Use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.
PROACTIVE PROTECTION FOR YOUR FLOOR
- When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on your floor and
"walk" the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.
- Use floor protectors, such a Armstrong Floor Protectors, on furniture to reduce indentation.
As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector needed.
- Be careful with rolling casters. They can damage the floor. Therefore, we do not
recommend them. If you choose to use them, the double wheel type are the best option.
- Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought into
your home. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the
chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently
stain your floor. We suggest a nonstaining vinyl-backed mat or a woven rug that is
colorfast. Most of these products are identified "colorfast" by the manufacturer.
All Armstrong floor care products have been specifically developed to care for Armstrong
floors. You may purchase Armstrong floor care products at your local flooring retailer.
- To avoid many of the issues listed above, try a new Armstrong ToughGuard™ vinyl floor.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLATION
- For 8 hours after seam application, protect the sealed seams on your flooring. This
will ensure the proper seam bond. If your seams are disturbed before they're dry,
permanent damage may result.
- Maintain room temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours after installation
is completed. This assures proper curing, setting and bonding of products.
- Use a damp sponge, cloth, or mop to wipe off the Armstrong logo and 800 number printed
on the face of the floor. Be careful not to wipe across any seams.
- The adhesive under your floor needs time to thoroughly dry after installation. Therefore
we recommend that you do not scrub or wash your floor for five days
TOP
Vinyl Sheet Flooring – Stain Removal
Crayon
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong™ New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Lipstick
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on
a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on
label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Grape Juice/Wine
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Mercurochrome/Merthiolate
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Mustard**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Pen Ink**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on
a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on
label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
non-abrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Permanent Marker**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Asphalt Driveway Sealer/Shoe Polish**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Hair Dye
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, use mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.
(*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
non-abrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Paint/Varnish
- If paint stain is wet, wipe up the stain with water on a clean white cloth.
- If paint stain is dry, carefully scrape residue with a thin spatula.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, use mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.
(*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Nail Polish
- Very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing acetone (follow use
instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
Rust
- Apply Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper to the stain and let
it stand for five minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff-bristle brush or nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, wipe, rinse, and let dry.
- If traces remain, rub with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of oxalic acid and water
(1 part acid to 10 parts water).
- NOTE: Please follow instructions and cautions on label, as oxalic acid is poisonous.
Cigarette Burns
- The procedure depends on the exact construction of your floor. Consult your retailer.
Black Heel Marks
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with a non abrasive cleaner.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable; please follow instructions on
label).
TOP
Vinyl Tile Flooring – Maintenance
To keep the lasting shine and fresh feel of your investment for as long as possible,
we recommend that you...
DO
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible. Remove dried spills with New Beginning® Extra-Strength
Floor Stripper on a white cloth.
- Wash your floor occasionally with Armstrong™ Once 'n Done® No-Rinse Floor Cleaner
or an equivalent no-rinse floor cleaner.
- Use Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper for heavy duty cleaning.
- Use Armstrong Shinekeeper® Floor Finish or Armstrong Satinkeeper® Low Gloss Floor
Finish to return your floor's original shine if it begins to dull over time.
DON'T
- Use detergents, abrasive cleaners or "mop and shine" products - they may leave a
dull film on your floor.
- Use paste wax or solvent-based polishes.
- Use a beater bar when vacuuming because it can visibly damage the floor surface.
- Use highly abrasive scrubbing tools.
PROACTIVE PROTECTION FOR YOUR FLOOR
- When moving appliances or heavy furniture, lay a plywood panel on your floor and
"walk" the item across it. This protects your floor from scuffing and tears.
- Use floor protectors, such a Armstrong Floor Protectors, on furniture to reduce indentation.
As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector needed.
- Be careful with rolling casters. They can damage the floor. Therefore, we do not
recommend them. If you choose to use them, the double wheel type are the best option.
- Place a walk-off mat at outside entrances to reduce the amount of dirt brought into
your home. We do not recommend the use of rubber- or latex-backed mats because the
chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can permanently
stain your floor. We suggest a nonstaining vinyl-backed mat or a woven rug that is
colorfast. Most of these products are identified "colorfast" by the manufacturer.
All Armstrong floor care products have been specifically developed to care for Armstrong
floors. You may purchase Armstrong floor care products at your local flooring retailer.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLATION
- Maintain room temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours after installation
is completed. This assures proper curing, setting and bonding of products.
- The adhesive under your floor needs time to thoroughly dry after installation. Therefore
we recommend that you do not scrub or wash your floor for five days.
TOP
Vinyl Tile Flooring – Stain Removal
Crayon
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong™ New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Lipstick
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on
a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on
label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Grape Juice/Wine
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Mercurochrome/Merthiolate
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Mustard**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Pen Ink**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain is still visible, rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on
a clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on
label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
non-abrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Permanent Marker**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Asphalt Driveway Sealer/Shoe Polish**
- ** These stains may not be entirely removable from vinyl no-wax floors.
- Rub the stain with mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Hair Dye
- Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a clean white cloth. (*May
be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, use mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.
(*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
non-abrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Paint/Varnish
- If paint stain is wet, wipe up the stain with water on a clean white cloth.
- If paint stain is dry, carefully scrape residue with a thin spatula.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, use mineral spirits* or turpentine* on a clean white cloth.
(*May be combustible/flammable please follow instructions on label.)
- If stain still shows, very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing
acetone (follow use instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
Nail Polish
- Very carefully wipe with fingernail polish remover containing acetone (follow use
instructions on label) on a clean white cloth.
Rust
- Apply Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper to the stain and let
it stand for five minutes. Scrub vigorously with a stiff-bristle brush or nonabrasive
white scrubbing pad, wipe, rinse, and let dry.
- If traces remain, rub with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of oxalic acid and water
(1 part acid to 10 parts water).
- NOTE: Please follow instructions and cautions on label, as oxalic acid is poisonous.
Cigarette Burns
- The procedure depends on the exact construction of your floor. Consult your retailer.
Black Heel Marks
- Scrub the area with Armstrong New Beginning® Extra-Strength Floor Stripper and a
nonabrasive white scrubbing pad, following instructions on the label.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with a non abrasive cleaner.
- If stain still shows, rub the area with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)* on a
clean white cloth. (*May be combustible/flammable; please follow instructions on
label).
TOP
Linoleum – General Upkeep
Genuine linoleum is a unique material with maintenance characteristics similar to
wood. It is tough and durable but susceptible to moisture and alkalinity. In order
to produce its best appearance and to protect it from dirt and excess moisture, linoleum
should be cleaned and polished with products intended for use on genuine linoleum.
Armstrong offers three products specifically designed to maintain residential linoleum,
Armstrong™ Genuine Linoleum Floor Cleaner, Armstrong Genuine Linoleum Floor Polish,
and Armstrong Genuine Linoleum Floor Stripper.
FLOOR CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Genuine Linoleum Floor Cleaner
Specially Developed for Armstrong Genuine Linoleum
Floors
Regular Cleaning
- Sweep or vacuum floor thoroughly
- Mix 1/4 cup cleaner per gallon of COOL water
- Wash with lightly dampened mop
- Change cleaning solution frequently
- Allow floor to dry
Stripping the Floor
- Liberally apply stripper solution to area 3-4 feet square, let soak 3 minutes
- Scrub vigorously with scrub brush or nylon pad
- Mop up solution from floor
- Apply clean rinse water with clean mop
- Mop up rinse water
- Repeat process until entire floor is stripped and rinsed
- Change stripping solution and rinse water often
- Allow floor to dry thoroughly
- Floor should appear uniformly dull
Repolishing the Floor
- Apply 2-3 coats floor polish with a clean damp mop
- Apply polish in areas 3-4 square feet (do not pour on floor)
- Let dry at least 30 minutes between coats
- Allow final coat at least 60 minutes to dry
- Do not use stripper on a new floor
WARNING!
EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
contains Glycol Ether
FLOOR POLISHING INSTRUCTIONS
Genuine Linoleum Floor Polish
Specially Developed for Armstrong Genuine Linoleum Floors
Floor Prep
- Sweep or vacuum floor thoroughly
- Follow instructions to clean or strip floor
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Allow floor to dry
- Do not strip a new floor
Polishing a New or Stripped Floor
- Wait 2 to 3 days after installation before polishing
- Apply 2-3 coats polish with a clean damp mop (do not pour on floor)
- Apply polish in areas 3-4 feet square
- Let dry at least 30 minutes between coats
- Allow final coat at least 60 minutes to dry
Repolishing a Floor
- Apply 1-2 coats floor polish as appearance dictates
- Apply polish in areas 3-4 square feet (do not pour on floor)
- Let dry at least 30 minutes between coats
- Allow final coat at least 60 minutes to dry
WARNING!
EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
Contains Dipropyl Glycol Methyl
Ether
TOP
Polishing Genuine Linoleum
Without polish, a genuine linoleum floor appears faded and dull and is more susceptible
to soiling, staining, and permanent damage. New linoleum has a thin coat of factory-applied
sealer, so that only 2-3 coats of Genuine Linoleum Floor Polish may produce an acceptable
level of gloss and protection. A freshly stripped linoleum floor will likely require
a minimum of 3 coats of polish for acceptable gloss and protection. A proper linoleum
polish will be easy to apply, provide full protection from traffic and spills, and
be removable with stripping detergents, which won’t damage the linoleum.
Armstrong Genuine Linoleum Floor Polish is designed to meet these requirements.
- Pour the Genuine Linoleum Floor Polish into a clean bucket. Never pour polish directly
onto the floor. It produces negative side effects, such as, uneven gloss appearance
caused by a highergloss where the polish was poured, and streaking caused by softening
of the previous coats ofpolish.
- Use a clean applicator that has been dampened with clean water. A clean sponge mop
is a common choice for polish application. Some people prefer to apply polish with
a hand held sponge or cloth.
- Dip the applicator into the polish in the bucket, then, wring it out approximately
half way.
- With light pressure, wipe the applicator across an area 3-4 feet square using simple
straight motions. Try not to go over the same spot more than once or twice. Rubbing
back and forth over the same spot too often can cause the previous layers of polish
to soften and develop marks that look like paint brush strokes. The marks will not
go away and will be plainly visible when the polish dries. The only way to eliminate
such streaks is to strip the polish and start over again. Proper application of a
coat of polish will appear uniformly wet, but not puddled.
- Adequate drying time is also very important. As noted in the Genuine Linoleum Floor
Polish instructions below, never allow less than 30 minutes of drying time for each
coat of polish. If the floor being polished is located in an area of high humidity
or if the current weather conditions exhibit high humidity, the polish will take
substantially longer to dry. Even when the polish feels dry to the touch, it still
contains moisture that will take many hours to evaporate. If another coat of polish
is applied too soon or the application is too heavy (thick) or the applicator is
rubbed over the area too many times with too much pressure, streaking will occur.
The possibility of causing streaks rises with the number of coats of polish in a
given period of time. After the last coat of polish is applied, wait as long as possible
before allowing foot traffic on the floor. Try for at least 60 minutes. Wait even
longer, if possible, before replacing furniture. The polish will take approximately
24 hours to reach maximum toughness, so, exercising some extra care at this stage
should minimize scuffs and scratches to the new polish coating.
TOP