Use and Care Guide

MAINTENANCE FOR SHAW RESIDENTIAL
RESILIENT FLOORING
Proper care will help protect and maintain the appearance and performance of your Shaw resilient
floor. A care program consists of key areas: 1) Preventative Maintenance 2) Routine Maintenance and 3)
Spot and Spill Removal.
Allow the recommended minimum of 24 hours before moving heavy objects. New floors should not be
saturated or wet cleaned for 5 days after installation. Only damp mopping is recommended between
installation and the 5 day period.
Preventative Maintenance:
Always protect floors when moving heavy objects to prevent permanent scratches and tears. The
use of plywood and heavy cardboard are examples of protective barriers.
Use appropriate wide floor protectors under tables, chairs, and any other heavy home furnishing to
avoid permanent damage.
Walk-off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture. If mats are placed
directly on top of the resilient floors, use mats without latex or rubber backings to avoid possible
discoloration.
Routine Maintenance:
Daily removal of dirt and dust is important to prevent particles from abrading the surface of resilient
floors. Sweeping, dust mopping, and vacuuming are recommendations to remove soil particles that can
result in scratches and worn appearances. Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars on hard surfaces.
Periodic wet cleaning will be necessary to help maintain the floor’s appearance. Always pre-
vacuum or dust mop before any type of wet cleaning. Appropriate vinyl floor cleaning equipment and
cleaning agents (neutral pH cleaners) are recommended. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning agents
that leave dull residues on the surface of the floors. Follow the cleaning manufacturer’s instructions for
damp mopping and application. If rinsing is necessary, use clean water and expedite drying with air
movers or fans.
Shaw’s R2x Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner and Shaw’s EPA/Dfe Green Formula Hard Surfaces Flooring
Cleaner are recommended for general spotting and cleaning.
Spot and Spill Removal:
Shaw’s flooring products are engineered to resist and minimize common staining.
Absorb wet spills as quickly as possible by blotting with white paper or cloth towels. Rinse with
water if necessary and blot dry.
Dried spots should be removed by gentle agitation and rinsed with water. Blot dry.
Use Shaw’s R2x Hard Surface cleaning products or products formulated for vinyl floor cleaning. Do not use
detergents or abrasive cleaners since these products can leave a dull residue.
Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) with a clean white cloth for spots requiring a solvent type
cleaner that water and cleaning agents can not remove.
Please note that some stain conditions may become permanent. Contact Shaw at 800-441-7429 or
www.shawfloors.com/customer-care/contact-us
for additional assistance.
Safety Caution: The surfaces of resilient floors change during wet cleaning and finish applications. Use
appropriate safety measures.
Technical Service Bulletin No. 523 – 7/11