Use and Care Guide

8. How do I remove adhesive from the joints and tops of the tiles? On peel and stick tiles, you will need to use mineral spirits.
Using a soft, white cloth, apply mineral spirits sparingly to the cloth first. Then gently dab the area on the tile with the cloth to
pull the adhesive up. Do not pour the mineral spirits on the tile or use the cloth in a rubbing motion as this may damage the
finish of the tile or lead to an adhesive failure.
9. How do I remove a damaged tile? Use a heat gun or hair dryer on the lowest setting and heat up the self-stick tile. This will
reactivate the adhesive and allow it to be pulled up using a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the adjoining tiles.
GROUTING:
1. Can I use other colors from other brands other than Blue Hawk? Yes. Any pre-mixed, synthetic adhesive-type grout can be
used on Stainmasterâ luxury vinyl tiles. Check the manufacturer’s label / website for proper installation at thin depths (less
than 2.5mm).
2. What size grout spacing is allowed? Tile should be a minimum of 1/16” – 3/16” wide.
3. How long should I wait to apply grout? Wait 24 hours after installation to allow tile adhesives to properly cure.
4. Do I need to seal the grout? No. Acrylic grouts are much more stain resistant, mold resistant and non-porous than traditional
cementitious grouts. The manufacturers of them all state not to seal in their materials and instructions.
CLEANING:
1. How do I clean my floor? Use a DAMP mop and “neutral pH” cleaner to remove any sediments or contaminants to the
flooring. These cleaners are safe enough for regular use on solid, luxury vinyl flooring. Do not use any type of chemical or
harsh cleaners. Regular sweeping and vacuuming with and electric broom are also recommended. Do not use a vacuum with a
standard “bristled beater bar” as this can damage the wear layer on the floor covering.
2. What shouldn’t I use on my floor to clean it? Don’t use the following: Abrasive cleaners, abrasive powders, oil based cleaners,
detergent based cleaners, multi surface cleaners or bleaches.
3. What can I use to bring a shine to my floor? Use of satin or gloss floor finishes will enhance the sheen of a vinyl floor. Be sure
to use a floor finish that is compatible with solid vinyl tiles.
4. Why not mop with soapy water? Mops generally use too much water and leave a lot of water behind, which can seep thru the
seams in the tiles and planks and cause adhesive failures and subfloor swelling. Soapy waters can also leave behind an
unwanted film on your floor surface.
5. Can I use a Swiffer? Yes. Swiffer’s work well for daily maintenance on your vinyl floors.
6. Can I use a steam mop? No. Steam mops can get too hot and cause your adhesive to fail.
MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Will my floor scuff? Yes. Certain materials will scuff a vinyl floor like dark soled shoes, sneakers, rubber based shoes or
furniture bottoms.
2. How can I prevent scuff marks, scratches or gouging? Apply an aftermarket finish to the flooring to prevent scuffing and
minor scratching. Use felt type furniture protectors on all furniture legs and bottoms. When moving heavy furniture, use soft
“Sliders” specifically made for hard surface floors.
3. Will my pets damage my floor? Common household pets are fine, but keep in mind that some dogs have tougher, sharper
nails and will gain traction differently on a hard surface floors causing them to grip with their claws more. Keeping your pet’s
nails trimmed and filed will aid in prevention of scratches, by keeping them on the pads of their feet.
4. Can my peel and stick tiles be installed on stairs? Stainmasterâ luxury vinyl can be installed on stairs, however we do not
recommend any type of aftermarket finish to be applied on flooring used on the stairs.
5. Can peel and stick tiles be installed on the walls or ceiling? While not originally intended for use on walls or ceiling
applications, we cannot specifically recommend or warrant our products to be used in these circumstances. Our pressure
sensitive adhesives are not meant to be used in any application other than to lay flat.
6. Can Stainmaster
ââ
luxury vinyl peel and stick tiles be used in homes with wheelchair access? Our floors exceed the ADA
recommendations for static coefficient of friction and slip resistance and are suitable with wheelchair traffic. Stainmasterâ
luxury vinyl floors are NOT recommended to be installed on ADA ramps and accesses.
7. Are furniture protectors really necessary? YES!! Furniture protector pads ARE necessary to prevent surface scratching and
scuffing. Nylon type protectors are the best to use. Felt protectors can be used but must be changed frequently to keep the
amount of embedded debris to a minimum. We recommend replacement >3 times a year to avoid buildup of debris on the felt.
8. What type of rugs should I use? Area rugs, walk off mats and throw rugs should NOT have rubber backing. Keep to soft
surface fabric backed area rugs to prevent scratching or discoloration of your floor.