[keyser soze]

hi guys . I've got a vinyl floor to clean . its been cleaned poorly for the last ten years and the dirt is baked on .. any advice on what chemical would be best to use  to get it clean... thanks in advance for any replies . regards andy

[premier floorcare]

Any pictures would help with an answer. 

[keyser soze]

Any pictures would help with an answer.

sorry i haven't ... i should of got some 

[premier floorcare]

You use pads not brushes to clean vinyl. SPP pads can clean and in some cases strip existing polish but a suitable detergent/stripper will help with the process.

[David Deer]

Check the floor is vinyl and not linoleum. Protect skirting, walls etc.
First try plain water and a microfibre flat mop or rotary pad and see if that works.
Second (on a small area) try a pH neutral cleaner and increase the pH until or if cleaning occurs. Use a low speed rotary or doodle bug and extract off the slurry. If no result move on to the next phase.
You may find that the 'dirt' is in fact old seal/polish. Test a small area with a floor stripping solution. Leave to dwell (it will start to turn milky) and use a rotary pad low speed until the whole floor is stripped (you may need to repeat ).  Extract off.  Neutralise, extract, rinse, extract.
Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners, organic solvent-based detergents or alcohol/ammonia-based cleaning products including bleach.
You could contact amtech or tiling logistics and ask their advice.
It is always preferable to go on a course to learn about flooring and cleaning methods before undertaking these jobs. £300 for a course is a lot cheaper than £3,000 for new floor!

[Tibi N.]

Right on point  David. I work with chemspec and love their stuff.

[David Deer]

Right on point  David. I work with chemspec and love their stuff.

I must admit of all the floor strippers I have tried the chemspec hi power works the best; but then that is only my experience.

[Emil Dinev]

David I agree that Chemspec High Power Stripper is a good one but for stone you need a specialist stone stripper especialy if dealing with solvent based sealers. Mira Strip from Kevin is an excellent choice.

[David Deer]

David I agree that Chemspec High Power Stripper is a good one but for stone you need a specialist stone stripper especialy if dealing with solvent based sealers. Mira Strip from Kevin is an excellent choice.

Just to clarify, in this instance I was only talking about vinyl flooring.

[superhero1993]

You use pads not brushes to clean vinyl. SPP pads can clean and in some cases strip existing polish but a suitable detergent/stripper will help with the process.

Yes you are right,  I made a mistake! 

[Emil Dinev]

David I agree that Chemspec High Power Stripper is a good one but for stone you need a specialist stone stripper especialy if dealing with solvent based sealers. Mira Strip from Kevin is an excellent choice.

Just to clarify, in this instance I was only talking about vinyl flooring.

Fair enough

[Tibi N.]

David, one question. Have some thight shine left (3x 3.75l) and the freeze got to them   Do you think I can still use it ? It's expensive...

[premier floorcare]

As a rule once polish is frozen it's not viable to use but check with the technical department of the manufacturers and they will give you a definitive answer

[David Deer]

David, one question. Have some thight shine left (3x 3.75l) and the freeze got to them   Do you think I can still use it ? It's expensive...

Answer as above. Chemspec specifically list tight shine as a product susceptible to damage by freezing.
Also these products:
Anti-Static Spray
DFC 105 Carpet Cleaner / Rinse
DFC Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover
Dye Gone
Enzyme Odor Remover
Express Lane TLC
Fix Soot
Formula 161
Hi Power Floor Stripper
High Shine 25
Floor Finish 25
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Liquid Defoamer
Liquid Enzyme Spotter
Liquid Formula 90
Liquid High Heat
OneClean Green Carpet Cleaner
OneClean Green General Purpose Cleaner
OneClean Green Glass Cleaner
OneClean Traffic Lane Cleaner
Roto-Brite II
Soil Retardant Roto-Brite
StainShield – Professional and Concentrated
Super Concentrate Defoamer
Tight Shine
Traffic Lane Cleaner (Original)
Wood Crème Restorer
Wood-Solve Finish

If in doubt - chuck it out!

[Tibi N.]

I'm in trouble then. Tomorrow I have a small job (57mp) to do and don't know how to deal with. Should I let it go or just do it and inform the custy that I will do it again cost-free if there is trouble with the finish ?