Can I use an underlay ?
No, Flotex was not designed to be used with an underlay. As a dimensionally stable material Flotex will not sit happily on top of a flexible underlay. So please lay on a solid floor.
Can I use it on stairs?
Yes, but there are certain provisions: the Flotex must be permanently fixed using a contact adhesive. Each tread and riser should be a separate piece and nosings must be used in all cases.
What adhesive should I use?
Flotex should not be laid in a domestic location using an adhesive. It was designed to be installed using double sided adhesive tape around the perimeters and either side of any joints. A plasticiser migration tape should be used, these may also be called P.M.R. tapes or Antiplas tapes. These types of tapes are designed to be used with vinyl materials. It is not acceptable to use spray adhesive or adhesive just around the edges.
How do I clean it?
Flotex will get dirty and therefore to maintain it we would recommend that it is cleaned regularly using an upright vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible using the Scrape, Scrub, Rinse procedure. If detergent is used then please rinse it afterwards to ensure that any residues will not create further problems. It is wise to clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. This can be carried out using a hot water extraction machine, which you can hire, or if you have one, a Vax or similar machine could be used. Please be aware that because Flotex has a very short pile you should use less detergent than is generally recommended with these machines. Again wherever possible rinse after cleaning to remove any potentially problematic detergent residues. Visit the cleaning page for more detailed information.
Can I use it outside?
No. Although the best quality components are used when manufacturing Flotex they are not designed to withstand the rigours of external use.
I have got some black marks which I clean off and then they come back. How do I stop it?
These recurring marks indicate that whatever has been spilt has not been removed completely, this effect may also be noted where there are excessive detergent residues. To get rid of the effect I would suggest that the area is cleaned using the scrape, scrub, rinse procedure as described in the web site. It may also be necessary to repeat the exercise a couple of times to get rid of all the residues.
Can I use bleach?
No, bleach must never be used on Flotex. The effects of bleaches and other oxidising agents will decolourise the pile fibres and in the long term could make the nylon fibres brittle.
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Can I use Flotex in the Conservatory? Will the sunlight affect the colouring of the floor?
Yes you can use Flotex in a Conservatory. Sunlight will affect anything but Flotex is manufactured using automotive standard dyestuffs, which are highly resistant to ultra-violet. These dyestuffs confer exceptional light fastness to the Flotex material.
Where is Flotex suitable for in the home?
Flotex can be used anywhere in the home. Traditionally launched as a kitchen carpet it is now used in conservatories, bathrooms, playrooms, dining rooms and children's bedrooms.
Is Flotex Stain resistant?
Spillages if left unattended can ultimately lead to permanent staining. Flotex can be cleaned vigorously and spills should be cleaned using the scrape scrub rinse technique as described in the cleaning and maintenance section of this website.
How do I clean Flotex on a day-to-day basis?
We would recommend a daily vacuum using an upright vacuum cleaner. These types of cleaners have a rotating brush which will comb through the pile and lift out the particulate dirt into the airflow. Any spills should be attended to using simple methods described in the brochure. Ultimately your Flotex will require a deep clean to get rid of any built up dirt at the base of the pile. The machine to use would be a hot water extraction machine, which are available at your local machine hire shop or supermarket.
Do I have to use an underlay with Flotex?
Flotex is not installed using an underlay.
Is it easy to remove animal hair from Flotex?
Animal hairs can be easily removed using a stiff brush or steady vacuum cleaning. You can also use a damp cloth. Regular vacuum cleaning will reduce the risk of build up of animal hairs. Also note that if the cat or dog lies in the same place then the greases in the coat can transfer on to the pile and produce a relatively oily area which itself can hold the hairs down and, of course, dirt. So be aware of these areas and clean accordingly.
What will happen if my washing machine floods onto Flotex?
This is a good time to give your Flotex a good clean. The Flotex itself is not affected by water. If the machine does flood remove the Flotex and rinse with clean water. This will remove any detergent residues, and allow to dry and refit. Because it is dimensionally stable it should go back the same way as it was before the flood.
What will stain Flotex?
There are several substances, which can stain Flotex, but if these spillages are cleaned up quickly then the risk of staining will be minimised. The substances to be aware of are: bleach, curry powder, hair dye, leather dye, etc. More details are available in the cleaning section of this website.
Should I use a detergent when cleaning Flotex? If so, how much?
Detergent is not always necessary, however, it does depend on the type of spill (refer to the cleaning section of this website). It must be noted that detergent can remove greasy soil but too much can leave residues in the pile which in turn attracts dirt creating a premature soiling problem. Therefore whenever detergent is used it should always be rinsed out. If detergent is to be used then use a concentration of approximately 1 part to 100 parts water.
I suffer from Asthma, would Flotex be of benefit to me?
Yes, in tests carried out by the British Allergy Foundation it has been found that using a Flotex floorcovering can give an improved quality of life to those people who suffer from this condition. Please see the BAF (British Allergy Foundation) section of this website for further details.
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