Vinyl Flooring Articles

FloorScore Certification

FloorScore® is one of the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications for hard‑surface flooring. As more homeowners, designers, and builders focus on health and sustainability, FloorScore certification has become an important factor in flooring selection.

What FloorScore Certification Means

FloorScore® certifies that a flooring product meets strict limits for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Products are tested in independent laboratories under controlled conditions to ensure they meet established indoor air quality standards.

Types of Products That Can Be FloorScore Certified

• Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP)
• Laminate flooring
• Engineered hardwood
• Rubber flooring
• Linoleum
• Underlayments and adhesives

When these products carry the FloorScore® label, it indicates they have passed VOC emission testing.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air can contain higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air, especially in tightly sealed homes and buildings. Flooring can be a significant source of:

• VOC emissions
• Odors
• Chemical exposure

Sensitive groups include:

• Children
• Elderly individuals
• People with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions

Choosing low‑emitting flooring products can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

How FloorScore Products Are Tested

FloorScore testing typically evaluates:

• Total VOC emissions
• Specific chemical compounds of concern
• Emission levels over time
• Compliance with California Section 01350 (a widely recognized IAQ standard)

Products that meet the criteria are allowed to carry the FloorScore® certification mark.

FloorScore vs. Other Certifications

FloorScore®

• Focus: VOC emissions from flooring and related products
• Basis: California Section 01350
• Commonly used in residential and commercial projects

GREENGUARD Gold

• Focus: VOC emissions across many product categories (furniture, finishes, etc.)
• Stricter limits for schools, healthcare, and sensitive environments

CARB Phase 2

• Focus: Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products
• Not a full VOC standard, but important for wood‑based materials

Each certification addresses a different piece of the indoor air quality puzzle. FloorScore is specifically tailored to flooring.

Why Consumers Should Look for FloorScore Certified Products

• Improved indoor air quality
• Reduced exposure to certain VOCs
• Better suitability for sensitive individuals and environments
• Contribution to green building programs such as LEED and WELL
• Added transparency and confidence in product selection

Bottom Line

FloorScore certification helps homeowners, builders, and specifiers choose flooring that supports healthier indoor environments. As awareness of indoor air quality continues to grow, FloorScore‑certified products will remain an important part of responsible flooring design and selection.

When it comes to resilient flooring, beauty and durability are only part of the story. The real foundation of a healthy home lies in how your floors contribute to indoor air quality. FloorScore®-certified vinyl flooring—whether sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl tile (LVT)—meets rigorous standards for low VOC emissions. But maintaining that standard doesn’t stop at installation. It continues with how you clean and care for your floors.

This guide outlines maintenance practices that preserve both your vinyl flooring and the air you breathe.

Why FloorScore® Certification Matters

FloorScore® is the most recognized indoor air quality certification for hard surface flooring, adhesives, and underlayments. Products that earn this certification are independently tested and comply with California’s Section 01350—one of the most stringent standards for VOC emissions.

But even the cleanest floor can become a source of indoor pollution if maintained with harsh chemicals. That’s why FloorScore® promotes cleaning methods that align with its mission: protecting human health through better air.

Maintenance Practices That Support Air Quality

To maintain your vinyl floors without compromising indoor air quality:

• Use pH-neutral, low-VOC cleaners: Choose products specifically labeled as low-emitting or certified by third-party programs like Green Seal or Safer Choice.
• Avoid aerosol sprays and harsh solvents: These can release VOCs and degrade the floor’s protective wear layer.
• Ventilate during and after cleaning: Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air, especially in enclosed spaces.
• Dry mop regularly: Dust and allergens accumulate quickly. A microfiber mop traps particles without stirring them into the air.
• Damp mop with care: Use only as much moisture as needed. Excess water can seep into seams and adhesives, potentially affecting air quality over time.

Recommended Cleaner Criteria

When selecting a cleaner for your FloorScore®-certified vinyl floor, look for:

Criteria	Why It Matters
Low or no VOCs	Reduces airborne chemical exposure
Fragrance-free or naturally derived scents	Minimizes synthetic irritants
No ammonia, bleach, or petroleum distillates	Prevents chemical degradation of flooring and air quality
Third-party certifications	Adds credibility and transparency (e.g., GreenGuard, Safer Choice)

What to Avoid

Even well-meaning cleaning routines can introduce pollutants. Avoid:

• Mixing household chemicals: Combining vinegar with bleach or ammonia can release toxic gases.
• Overuse of disinfectants: Unless medically necessary, frequent use of strong disinfectants can contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Scented floor polishes or waxes: These often contain phthalates and other VOCs that linger in the air.

Long-Term Protection for People and Floors

Proper maintenance of vinyl flooring isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about stewardship. By choosing certified products and safe cleaning methods, you’re protecting your family, your pets, and your indoor environment.

FloorScore®-certified floors are designed to support healthier living. Let your maintenance routine do the same.