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"Our floors look awful!"
This is something we often hear from new clients reaching out for janitorial services. In addition to concerns about dirty restrooms and break rooms, nothing seems to bother building owners more than floors that have lost their shine or appear damaged.
It’s no surprise when you think about it. Whether it’s a doctor’s office, grocery store, or restaurant, people notice the condition of the floors. Shiny, clean floors make a good impression, while dull or dirty floors leave a negative one.
In this article, we’ll cover what vinyl composite tile (VCT) flooring is and how you can properly care for it.
What is VCT Flooring?
Vinyl composite tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips that are compressed into sheets through heat and pressure. Even though the surface of VCT is smooth (thanks to wax coatings), the material is actually porous. This porosity allows dirt and grime to build up, making it important to keep a protective wax layer on the surface at all times.
How to Keep VCT Floors Clean and Polished
Use Walk-off Mats at Entryways Walk-off mats help capture dirt, dust, and grit from shoes, reducing the amount of debris that gets tracked across your floors. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas, such as industrial sites or near main entrances. While the mats won’t catch everything, they do prevent a significant amount of dirt from reaching your floors. Consider using a service that regularly changes these mats and ensure your cleaning team vacuums them daily to maximize their effectiveness.
Dust Mop Every Day and Damp Mop Regularly The best way to prevent floor dulling is to stay ahead of dirt. Use a microfiber mop daily to remove dirt and dust from the floor’s surface. Microfiber is especially effective at picking up fine particles. After dust mopping, damp mop the floor with a mild detergent to remove any stubborn grime. In areas with heavy foot traffic, daily damp mopping is recommended, while lower traffic areas may only need to be mopped a few times a week.
Buff Floors Occasionally Buffing is a great way to bring back the shine of VCT floors by smoothing out the surface. A smoother surface will reflect more light, giving the floor a shinier appearance. Over time, scratches and small pits form from normal wear and tear, such as foot traffic and rolling chairs. Buffing, which involves an abrasive pad and heat, helps remove these imperfections and restores the floor’s reflective qualities.
Recoat Annually (or as Needed) Despite regular maintenance, the wax on VCT floors will wear down eventually. It’s important to strip the old wax and reapply new coats annually or whenever the wear becomes noticeable. How often you need to do this depends on the amount of traffic your floors receive, but for most facilities with moderate to heavy use, a yearly recoat is recommended. Newer wax formulas offer longer-lasting protection, but a periodic full restoration is still essential.
By sticking to a regular cleaning routine and addressing any wear and tear promptly, you can keep your VCT floors looking like new for years to come. With the right care, your floors will maintain their shine and give your building a polished, professional appearance.
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