“Why do our floors look so terrible?”
This is a question we often hear when potential clients reach out for a cleaning services proposal. Besides unclean restrooms and break rooms, nothing frustrates building owners more than dull, damaged floors.
It’s not surprising. Think about the places you visit regularly—doctor’s offices, grocery stores, department stores, restaurants. Do you notice when the floors are shiny? Do you notice when they are dull or dirty?
In this article, we’ll discuss vinyl composite tile (VCT) flooring and how to keep these floors looking their best.
What is VCT Flooring?
Vinyl composite tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips that are formed into solid sheets through heat and pressure. While the surface of VCT feels smooth (due to a wax coating), it is actually quite porous. This porosity allows dirt and grit to collect easily. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain an adequate layer of wax on VCT tiles at all times.
Tips to Maintain Clean VCT Floors
1. Use Walk-off Mats
Walk-off mats capture dirt and grit from shoes, reducing the abrasive action that occurs every time someone walks on the floor. In industrial settings, it’s particularly important to place mats at entrances to and exits from the shop floor. While mats won’t catch every particle, they do capture a surprising amount. Consider using a service that replaces these mats regularly and remind your cleaning team to vacuum them each night.
2. Dust Mop Daily and Damp Mop Often
The best way to prevent floor dulling is to remove dirt and dust daily using a microfiber mop. Microfiber materials are excellent at capturing dust and dirt. After dust mopping, use a damp mop with mild soap to pick up any remaining debris. In areas with heavy foot traffic, damp mopping should be done daily. For areas with light traffic, less frequent mopping is sufficient.
3. Buff Occasionally
Floor buffers enhance shine by smoothing the surface of your VCT flooring. A smooth surface reflects more light, making it appear shinier. Over time, VCT floors develop small pits and scratches from foot traffic and rolling chairs. Buffers use an abrasive pad and the heat from the spinning surface to smooth out these imperfections, resulting in a more reflective surface.
4. Restore Annually (in most cases)
Eventually, all the wear and tear will strip away the wax on your VCT flooring. It’s important to restore the tile surface by removing the old wax and applying several new layers. The frequency of this process depends on several factors, but generally, facilities with medium to high traffic should undergo floor restoration at least once a year. Advances in floor wax technology have led to longer-lasting protection, but regular maintenance is still key.
With consistent care and a good preventative maintenance program, VCT floors can stay looking good for a long time. Regular attention to these four steps will ensure your floors remain a point of pride rather than a source of frustration.
