Clean, shiny floors make a great first impression. That’s why maintaining your floors should be a priority. Regular cleaning and deep cleaning of floors should be incorporated into your building’s maintenance to prevent the dreaded look of dull flooring. Most businesses use one of three hard floor types: Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT), Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). In this post, we are going to focus on VCT flooring. This is commonly used in commercial settings due to its durability.
Composed from about 65% limestone, VCT flooring is porous and prone to collecting dirt and grime. To protect its porous surface, layers of wax polish are applied. Over time, the top layer dulls leaving visitors with a less than stellar impression. Let’s explore how to clean VCT floors and keep them looking fresh and well-maintained.
How to Clean VCT Floors and Keep Them Looking Shiny?
It goes without saying that increased foot traffic requires more frequent cleanings. Routine maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your VCT floors and maintain their appearance between deep cleanings. Here are some essential steps for regular VCT floor maintenance:
Dust Mopping Daily
Using a microfiber dust mop daily can help remove dirt and debris that would otherwise become ground into the floor. The smooth texture of the microfiber helps capture fine particles that might not be visible but can cause long-term damage if left unattended. This process also reduces the need for more intense cleaning methods in the future.
Wet Mopping Regularly
For areas with light foot traffic, weekly mopping might be sufficient. However, for high-traffic areas, daily mopping is necessary. Wet mopping helps remove grime and sticky substances that a dust mop might miss. Always use a pH-neutral cleaner, as harsh chemicals can strip away the protective wax layer from your VCT flooring.
Use Entryway Mats to Reduce Dirt
Strategically placed mats at entryways help collect dirt, moisture, and debris from visitors' shoes before they can damage your floors. Not only do mats protect the floors, but they also reduce the frequency of deep cleaning. They do so by preventing excessive grime from reaching your VCT floors.
When to Schedule a Deep Cleaning for VCT Floors
Regular maintenance will keep your floors looking cleaner for a longer period of time. However, eventually even the most well-maintained VCT floors will need a deeper clean. Sun exposure, heavy foot traffic, and time cause the wax layers to wear down. This can lead to a dull, yellowed appearance. When this happens, it’s time for a deep clean to restore the shine and protect the flooring.
Signs Your VCT Floor Needs a Deep Cleaning
The surface appears dull or yellowish, no matter how much you mop.
Ground-in dirt and grime are noticeable in high-traffic areas.
Your floors feel sticky, or dirt seems embedded in the wax.
The flooring shows uneven wear, with some sections looking worse than others.
The Deep Cleaning Process for VCT Floors
Deep cleaning VCT floors involves stripping the old layers of wax. This removes the dirt and grime embedded in the top layers. After stripping, new layers of wax are applied. This is followed by buffing the surface to achieve a high-gloss finish. This process can make your floors look brand new again.
Professional deep cleaning should be scheduled at least twice a year. Businesses with higher traffic may need it more frequently. For example, healthcare facilities, schools, and retail spaces often require quarterly deep cleanings to maintain a pristine appearance.
Tools and Materials Needed for Cleaning VCT Floors
Using the right tools and materials is key to achieving the best results when cleaning VCT floors. Whether you’re doing daily maintenance or prepping for a deep clean, here’s what you’ll need:
Microfiber Dust Mop: The fine fibers trap dust, dirt, and small particles. This protects the wax layer from scratches.
Wet Mop and Bucket: Invest in a good wet mop and a bucket with a wringer to guarantee thorough cleaning without leaving excess water on the floor.
pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner: VCT floors require a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damage to the wax coating. Make sure your cleaning solution is formulated for this type of flooring.
Floor Stripper: For deep cleaning, a professional-grade floor stripper is necessary to remove old wax layers before reapplying fresh wax.
Floor Wax: High-quality floor wax protects VCT flooring and gives it a shiny finish. Applying multiple layers is necessary for long-lasting protection.
Buffing Machine: After applying wax, a buffing machine helps polish the surface to achieve that high-gloss, "like-new" finish.
How to Clean VCT Floors and Maintain Their Shine
Maintaining the shine of your VCT floors requires a combination of regular maintenance and periodic deep cleaning. Here’s a summary of how to clean your VCT floors to make sure they stay in great condition.
Daily Dust Mopping: This prevents dirt and debris from being ground into the wax.
Regular Wet Mopping: Using a pH-neutral cleaner will help keep the wax layer intact while cleaning the surface.
Deep Cleaning and Waxing: Once or twice a year, strip the old wax, apply fresh coats, and buff the floor to bring back the shine.
How Often Should You Have VCT Floors Professionally Cleaned?
The frequency of professional cleaning depends on several factors. This includes foot traffic, location, and the type of business you run. While daily maintenance can prevent dirt buildup, professional cleanings are necessary to restore shine and remove embedded dirt that regular mopping can’t eliminate.
High-Traffic Areas
If your business experiences high foot traffic—such as retail stores, hospitals, or schools—you should aim for quarterly professional cleanings. This will help prevent wear and tear, keeping your floors looking shiny and new.
Moderate-Traffic Areas
In spaces with moderate foot traffic such as office buildings, semi-annual professional cleanings are usually sufficient. Daily mopping and occasional deep cleaning will help maintain a polished appearance.
Low-Traffic Areas
In areas with minimal traffic such as conference rooms or back offices, an annual professional cleaning may be all that’s needed. However, regular dust mopping and occasional wet mopping are still essential for daily maintenance.
How Professional Cleaning Services Can Help Maintain Your VCT Floors
While routine cleaning is important, professional cleaning services can take your VCT floor care to the next level. Here’s why working with professionals is beneficial:
Expertise in Floor Maintenance: At Cleantec, we know the right techniques and tools to use to maintain your flooring's durability and appearance. Our experienced technicians use specialized equipment to guarantee your floors receive the care they need.
Customizable Cleaning Plans: We work with you to create a cleaning plan that fits your business’s needs. Whether you need daily maintenance, quarterly deep cleanings, or occasional buffing, we can customize our services to match your traffic patterns and floor type.
Inclusive Services: In addition to VCT floor care, we offer a wide range of services to keep your commercial space looking its best. From window washing to post-construction cleanup, our team can handle it all. We promise your building remains clean and inviting.
At Cleantec, we know that keeping your VCT floors clean and shiny requires more than just routine maintenance. With over 45 years of experience, our team knows how to provide the best care for your floors, whether it's regular cleanings, deep treatments, or specialized services like post-construction cleanup.
Trusting us with your floor maintenance will not only extend the life of your VCT floors but also create a cleaner, more inviting space for both employees and customers. Nobody wants to say their flooring looks terrible. We can help you be proud of your flooring. Give us a call at (315) 463-5353 and our Special Projects team will assess your flooring needs.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
