“We can't stand how bad our floors look!”

This is a common frustration we hear from new clients looking for cleaning services. Along with dirty restrooms or break areas, nothing seems to upset building owners more than floors that have lost their shine or look worn out.

It’s easy to understand why. Think about the places you visit frequently—doctor’s offices, grocery stores, restaurants, and more. Do you notice the sparkle when the floors are clean? Do you spot when they look dull or dirty?

In this article, we will focus on vinyl composite tile (VCT) flooring and how you can maintain its appearance over time.

What is VCT Flooring?

Vinyl composite tile (VCT) is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips that are compressed into solid sheets using heat and pressure. While the surface of VCT appears smooth, due to the wax layer often applied to it, the material is actually porous. This porosity allows dirt and grime to settle in easily, which is why it's critical to maintain a proper coating of wax to keep the tile protected.

How to Maintain VCT Floors

1. Place Walk-off Mats at Entrances Walk-off mats help trap dirt and debris from shoes, minimizing the impact of grit that can wear down floors over time. This is especially important in areas like industrial settings where workers frequently walk in and out of shop floors. Although the mats won’t stop all particles, they catch more than you might think. Consider using a service that regularly replaces these mats and remind your janitorial staff to vacuum them daily for best results.
2. Dust Mop Daily and Damp Mop Frequently The easiest way to prevent floors from becoming dull is to remove dirt and dust on a regular basis. Use a microfiber mop daily to trap as much dirt as possible. Microfiber mops are particularly good at grabbing dust. Follow this by damp mopping with mild soap to remove any remaining grime. For areas with heavy foot traffic, this process should be done daily. For spaces with lighter use, you can reduce the frequency as needed.
3. Buff Floors as Needed Buffing helps restore the natural shine of your VCT floors by smoothing out the surface. A smoother surface reflects more light, resulting in a shinier appearance. Over time, foot traffic, rolling chairs, and other activities create small scratches or “pits” in the floor. Buffing, which uses an abrasive pad and heat, smooths out these imperfections to improve the floor’s reflectivity and shine.
4. Restore Floors Annually Even with regular cleaning, the wax layer on VCT floors will wear down over time. It’s important to schedule an annual restoration to remove the old wax and apply several new coats. How often you need this depends on the traffic levels in your building, but an annual restoration is recommended for most facilities with medium to high traffic. Advances in modern floor finishes mean the wax lasts longer, but periodic restoration is still necessary to keep floors in top condition.

By following these steps and incorporating a regular maintenance schedule, VCT floors can stay looking great for years to come. A proactive approach will prevent floors from becoming a problem area and ensure they remain clean and polished.