What are the benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools and educational institutions? Continue reading to learn more.
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your school or educational institution, one of the most important aspects that you should never underestimate is proper floor care. Professional floor cleaning not only contributes to a healthier environment for everyone in the school, but also ensures the durability and longevity of your floor.
If your school has a VCT floor, occasional or even deep cleaning is not always enough for keeping your floors clean, safe, and well-maintained. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about VCT floor care – from the benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools to how often you should be doing it.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into it:
What is VCT stripping and waxing for schools?
VCT stripping and waxing is a specialized maintenance process designed for vinyl flooring, which involves the removal of old wax and dirt (stripping), cleaning the surface, and then applying new wax layers (waxing).
This process is typically done by professional cleaning companies like TCS Floors, and it enhances the appearance of the floor while protecting it against damage. In addition, it extends its lifespan, which is crucial for clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing floors in high-traffic areas.
Considering that schools and educational institutions are constantly frequented by students, staff, parents, and other people, ensuring proper maintenance through VCT stripping and waxing is key for the longevity of the vinyl flooring.
How is VCT stripping and waxing done?
As we just mentioned, VCT stripping and waxing for schools is a specialized process, and it’s not something that you can easily do yourself – especially if you don’t have the right equipment or know-how to go through each step.
This process typically involves 3 key steps:
1. Stripping
First, the floor care company will initiate the process by applying a chemical stripper to the VCT flooring. This chemical is specifically formulated to break down and dissolve the old wax, sealers, and any embedded dirt or grime.
The floor is then agitated with a floor machine equipped with a stripping pad, which helps to lift the old wax from the tile. After this, the slurry of old wax and stripper is removed from the floor, typically through mopping or using a wet vacuum.
2. Cleaning
The next step of VCT stripping and waxing for schools is cleaning, which is a key step in ensuring that the floor is prepared for the freshly added wax layer.
Once the old wax is stripped away, the floor is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining stripper residue and to prepare the surface for a new coat of wax. This step ensures that the new wax adheres properly and evenly.
3. Waxing
The last step of the process is waxing, also known as finishing. It involves applying multiple layers of floor finish or wax to the clean VCT. Each layer is allowed to dry before the next one is applied.
The number of layers can vary depending on the desired level of shine and protection.
The new wax provides a shiny, protective layer on top of the VCT, making it more resistant to scratches, scuffs, and stains. It also makes the floor of your school easier to clean in the future, which is essential for a healthier learning environment.
How often should VCT stripping & waxing be done?
Before we talk about the benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools, it is important to answer one key question – how often should I do this process to maximize the durability and longevity of my vinyl floor? We have the answer.
The frequency of VCT stripping and waxing depends on foot traffic and use. High-traffic areas like schools and educational institutions may need it every 6 months, while less busy areas might only require it annually.
Regular maintenance like sweeping, mopping, and spot waxing extends the periods between full stripping and waxing, ensuring the floor’s longevity and appearance. Tailoring the schedule to the specific needs of the area is essential for optimal upkeep.
If you are still not sure how often you should do it based on your particular case or situation, we always recommend speaking to a professional. You can get in touch with us, and we will be happy to prepare a customized solution and schedule based on your needs.
What are the benefits of VCT stripping and waxing?
Now that we know what VCT stripping and waxing is, as well as how often it should be done, let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools:
1. Enhance the appearance of the floors
One of the most important benefits of VCT stripping and waxing is the enhanced appearance of vinyl floors. This process restores their shine and improves the overall aesthetics of school environments, creating a positive impression on students, staff, and visitors.
The waxing process leaves VCT floors with a glossy, reflective finish that instantly brightens rooms and corridors, making them appear cleaner and more inviting. By applying new layers of wax evenly across the floor, imperfections such as scratches, scuffs, and stains are masked, resulting in a smooth and uniform appearance
2. Improve safety for students and staff
Next on our list of benefits of VCT stripping and waxing is improved safety – a properly waxed floor reduces the risks of slips and falls by offering a cleaner, more slip-resistant surface, crucial in maintaining a safe school environment.
In addition, a well-maintained and waxed floor improves visibility, making it easier to spot potential hazards like spills or dropped objects, allowing for quicker cleanup or avoidance.
3. Increase the longevity of VCT floors
Regular stripping and waxing also protect the floor from scratches, nicks, and other damage, extending the life of the VCT flooring and saving costs on premature replacements. It helps to increase the longevity of the floors in various ways:
- Removal of damaging particles – stripping removes accumulated dirt, grit, and old wax that can scratch and wear down the surface of the tiles over time. Eliminating these abrasive materials prevents the floor from becoming dull and worn.
- Creation of a protective barrier – waxing applies a protective coating to the VCT flooring, which acts as a barrier against spills, stains, and foot traffic. This layer absorbs the impact and wear, reducing the rate of degradation.
- Moisture resistance – the wax coating also provides a moisture-resistant seal, preventing water and other liquids from seeping into the tiles and adhesive. This is crucial in preventing tile lifting, warping, and mold growth.
- Prevents discoloration – regular stripping and waxing of school floors help prevent the discoloration of tiles from UV light exposure and staining substances, keeping the tiles looking new for longer.
4. Make floors easier to maintain
VCT waxing and stripping simplify maintenance by creating a protective wax layer that shields school floors from dirt, spills, and wear. This layer makes daily cleaning easier, as spills can be quickly wiped up without staining or penetrating the tiles.
It also reduces the need for heavy scrubbing and harsh chemicals, preserving the floor’s appearance and extending its lifespan with less effort.
5. Contribute to a healthier hygienic environment
Among the main benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools is that they contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment.
This comprehensive process removes dirt, grime, and bacteria from floors, ensuring a cleaner surface that reduces the risk of illness. It also seals the floor, making it easier to clean and maintain, which helps prevent the spread of germs.
6. Protect against floor damage
And of course, when talking about the benefits of VCT stripping and waxing for schools, we can’t forget to mention how this process helps shield the floor from damage, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas like hallways and classrooms.
It removes old finish and applies a new layer of wax, protecting floors from scratches, scuffs, and stains.
This process extends the floor’s life by creating a barrier against wear and tear, moisture, and dirt, ensuring the flooring remains in good condition longer, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacement.
7. Improve indoor air quality
VCT stripping and waxing in schools can improve indoor air quality by removing accumulated dirt, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped in old wax layers.
As we mentioned earlier, the fresh wax layer acts as a sealant, minimizing the release of particulates and VOCs into the air, thus reducing airborne contaminants. This contributes to a cleaner, healthier breathing environment for students and staff.
About TCS Floors
If you are looking for a fast, effective and reliable industrial floor cleaning company, look no further than TCS Floors.
With over 30 years of experience nationwide, our team of experienced professionals has all the knowledge, skills and equipment to keep a clean and safe environment for employees and clients. Contact us today for a quote.
FAQ
How much does it cost to strip and wax VCT floors?
The cost to strip and wax VCT floors varies widely, depending on factors like floor condition, area size, and regional labor rates. Large areas may get lower per square foot rates due to economies of scale, while smaller spaces might cost more per square foot due to minimum service charges.
Does VCT need to be waxed?
Yes, VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile) flooring requires waxing to maintain its durability, appearance, and resistance to damage. Waxing provides a protective layer that shields the tiles from scratches, scuffs, and stains, and helps preserve the floor’s shine and color.
Regular waxing also makes cleaning easier and extends the floor’s lifespan, making it a necessary maintenance step for VCT flooring.
How often should you strip and wax a VCT floor?
The frequency for stripping and waxing VCT floors depends on the level of foot traffic and wear. Generally, it’s recommended to strip and wax at least once or twice a year for moderate to high-traffic areas.
Low-traffic areas might require less frequent service, potentially every 18 to 24 months. Regular maintenance, including daily cleaning and periodic buffing, can extend the time between full strip and wax procedures.
