Enter almost any commercial complex and chances are pretty good that the floor underneath your feet will be VCT (vinyl composition tile). VCT is believed to be extremely durable and easy to maintain. But in order to uphold its durability, the floor requires regular cleaning.
Here is how to clean this surface like a professional:
Use Good Quality Cleaners:
It is extremely important to apply a neutral commercial floor care cleaner that has a pH of seven. One ounce of this solution mixed with a gallon of water is perfect for regular maintenance. Stay away from using a highly alkaline degreaser or cleaner as it will completely dull the finish. It’s also important to scrub and coat new VCT floors with at least 4 coats of finish. Bear in mind that lobbies, entryways, and other such areas may require more frequent cleaning than areas that have lower traffic. These kinds of areas require extra coats of protection and additional maintenance.
Varnish the floor properly:
Vinyl composition tile manufacturers coat their tiles with a thin cover of acrylic finish to protect them during the time of storage and shipment. As this coating offers minimal protection from foot traffic, the tiles must be scrubbed and then coated with generous amounts of varnish. However, scrubbing must only be performed after about 2 weeks of installation to ensure that the tiles have bonded to the surface properly. VCT scrubbing or cleaning too early can damage the floor, which can in turn lead to loss of time and money.
Also, apart from professional cleaning, proper maintenance of vinyl composition is extremely important to ensure an attractive, long-lasting commercial VCT surface. The owner must use walk off mats and perform regular maintenance such as, mopping and sweeping to protect not only the surface but also the investment of building owners. Trying to clean vinyl composition tiles without knowing the correct process or using the wrong commercial floor care chemicals can turn a simple floor covering into a grimy looking, dull surface. It is also good to invest in good quality equipment for regular maintenance.
