In any commercial building, the heaviest used but most neglected asset is often the flooring. Proper care for your floors will extend their lifespan, improve workplace safety for your employees and enhance the presentation of your spaces.
Different flooring materials require specialised treatments due to their different properties. In this article, we will consider the needs of Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT), vinyl and polished concrete, and illustrate how professional cleaning and maintenance can prevent costly replacements and business downtime.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Method for Different Commercial Floor Types
The different types of commercial flooring have different material properties, and this means that they require very different cleaning. The cleaning chemicals must be chosen carefully so as not to affect the flooring finishes. Cleaning tools must also be matched to the floor type in order to clean most efficiently. And the frequency of cleaning should be matched to the foot traffic experienced by the flooring, which will vary dramatically by location.
Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
VCT is a durable and usually highly cost-effective floor covering in commercial settings, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips and pigments. It is resistant to heavy foot traffic and most light damage, making it ideal for busy locations such as schools, hospitals and childcare centres.
The ideal cleaning routine for VCT flooring involves an initial sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris, before damp mopping with a neutral cleaner. The porous surface should not be exposed to excess moisture and requires regular resealing and waxing to maintain its durable properties.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl shares properties with VCT: it is durable, easy to maintain, hygienic and cost-effective in most cases. It can handle the demand of high-traffic areas, so it is suitable for healthcare settings, commercial kitchens, schools, industrial spaces and wet areas such as changing rooms or laundry rooms.
In contrast to VCT, standard vinyl is non-porous, so it can withstand water when being cleaned. It can be swept and vacuumed, then mopped with neutral cleaners or soap solutions. It is prone to dulling and scuffing over time, and extreme heat from steam cleaning should be avoided as it can warp and damage the floor.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is used in retail settings, warehouses, showrooms and high traffic areas like airports, hotels and museums, because it is durable, low maintenance and has aesthetic appeal.
To maintain the gloss of the surface, daily dry mopping or vacuuming should remove loose dirt, and wet mopping can be done weekly (avoiding anything harsher than a neutral cleaner to protect the finish of the concrete.
The Importance of Routine Buffing and Polishing Schedules
In many settings, the aesthetic appeal of the floor is important. And even where the look is not a focal point, such as in a hospital or school, it is immediately noticeable when the floor doesn’t look “right.” Buffing floors in commercial environments restores their original shine and removes superficial marks typical of high-traffic spaces. Clean and glossy flooring indicates a level of professionalism appealing to consumers, as well as reducing the frequency of restorative maintenance work on flooring.
VCT floors are best suited to regular high-speed burnishing as this maintains the glossy “wet finish” look of the material. Polished concrete, by contrast, only needs re-polishing periodically to maintain its original clarity and its slip-resistant qualities.
Advanced Deep Cleaning Techniques (Scrubbing/Extraction)
Sometimes, routine cleaning of commercial flooring is just not enough. Dirt can be embedded, stains can be stubborn, and, in some settings, chemicals can build up on floors that just can’t be lifted with standard cleaning methods.
When advanced deep cleaning techniques are employed, WHS compliance becomes vital. Clear signage must be used to warn others of wet floors and the presence of chemicals. Chemical handling training must be up to date and detailed, and slip hazards must be managed carefully.
In large commercial spaces using standard vinyl and VCT, auto-scrubbing can be an effective deep cleaning strategy. It saves a lot of time and effort for staff compared to manual methods of floor cleaning, though proper use requires knowledge of the correct machine type, cleaning solution and scrubbing pad to match the flooring type.
Polished concrete, which has seen high traffic and therefore serious damage to its glossy finish, requires deep cleaning via mechanical agitation. This is the use of specialist grinding machinery that repeatedly works the floor with an abrasive pad, to return the floor from coarse and scratched to smooth and reflective. Progressively finer abrasives are used to increase the shine.
In food handling areas, it is important to follow a two-step extraction process of cleaning. This means initially removing dirt and residue, washing the surface and then sanitising or disinfecting it in line with local regulatory compliance.
Protective Coatings: Understanding Sealants and Waxes for Longevity
Flooring in commercial settings can often benefit from sealing or waxing to extend the lifespan of the material, increase its durability and stain resistance, and reduce its susceptibility to damage from moisture. The provider or manufacturer of your flooring should be able to provide you with information on how often sealing or waxing should take place, depending on the location and traffic experience of the floor.
It is important to know which process to follow, as incorrect application of seals and waxes can cause flooring to become discoloured or slippery. While aesthetic change is undesirable, tactile changes can be incredibly dangerous, especially in high-traffic areas, so you must be certain of your flooring’s requirements.
VCT
VCT requires cycles of stripping and sealing the flooring to maintain its peak performance. Multiple coats of polish may be used, and periodic topcoats must be applied.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl needs protective sealants to reduce the appearance of scuffs from heavy foot traffic and to extend the life of the flooring’s finish.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete has different requirements depending on location, floor age and traffic weight experienced. Penetrating sealers may be appropriate, or a topical coating may be the ideal solution to maintain the high-gloss appearance of the floor.
Conclusion
The flooring in your commercial setting is a long-term investment and must be treated as such. You have a duty to find out what specialist care it requires and engage with a professional cleaning service that can provide this. The correct methods for your flooring type will make it cleaner, safer and more durable.
Matthews Cleaning Company can provide specialist floor care and maintenance to prevent damage to your flooring over time and elevate its aesthetic appeal, no matter the location. Contact us to talk about implementing a calendar of planned cleaning and maintenance to keep your floors in excellent condition.