“We need help—our floors look awful!”
This is something we often hear from business managers who reach out for janitorial service quotes. Along with dirty bathrooms and break rooms, dull or damaged floors are one of the top complaints from building owners and staff.
And it makes sense. Whether you’re walking into a clinic, a retail store,or a restaurant, clean and shiny floors stand out. On the flip side, if the floors are dirty or faded, people notice that, too.
In this article, we’ll explain what vinyl composite tile (VCT) flooring is and share simple ways to keep it looking its best.
What Is VCT Flooring?
VCT stands for vinyl composite tile. It’s made by compressing small pieces of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) into solid sheets using heat and pressure.Even though the surface is usually coated in wax and feels smooth, the tile itself is slightly porous. That means it can trap dirt and grit over time. To prevent this buildup, VCT needs to be protected with a steady layer of wax—and that wax must be maintained properly.
How to Care for VCT Floors
- Install Walk-off Mats at Entrances Walk-off mats help catch dirt and debris from shoes before it reaches your floors. This reduces wear and tear and helps floors stay cleaner, longer. In areas like warehouses or production floors, mats at entry points are especially important. While no mat will catch everything, they make a big difference. A professional mat service that replaces them regularly is a smart option, and daily vacuuming helps them work even better.
- Dust Mop Every Day and Damp Mop Often To protect your floors, it’s important to remove dirt and dust before it gets ground in. Use a microfiber dust mop every day—microfiber is great for grabbing fine particles. Follow up with a damp mop using a neutral cleaner to remove anything left behind. High-traffic areas may need daily mopping, while lighter-use spaces can go longer between cleanings.
- Buff the Floors Occasionally Over time, your floors will get tiny scratches and dull spots from foot traffic and rolling equipment. Buffing the floors helps smooth out those imperfections and brings back the shine. Floor buffers work by using a spinning pad and heat to even out the surface. The smoother the floor, the more it reflects light—and the better it looks.
- Schedule Yearly Floor Restorations No matter how good your daily maintenance is, wax coatings eventually wear out. When that happens, it’s time to strip off the old wax and apply fresh coats. Most businesses should plan to do this at least once a year, especially in busy areas. Thanks to modern floor finishes, wax can last longer than it used to, but a full restoration is still key to keeping VCT floors looking great long-term.
By following these steps and staying on top of regular maintenance, yourVCT floors can keep their shine and durability for years. A clean, well-maintained floor leaves a strong impression—and shows you care about your space.
