4 Things to Never Use on vct tile

Vinyl Composition Tile, commonly known as VCT, is very durable and resilient. This often leads to the thought that anything can be used on this type of tile, and it can handle it. While VCT is durable and long lasting, that is only true if the tile is properly cared for. There are many things that can damage vinyl composition tile and cause it to look unattractive. In this article we share four of the most common things we see being used on VCT flooring that put it at risk of damage and having an unclean appearance. If you need help caring for the VCT flooring in your commercial or medical facility, reach out to our team. We’re happy to partner with you to develop a VCT maintenance program that will keep your tile in beautiful condition. 

4 Things to Never Use on VCT Floors

1. Beach, Alcohol or Ammonia

Common household cleaners can damage VCT floors. These abrasive chemicals harm VCT in several ways. First these chemicals strip the protective wax coating from the surface of the tile. Anything that removes the protective coating from the tile will cause damage. Bleach, alcohol, ammonia or products that include these chemicals can cause discoloration of tile. Over time, these chemicals can weaken the tile structure and loosen the adhesive that holds the tile in place. Eventually this will result in loose tiles and even missing pieces of tile. The best action is to avoid using household and harsh chemicals, this includes disinfectant wipes on VCT flooring.  

2. Hot Water

While mopping floors with hot water may seem like a good idea, in reality, it isn’t. A quick look at the instructions for any professional grade tile cleaning product will suggest using cold water. Cold water is recommended because hot water is damaging to vinyl tile. Hot water can melt and remove the protective wax coating on the tile, which leaves the tile more susceptible to stains, scratches and other damage. Hot water can cause further damage by causing the adhesive that holds the tile in place. This could result in missing or loose tile. Also, hot water can make the cleaning agents in your cleaning product less effective. This is especially true for disinfectant products. So, when it comes to caring for your VCT floors, avoid using hot water. 

3. Rolling Chairs and Anything with Wheels

Wheels are bad news for VCT flooring. Rolling chairs can cause irreparable damage to vinyl tile floors. The wheels scratch the surface of the tile leaving grooves that cannot be repaired. Wheels also wear away the protective wax coating from the surface of the tile. This leaves VCT vulnerable to stains, scratches, dents, excessive wear and other damage. Also, wheels found on rolling desk chairs, carts, barrels and other common office equipment push dirt beneath the tile surface. This action makes your tile floors look dirty and possibly require more frequent maintenance services.  

4. Tape and Stickers 

The adhesives found in tape are not friends of vinyl tile. The adhesive can remove protective coating from the tile. Any time the protective coating is removed from the tile, it becomes an easy target for damage, scratches and imbedded dirt. Another reason to not use tape is that it may permanently stick to the tile. This may not be the desired look that you want for your tile floors. The best course of action is to avoid placing tile or any type of adhesive on your tile.  

Vinyl Composition Tile can be a long lasting and beautiful flooring choice for your commercial property. Understanding how to protect your VCT flooring and avoiding things that can harm your tile will help achieve the tile appearance you desire.  Our team of VCT flooring specialists are here to help you with a maintenance program to meet the needs of your facility. Reach out to us today. 

About Quality Maintenance & Repair Service Inc 
 
Quality Maintenance & Repair Service Inc is a full service commercial janitorial company. We provide office cleaning, medical office cleaning multi-tenant office cleaning for in Jacksonville Florida and surrounding areas. In additional to janitorial service, we can help you easily maintain your building in excellent condition with maintenance services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning and tile cleaning services.  
 
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Office: 904-388-8790  Fax: 904-388-8799 Email: amanda@qualitymaintenance.co 
www.qualitymaintenance.co ​