Vinyl composite tile (VCT) floors are a popular choice in many commercial buildings. With proper care, they are very durable. But they do require periodic stripping and waxing. Here’s what you can expect when you have your facility’s VCT floors stripped and waxed.
Scheduling
Stripping and waxing your VCT floors is a necessary part of their maintenance due to the porous nature of the material. Over time, the wax wears out and becomes dull. With continued wear, the tile itself will be damaged, so stripping the old wax and replacing it with new wax is essential. However, it is a time consuming process.
In order to properly protect your floor, you’ll need 3-5 layers of wax, with each layer requiring time to dry. That’s why it’s best to schedule a time to have your floor stripped and waxed when no one will need to walk on it for a while, ideally 24 hours.
Cleaning
The first step in stripping and waxing your floor is cleaning the floor so there’s no dirt or debris left behind that could damage the tile. That may require sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, or using an auto scrubber, depending on the condition of the floor.
At Presidential Service Industries (PSI), we follow all industry regulations and EPA guidelines, so you can be sure your floor is thoroughly cleaned without risking damage to your vinyl composite tiles.
Stripping
Next, the wax needs to be removed with a stripping agent. Do your research before allowing anyone to complete this step. Harsh agents should never be used on flooring that hasn’t been in place for at least two years because it may destroy the adhesive used to install your VCT. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure the professional cleaning service you are considering has adequate knowledge and training to properly care for your floor.
Here at PSI, we have over 30 years of experience in the industry. Our staff receive extensive training in how to properly care for every type of floor, so you never need to worry about damage occurring to your substrate.
Rinsing
Once your floors have been stripped, the stripping agent must be removed. This is done using a machine, typically an auto scrubber or a wet vacuum.
After the stripping agent has been removed, your floor will need to be rinsed and allowed to dry. It’s essential that your floor has been completely cleaned so no dirt is sealed into the wax.
Waxing
At last, it’s time to wax your floor. Your cleaning team will work in small sections, being careful to apply wax to the entire area before moving on to the next. Once your whole floor has been covered in wax, it will need to dry for at least an hour. This process is repeated at least two more times, depending on your floor’s needs.
After the final layer of wax has been applied, your floor will need to cure to ensure it is thoroughly dry. Allowing it to dry for 24 hours is ideal.
Buffing
Finally, after your floor is completely dry, it will be buffed. This smooths the wax layers and gives your floor a perfect shine.
When the buffing is finished, your floors are done and ready to be used again!
Are you looking for a professional cleaning service to strip and wax your facility’s VCT floors? PSI has proudly served the Washington, DC Metro Area for more than three decades.
We’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers. Contact us here to get started.