Routine Matters: Setting Realistic Maintenance Expectations for Commercial Resilient Flooring
Commercial resilient flooring is a popular choice for high-traffic environments because of its durability, cleanability, and aesthetic versatility. But to keep your floors performing at their best, routine care is imperative. Whether you’re working with woven resilient materials, LVT, VCT, rubber, or sheet vinyl, maintenance expectations vary—and must be tailored to the flooring type and traffic level.
Common Resilient Flooring Types:
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
- Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
- Sheet Vinyl
- Rubber Flooring
- Commercial Woven Resilient Flooring (Woven LVT)
- Linoleum (resilient but distinct in chemistry)
- Resilient-backed composite materials
Continental Flooring helps facility managers and building operators understand what’s realistic—and necessary—when it comes to maintaining resilient floors.
Start Smart: Post-Construction Cleaning
Applies to: All Resilient Floors (LVT, VCT, Sheet Vinyl, Rubber, Woven, Linoleum)
The first cleaning after installation is crucial. Dust, adhesives, and residues from construction can dull the floor’s surface or cause long-term damage if not properly removed.
- Use microfiber mops or vacuums to remove construction debris and fine dust.
- Apply a neutral pH cleaner and mop with clean microfiber pads.
- Rinse thoroughly with water only to eliminate leftover residue or cloudy film.
Avoid “mop-and-shine” products, and never use cleaners containing quaternary ammonium salts, which can damage resilient floors over time.
Preventative Maintenance: A Daily Defense
Applies to: LVT, VCT, Rubber, Woven Resilient, Sheet Vinyl
Good flooring habits protect against premature wear and tear. Preventative measures reduce the amount of soil, moisture, and friction that your floors are exposed to daily.
- Use walk-off mats at entryways to collect dirt and moisture—ensure they have non-staining backs.
- Protect floor surfaces from heavy furniture with industrial-grade felt pads.
- Avoid taping floor coverings directly to the floor—secure protection to the base molding instead.
- Use RamBoard or similar materials when moving heavy objects.
Routine Maintenance by Traffic Level
Applies to: All Resilient Floors
Adjusting your cleaning frequency based on use ensures you’re keeping your floors clean without over-maintaining. Follow a customized schedule tailored to your facility’s traffic level.
Moderate Traffic (e.g., offices, secondary hallways):
- Dust mop or vacuum: once daily
- Spot clean: as needed
- Wet mop/auto scrub: once per week
Heavy Traffic (e.g., lobbies, kitchens, restrooms):
- Dust mop or vacuum: multiple times per day
- Spot clean: as needed
- Wet mop/auto scrub: daily
Always use neutral pH cleaners and avoid overly aggressive pads that can damage flooring finishes.
Spot Cleaning and Scuff Removal
Applies to: LVT, VCT, Rubber, Sheet Vinyl, Woven Resilient
Unexpected spills or marks should be addressed right away. Quick action helps prevent stains and keeps your floors looking clean and professional.
- Clean spills quickly using a neutral cleaner or water.
- For petroleum-based stains or scuffs, use isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits.
- Use a medium-bristle brush for embedded dirt in textured floors, and rinse with microfiber mop pads.
- For small scuffs, a tennis ball on a broom handle is an effective, gentle removal tool.
Wet Cleaning and Periodic Deep CleansApplies to: LVT, VCT, Woven Resilient, Sheet Vinyl, RubberBeyond daily dusting and spot cleaning, regular wet cleaning and occasional deep scrubbing help reset the floor’s appearance and remove residue buildup.- Begin wet cleaning only after 4 days post-installation.
- Always pre-clean with a dry mop or vacuum.
- Use neutral pH vinyl cleaner and a microfiber mop or auto scrubber with cylindrical brushes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent haze.
- Avoid steam mops, bleach, and harsh abrasives.
Woven Resilient Flooring: Special Considerations
Applies to: Commercial Woven Resilient Flooring
Woven resilient floors offer the look of textile with the performance of vinyl—but they also require attention to unique maintenance protocols.
- Post-construction cleaning should include cylindrical brush scrubbing with a neutral cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly using microfiber wet mop pads.
- Maintain with routine sweeping and auto-scrubbing—at least once a year, more in busy areas.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations closely to preserve warranty and finish integrity.
Wet Cleaning and Periodic Deep CleansApplies to: LVT, VCT, Woven Resilient, Sheet Vinyl, RubberBeyond daily dusting and spot cleaning, regular wet cleaning and occasional deep scrubbing help reset the floor’s appearance and remove residue buildup.
Make Maintenance Part of the Plan
Every commercial space is different, and so are the floors that support them. Resilient flooring can deliver years of durability and beauty when it’s cared for consistently and correctly.
One Call Does It All!
Many of our flooring products are available on GSA Contracts. Whether you’re outfitting a public stairwell, industrial worksite, or stylish commercial entrance, Continental Flooring Company can help you find the right combination of materials, design, and performance features. Contact Continental Flooring Company today to explore your flooring solutions. With decades of experience and partnerships with leading manufacturers, we’re ready to help you find the best resilient floor for your space!
Please feel free to contact us for product advice, free samples, assistance with specifications, or to place an order. We welcome contract purchases, formal bids, RFQs, or Open Market requirements. One call will do it all!
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Call Toll Free 800-825-1221 | Email: info@continentalflooring.com
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