Maintaining PVC or linoleum flooring requires following specific rules and steps to ensure its longevity. This is especially true in public spaces such as hospitals and offices , where high traffic and neglect can lead to premature wear and tear, including tile detachment, holes in the flooring, and discoloration, resulting in increasingly difficult maintenance.
Choose professional products for cleaning and maintaining your PVC, thermoplastic or linoleum floors, respecting the different phases detailed at the bottom of the page.
Cleaning PVC and linoleum floors
Phase 1: Stripping of PVC and linoleum floors
PVC and linoleum flooring are designed to be durable and easy to maintain. However, even these robust surfaces can suffer the effects of wear and tear and soiling over time. Here are some key reasons why it's important to regularly have your PVC and linoleum floors professionally stripped with professional-grade stripping products .
Why strip your modern floors?
With daily use, PVC, linoleum, and thermoplastic floors can lose their pristine appearance and become dull, yellowed, and matte. Even worse, tiles can come loose, and holes can form. Stripping removes layers of dirt, old wax, and accumulated residue, leaving your floor bare for subsequent protective treatment.
Steps for stripping PVC, linoleum or thermoplastic flooring
Stripping PVC, thermoplastic and linoleum floors is a multi-step process carried out by professional cleaners equipped with professional products and suitable single-disc or automatic scrubber cleaning equipment.
Floor preparation and stripping: The first step is to prepare the surface by removing furniture and sweeping with a damp mop and impregnated gauze , then thoroughly vacuuming the floor. Next, professionals use a low-speed floor scrubber or, for larger areas, an automatic scrubber equipped with a black/brown pad (or green if the surface is delicate) to deeply strip the coating, removing layers of dirt, old wax, and accumulated residue.
Floor rinsing and chemical neutralization: Once the stripping process is complete, it is essential to thoroughly rinse the surface to remove all traces of the stripping solution. This neutralization step ensures that the floor is perfectly neutral, with a pH close to 7, before applying the protective coating via an acrylic emulsion (wax or metallization). This phase can be carried out using a wet/dry vacuum or a floor scrubber, provided the room dimensions allow. This neutralization phase can be significantly reduced with the use of so-called "no-rinse" strippers, which still require rinsing but accelerate the floor's return to neutrality. In the case of this type of stripper, it would be more accurate to refer to it as a stripper with limited rinsing. The pH can be checked using pH test strips or test strips.
Phase 2: Waxing and protection of PVC, linoleum, and thermoplastic floors
Protective emulsions are products specifically designed for PVC and linoleum floor coverings. These waxes form a protective film that strengthens the floor , protects it against stains and damage, and restores its original shine.
The wax is applied using a mop or flat microfiber applicator . This application should be done on a dry, dust-free PVC floor , and in the best possible weather conditions to allow for ventilation of the treated room.
Generally , two to three coats of wax (emulsion) are needed on the floor to achieve a satisfactory result in terms of shine and durability. The wax coats are applied in a crisscross pattern ; of course, each coat must be completely dry before applying the next.
Once the last coat has been applied, a final damp sweep will remove the dust.
The professional wax applicator
Protect your PVC or linoleum floors professionally with a recognized hygiene professional: Unger .
Thanks to the 5-litre backpack, use erGO! wax, the floor care system, continuously and without interruption.
Compatible with all types of wax on the market, the system is non-captive.
Achieve excellent results by applying a homogeneous layer using the pulse diffusion system , which never clogs and allows for precise dosing .
Performing the "S" movement requires no effort from the operator.
Two handle options, straight handle or S-shaped handle for linear or sculling work.
Thus, the shoulders, arms and wrists are less stressed.
The telescopic handle of erGO! wax, the floor care system, adapts perfectly to the operator's height, thus protecting their back and shoulders during impregnation work.
Phase 3: Spray method on PVC, linoleum and thermoplastic flooring
The spray method or polishing should be done at regular intervals for two reasons. Firstly, to remove shoe marks, scuffs, etc., and secondly, to replenish the protective coating, which, due to daily traffic and maintenance, deteriorates by losing thickness and shine. As a result, the floor becomes duller, more difficult to maintain, and consequently, the next stripping operation is required sooner.
The spray polishing phase is carried out using a high-speed single-disc machine with a high rotation speed. The aim is to raise the temperature to ensure proper application of the spray product and a rapid increase in shine. This operation, in addition to restoring the finish, will harden the applied wax layers and thus extend the lifespan of this protective coating.
What are the advantages of regularly cleaning PVC, linoleum and thermoplastic floors?
Stripping and protecting PVC and linoleum floors are not tasks to be carried out only when the flooring is severely damaged. On the contrary, regular maintenance offers numerous long-term benefits:
Preserving appearance and shine: By carrying out periodic stripping, protection and maintenance, you maintain the new and bright appearance of your PVC and linoleum floors, preventing them from becoming dull and yellowed over time.
Extending lifespan: Regular maintenance protects the integrity of the coating, preventing premature wear and damage. This allows you to postpone the cost and inconvenience of replacement.
Ease of maintenance: With adequate protection, PVC and linoleum floors are easier to clean on a daily basis, requiring less effort and cleaning products.
Maintaining hygiene: Stripping and applying a protective emulsion helps to thoroughly eliminate dirt, bacteria and odors, preserving a healthy and pleasant environment.
Long-term savings: Although stripping and protecting may represent an initial investment, they prove cost-effective in the long run by extending the life of your flooring and avoiding premature replacement costs.
Regular maintenance for impeccable PVC linoleum floors
Stripping and protecting PVC and linoleum floors are not tasks to be undertaken only when the flooring is severely damaged. On the contrary, regular maintenance is essential to preserve the appearance, durability, and hygiene of your surfaces.
By using professional cleaners equipped with the right products and expertise, you can restore your PVC and linoleum floors to their original shine and preserve them for years to come . Whether in a commercial, institutional, or residential setting, regular maintenance will allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of these practical and durable floor coverings.
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