Modern PVC linoleum floor maintenance

Cleaning PVC and linoleum floors

Phase 1: Stripping PVC and linoleum floors

PVC and linoleum flooring is designed to be durable and easy to maintain. However, even these hardy surfaces can suffer the effects of wear and tear over time. Here are some key reasons why it’s important to have your PVC and linoleum floors professionally stripped regularly:
Why strip your modern floors?
->With daily use, PVC and linoleum or thermoplastic floors can lose their new appearance and become dull, yellowed and matt. Worse, see tiles peeling off, holes forming... Stripping removes layers of dirt, old layers of wax and accumulated residue, thus leaving your floor bare for subsequent protective treatment.

Steps for stripping PVC, linoleum or thermoplastic floors

Stripping PVC, thermoplastic and linoleum floors is a multi-step process, carried out by cleaning professionals equipped with professional products and suitable cleaning equipment such as single-brush or scrubber dryers.
Floor preparation and stripping: The first step is to prepare the surface by removing the furniture and sweeping with a damp sweeping broom with impregnated gauze and carefully vacuuming the floor. Then, professionals use a low-speed single-brush machine or a scrubber-dryer for large surfaces equipped with a black/brown or green disc if the surface is fragile to deeply strip the coating, removing layers of dirt, old layers of wax and accumulated residue.
Rinsing the floor and chemical neutralization: Once stripping is done, it is essential to rinse the surface thoroughly 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 protection via an acrylic emulsion (wax or metallization). This phase can be done using a water vacuum cleaner but also a scrubber-dryer as long as the dimensions of the room lend themselves to it. This neutralization phase can be greatly reduced with the use of so-called "no-rinse" stripper which still requires rinsing but where the return to neutrality of the floor will be accelerated. In the case of this type of stripper it would be more honest to speak of a stripper with limited rinsing... The pH can be checked with pH paper strips or "litmus" paper.

Phase 2: Waxing protection of PVC thermoplastic linoleum floors

Protective emulsions are products specially designed for PVC and linoleum floor coverings. These waxes form a protective film that strengthens the resistance of the floor , protects it against stains and damage, and restores its original shine.
The wax is applied with an applicator such as a mop or flat microfibre mop . This application is done on a dry, dust-free PVC floor and in the most favourable weather possible in order to ventilate the treated room.
It is generally necessary to put 2 to 3 layers of wax (emulsion) on the floor in order to obtain a satisfactory result in terms of shine and resistance. The layers of wax are applied by crossing them over each other ; of course, you must wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.
Once the last coat has been applied, a final damp sweep will remove the dust.

Phase 3: Spray method on PVC linoleum and thermoplastic flooring

The spray method or polishing must be done at regular intervals for two reasons. The first is to remove traces of shoes, marks... and to recharge the protection which, following traffic and daily maintenance, is damaged by losing thickness and shine. As a result, the floor becomes duller, more difficult to maintain and the consequence is to bring the next stripping operation closer.
The spray polishing method phase is done with a high-speed single-brush machine with high rotation speed knowing that the objective is to increase the temperature in order to ensure the correct application of the spray product and a rapid increase in shine. This operation beyond restoring will have a hardening action on the layers of wax applied and will also extend the life of this protection.

What are the benefits of regular cleaning of PVC, lino and thermoplastic floors?

Stripping and protecting PVC and linoleum floors is not a task that should only be carried out when the coating is badly damaged. On the contrary, regular maintenance offers many long-term benefits:
Maintaining appearance and shine: By performing periodic stripping, protection and maintenance, you maintain the new and shiny appearance of your PVC and linoleum floors, preventing them from becoming dull and yellowed over time.
Extended Life: Regular maintenance protects the integrity of the coating, preventing premature wear and damage. This allows you to postpone the cost and inconvenience of a replacement.
Ease of maintenance: With proper 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 odours, preserving a healthy and pleasant environment.
Long-Term Savings: Although stripping and protecting may be an initial investment, it pays off 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 is not a task that should only be carried out when the coating is badly damaged. On the contrary, regular maintenance is essential to maintain the appearance, durability and hygiene of your surfaces.
By using cleaning professionals equipped with the right products and know-how, you can restore your PVC and linoleum floors to their original shine and preserve them over the long term . Whether in a commercial, institutional or residential environment, regular maintenance will allow you to take full advantage of the benefits of these practical and durable floor coverings.