SPC flooring has gained its popularity in the flooring industry. There are many reasons for its popularity, including the long history of SPC flooring, the way it is made, and its versatility.
But there's no denying that one of the reasons for its popularity is its simple cleaning and maintenance routine. With proper maintenance, SPC floors can last a long time, even up to 20 years. If you've ever wondered how to extend the life of your SPC floor, here's everything you need to know.
It sounds corny, but regular cleaning is a proven way to help keep your SPC floors looking their best.
You can use a regular broom for sweeping, or brushless vacuums and electric brooms for technical treatments. One particular tool you should avoid when cleaning SPC floors is the beater bar of a vacuum cleaner, as it tends to damage the coating.
So, how often should you sweep your floors?
Sweep at least once a week to remove any dust and loose dirt. If you have the time, it's a good idea to briefly sweep the room after each use of the floor.
Sometimes, just sweeping the floor isn't enough. To better keep your floors clean and stain-free, use a damp cloth or mop and thoroughly clean with a mild or neutral pH solution to remove stains.
Do not risk mopping with bleach, detergents, strong abrasive cleaners such as organic solvents, ammonium or alcohol-based detergents.
Excessive flooding while mopping should be avoided, water seeping into joints and edges may also encourage mold growth.
Most spills can generally be cleaned up immediately by wiping with a damp cloth. The longer the spill sits on the floor, the more likely it is to form a permanent stain.
However, some stubborn stains are more difficult to remove. They can be addressed in several different ways.
(1) To remove common stains such as juice, red wine, food and grease, use SPC floor cleaner.
(2) If you happen to encounter stubborn stains caused by markers, paint or lipstick, you can find a clean white cloth and dampen it with isopropyl alcohol or mineral oil. Wipe off the stain and dry the area.
(3) Hard stains like crayons, candle wax, or even bubble gum can be crisped with ice cubes, then gently scraped off with a plastic spatula.
You can also scrape with a credit card or any non-abrasive plastic material. Do not use steel wool and scrubbing powder as this will damage the surface and make it look dull.
Steam cleaners are very convenient because you can clean, sanitize, and dry quickly in one go without the need for chemical cleaners. However, there is a problem here.
Hot steam actually does more harm than good to SPC floors. It was so severe that some of the damage it caused was irreparable. When a steam cleaner sanitizes your floors, the steam produced can reach over 90 degrees Celsius to kill germs and bacteria.
This excessive heat and the moisture that seeps into the joints and edges of the SPC floor can weaken the adhesives and layers of the structure. Not only that, but it can also cause problems such as deformation, edge depression, bending and blistering of the floor.
Needless to say, damage from steam cleaners is usually not covered under warranty. So why put your floors at such a risk? Just skip the steam cleaning in your routine for a longer lasting SPC floor.
Purchase high-quality carpet, stain-free or rubber-soled doormats at the entrance to prevent any sand, loose soil, grit, dust, and other grime from being brought into the house. It is best to place a doormat at each entrance.
Here's one of the most effective ways to reduce dirt. Simply adopt a "no shoes" policy. This further removes dirt that may come from outside while keeping the SPC floor hygienic.
If possible, take off your shoes when stepping on the floor to reduce the chance of being scratched by stones and sand while wearing them.
Protect your SPC floors with quarter-inch plywood and hardboard to prevent scratches and scuffs when moving furniture. Place a stain-free protectant under removable furniture such as chairs, sofas, cabinets and tables to further prevent any dents.
If you're a pet lover, be aware that animals' claws can also leave scratches on your floors. Regular trimming of your pet's nails and claws will help reduce potential scratches. It is also common sense to avoid abrasive scrubbing tools on your SPC floors.
Most rubber pads or covers contain antioxidants to make them last longer without becoming brittle. However, this antioxidant compound forms a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with SPC floors, resulting in yellow stains, also known as "antioxidant stains."
In addition to yellowish stains, avoid non-stain-fast protectants, as the color on it will eventually stain your floors.
Some say vinegar is too acidic and can damage the protective layer of SPC floors. In fact, vinegar is not only harmless, it is a natural and effective way to keep floors clean. It's also a great way to remove any lingering smells from the floor.
Polishing your floors can definitely help you maintain a shiny and radiant look. Just follow these simple steps, but be careful not to overdo it.
(1) Sweep the floor first to remove any debris and dust.
(2) Use a mop to remove stains
(3) Follow the polish instructions and start polishing your floor.
Prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight can cause your SPC floors to fade, become dull or discolored. Keep blinds or curtains down to protect them from extreme sunlight and heat.
Waxing can sometimes cause a lot of floor problems and hassles. Most of the time, the problem occurs when the owner uses the wrong waxing product. Speaking of which, you should never try waxing with products like paste wax yourself.
If you plan to polish or wax your floors, it's safer to seek professional advice and service. .
In high-traffic areas, the wear layer wears off over time. This situation usually occurs in commercial applications. Arguably, this is less necessary for residential floors. What should you do? As part of routine maintenance, add a top coat to extend the life of the floor.
Once light scratches are removed, simply wipe the area with a damp cloth or mop.
There is also an option where you can cover up scratches or small cracks with paint, using the steps below.
(1) Wipe scratches or cracks with mild soapy water and dry thoroughly.
(2) Apply an oil-based primer to the scratches with a paintbrush. The primer layer must be thin.
(3) Let this primer dry for at least two hours, then cover with oil-based paint.
(4) Using paint that matches the color of your floor, apply it tediously with brisk strokes.
(5) When the paint dries, apply a coat of clear epoxy sealant over it for extra protection and levelling, remember to isolate the area for at least 24 hours after repair work is done.
Most people probably don't realize this. SPC floors are sensitive to heat. Any direct heat from matches, heating equipment, and cigarette butts can scar or damage it.
So the next time you're dealing with a high-heat item, make sure you support the hot surface with a rug or mat and don't touch the SPC floor directly.
It is a bad idea to wash thoroughly with water immediately after installation. If you wash or scrub after installation, you will only ruin your floor. Typically, the adhesive under the plank takes time to dry and bond firmly. It is recommended to isolate the area for at least 48 hours, and some even take several days, depending on the type of adhesive used.
