How to maintain and extend the SPC flooring lifespan?

SPC flooring has gained popularity in the flooring world. There are many contributing issues towards its popularity. One of the most important features is ease to clean and maintenance. SPC flooring can be very long-lasting, even up to 25 years as long as it is well-maintained. And what you can do to extend your SPC flooring lifespan, here are 10 important instructions you need to know:

1. Regular sweep

Regular cleaning is a proven way to help keep your SPC flooring in its best shape. You may sweep the floor using a regular broom, or brushless vacuum and electric broom.

Attentions:

While sweeping your SPC floor, avoid using the beater bars of your vacuum, as it tends to damage the coating. Sweep at least once a week to remove any dust and loose dirt. If time allowed, it is a good idea to briefly sweep the floor across the room each time after use.

2. Use the right way to Mop the floor

Sometimes, sweeping alone is not sufficient when there are stains on the surface. To better keep your flooring clean and stain-free, use a damp cloth or mop to clean thoroughly with mild or neutral pH solution.

Attentions:

Do not risk using multi-surface cleaners, bleach, detergent, strong abrasive cleaning agents like organic-solvent, ammonium, or alcohol-based detergent to mop your floor.

Bear in mind that you should not mop too often to avoid dulling the tiles’ shine. Over mop, your SPC flooring weakens the adhesive as water seeps in between.

To avoid flooding with an excessive amount of water when mopping. Water that penetrates through the joining and edges may also encourage the growth of molds.

3. The most efficient way to get rid of spillage on the SPC flooring

Clean up any spillage instantly by simply wiping it off with a damp cloth. Just use a clean, white cloth to wipe off the spillage and rinse with water. The longer spillage is left to stay on the floor, the more likely permanent stain will form.

Be sure to wipe the area dry once you’re done.

Vinegar is a natural and effective way to keep your flooring clean to get rid of the light stain. It is also a good way to remove any odor trapped on the floor.

If you happen to have tough stains caused by marker pen, paint or lipstick, get a piece of clean, white cloth and dampen it with isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirit. Wipe the stain and dry the area. Harden stains like crayon, candle wax, and even bubble gum can be removed by using ice to brittle the stains a little before gently scraping them off with a plastic scraper.

4. Minimize Dirt on the SPC flooring

Put a good quality rug, non-stain or non-rubber-backed doormat in front of the door entrance to prevent any sand, loose soil, dust, and other dirt from being carried into the house.

Placing mats, rugs, or runners in high-traffic areas is another way to reduce dirt on your floor. Be careful when selecting mats as you want to avoid placing mats made out of materials like coco-fiber, pigmented rubber, or latex-backed which will damage your floor surface.

5. Avoid Steam Cleaning for SPC flooring

The hot steam can cause damage to SPC flooring. It is so serious that some damage that it causes is beyond repair.

As steam cleaner is sanitizing your floor, the steam vapor that is generated can reach up to more than 90 degrees celsius to kill germs and bacteria. This excessive heat together with the moisture that seeps in the joining and edges of your SPC flooring can weaken the adhesive bonds and layers of your plank or tile structure. Not just that, it will also cause issues like warping, edge cupping, bending, and bubbling of floor plank.

6. Reduce Abrasion

Protect your SPC flooring with quarter-inch plywood, hardwood paneling when moving furniture to prevent scratches and scuff marks. You may place non-staining protectors under your movable furniture like chairs, couches, cabinets, and tables to further prevent any dent. Spend some time checking the material of protectors, rubber mats, door stoppers, and rubber-backed rugs while you shop. Make sure you purchase only non-staining, non-pigmented, or color fasting products like antioxidant compounds. Keep your protector in good condition by cleaning regularly and replacing a new protector once it’s worn out.

If you are a pet lover, do watch out as the animal’s claws will also leave scuff marks on your floor. Trimming of nails and claws of your pet regularly will help minimize potential scratches. It’s also common sense to avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools on your SPC flooring.

7. Stay Away From Direct Heat

Most people might not be aware of this. SPC flooring is sensitive to heat. It can be scarred or damaged by any direct heat from matches, heating appliances, and cigarette butts.

8. Avoid direct sunlight

Prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight may cause your SPC flooring to fade, become dull or discolored. Put down the blinds or curtain to prevent it from extreme sunlight and heat.

9. Scratch And Scuff Repair

Found tiny hairline cracks on your SPC flooring?

First, let the scratch repair kit take care of it. It doesn’t necessarily for you to replace a new tile or plank. It normally works effectively on light scratches. After applying removal, just finish up wiping the area with a damp cloth or mop.

Another option where you can cover up the scratches or small cracks with paint:

Wipe the scratches or cracks with mild soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Oil-based primer on the scratches using a paintbrush. The layer of primer must be thin. the layer of primer dry for two hours minimum before being covered up with oil-based paint.

Use paint that matches the color of your flooring and paint tediously with light strokes.

When the paint is dry, finish up with a layer of clear epoxy sealer on top for extra protection and level.

Remember to isolate the area for at least 24 hours after the repair job.

10. Add Up Extra Coat Of Flooring

If you have the budget, do consider hiring professionals to do your flooring maintenance. Apply SPC Floor Polish or SPC Floor Waxing.