“Our floors just don’t look good anymore.”

This is a common complaint we hear when a business contacts us for cleaning help. After untidy bathrooms and messy break rooms, the condition of the floors is often one of the biggest concerns for building managers and owners.

That’s understandable. Whether someone is stepping into a clinic, office, retail space, or warehouse, the look of the floor can leave a lasting impression. Shiny, clean floors say the space is well cared for. Dirty or faded floors can send the opposite message.

In this article, we’ll explain what VCT floors are and how you can keep them looking clean and polished with just a few simple practices.

What Are VCT Floors?

Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) chips that are heated and pressed into tiles. Even though these tiles are covered with wax to give them a smooth finish, the material underneath is porous. That means it absorbs dirt and grime easily if it isn’t properly protected. To keep your VCT floors looking good, you need to maintain a solid wax coating and take care of it regularly.

1. Put Down Walk-off Mats

Walk-off mats help trap dirt, grit, and moisture from shoes before it spreads across the floor. This is especially important in high-use areas like main entrances or industrial shop floors. Mats won’t catch everything, but they do reduce the amount of debris getting tracked inside. For the best results, use a mat service that swaps them out regularly, and make sure they’re vacuumed daily to stay effective.

2. Dust Mop Every Day and Damp Mop When Needed

Regular cleaning is the most effective way to protect VCT floors. Start by using a microfiber dust mop every day to pick up loose dirt. Microfiber works well because it grabs dust instead of just moving it around. Follow up with a damp mop and mild cleaner to remove leftover grime. For busy areas, daily damp mopping may be necessary. In less-used areas, you can do it less often.

3. Buff Floors to Bring Back the Shine

Even with good cleaning habits, VCT floors will lose their shine over time due to foot traffic, rolling chairs, and general use. Buffing is a great way to restore that shine. A floor buffer uses a spinning pad to smooth the surface and make it more reflective again. It won’t fix deep damage, but it helps keep the floor looking fresh between waxings.

4. Strip and Re-coat Annually

Eventually, the wax layer protecting your VCT floor will wear out. When that happens, it’s time for a full restoration. This includes stripping off the old wax and applying multiple new layers. How often this needs to happen depends on your traffic levels, but for most businesses, once a year is a good rule of thumb. Modern waxes are more durable than they used to be, but regular re-coating is still necessary for long-term protection.



With a consistent routine and the right care, VCT floors can maintain their appearance for many years. Clean, well-maintained flooring helps create a professional atmosphere—and reflects positively on your business.