Commercial VCT Floor Stripping & Waxing: Why Professional Cleaning Beats DIY

November 25, 2025

When it comes to commercial spaces, your flooring matters in both form and function that’s why commercial floor cleaning services such as VCT floor maintenance is essential. Commercial flooring materials can vary but most are chosen for their mix of durability and appearance but even tough materials need consistent care. Without proper maintenance the protective barrier provided by waxing breaks down, gets worn away and can let moisture seep in under the flooring leaving property managers or owners with dull damaged floor facing expensive repairs or replacement.


To avoid those risks and keep your floors in top shape, let’s walk through the ways you can avoid damage with daily care and long-term care techniques.


We will cover:


What is VCT and why is it popular in commercial spaces?

Tiles of various colors and patterns displayed, showcasing design options.

Vinyl composition tile (VCT) a blend of natural limestone, binders and color pigments formed into durable and attractive tiles. Offices, facilities and public spaces often choose VCT flooring because it stands up well to heavy use and can be refinished rather than replaced. Attractive flooring is an inviting element of your business which is why proper VCT cleaning and daily care done right is important to office managers, facility managers and business owners. 

Common signs of VCT floor damage

Vinyl Composition tile can take a lot but dirt, rainwater, snow melt, spills, traffic and more can cause surface level damage which can become a more expensive problem over time. That’s why spotting early signs of damage is key to keeping your floors looking great.


Look for:

  • Dull or faded sections where the finish has worn away
  • Deep scratches or scuff marks that cleaning doesn’t remove
  • Discoloration or staining from embedded dirt
  • Curling edges or loose tiles — often caused by trapped moisture
  • Daily care helps bring minor damage to light before it becomes a bigger problem. 

Daily cleaning and moisture prevention

VCT tile maintenance starts with daily dust mopping or sweeping to remove grit and debris. Daily damp mopping after sweeping can help determine whether that’s just a water spot or damage to the protective wax layer. 


When mopping with a cleaner, be sure to find a neutral PH cleaner which can safely be sued without breaking down protective wax or the . When vinyl composition tile is not properly maintained moisture, one of the biggest threats to VCT. Whether from spills that aren’t promptly cleaned up or mopping too often with too much water can damage the adhesive leading to tiles curling, lifting and separating. Proper maintenance helps protect the wax layer to keep moisture out from under your vinyl composition tile. 

How often should you wax and strip VCT floors?

The frequency of vinyl composition tile cleaning comes down to two main factors, traffic and weather. Higher traffic areas or areas with heavy snow (Snow brings not only water but snow melting products inside which can damage finishes) may need refinishing every 3 to 6 months. Low traffic offices and mild climates may be able to do a full stripping and reapplication of the protective wax once a year. 


You’ll know it’s time for vct stripping and polishing when:


  • The floor looks dull even after mopping
  • Scuffs or discoloration are widespread
  • The wax no longer repels moisture or spills


VCT stripping and waxing restores shine and creates a strong barrier against future wear. Because flooring is so important and replacing flooring can be so costly, professionals use effective but gentle equipment and specially formulated cleaners to remove the old wax and apply the new layer. 

Additional tips to protect your floor

There are other things you can do to protect your floors beyond smart cleaning methods, whether they’re vinyl composition tile, hardwood, or ceramic tile.


If you have hardwood, check out this handy guide: How to Maintain Hardwood Floors Without Damaging Finish

  • Use entry rugs or mats: At entries and high traffic areas, these can reduce the wear and tear. 
  • Add padding under heavy furniture: You can use felt pads, padded rugs or other protective pieces under heavy furniture like bookshelves, desks and chairs.
  • Lift, don’t drag: When moving furniture or equipment, always lift rather than drag. If lifting isn’t possible, use sliders designed for your floor type.
  • Rearrange occasionally: Shifting furniture layouts helps prevent wear patterns and discoloration in high-use zones.
  • Control moisture: In humid environments, use dehumidifiers to limit condensation and protect adhesive bonds beneath the tile.


These simple measures go a long way in preventing damage and reducing how often you need professional repairs.

Professional Commercial Floor Cleaning Can Keep Your VCT Floors Durable And Attractive

You’ve invested a lot in having attractive durable flooring such as vinyl composite tile so protect it with competent daily care and professional commercial floor cleaning. Professional stripping and VCT waxing and consistent maintenance helps keep your floor looking its best and prevent costly repairs or replacement.


Trust Hemingway’s Floor Cleaning for expert VCT floor care proudly serving businesses across Loris, Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding Grand Strand communities in South Carolina. Contact us today to schedule your professional floor cleaning service and keep your facility looking its

October 28, 2025
Professional tile and grout cleaning protects your health. Learn why it’s essential and get expert tips to maintain grout between cleanings.
Wood floor and baseboard
August 22, 2025
Learn how to maintain hardwood floors safely—sweeping, mopping, and recoating tips that protect your finish and extend your flooring’s life.
Variated blue tiles in a pattern.
July 8, 2025
Skip the scrubbing! Discover why hiring a professional tile and grout cleaner saves time, protects surfaces, and delivers better results.
Professional floor cleaning does more than remove surface dirt.
June 19, 2025
Discover 5 reasons professional floor cleaning is worth it—from saving time to protecting your floors and health. Call Hemingway’s Floor Cleaning in Myrtle Beach!
Brush scrubbing a soapy stone floor.
May 19, 2025
Learn the safest way to clean stone floors without damaging their shine. Discover natural cleaners, expert tips, and mistakes to avoid. Read more now!
Gloved hand wiping down granite countertop with sponge.
April 29, 2025
Discover the safest way to clean granite countertops without damage. Learn expert tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how to keep granite looking new.
Detailed cleaning of grout by a professional.
February 17, 2025
Discover how professional tile and grout cleaning extends floor life, restores beauty, and kills bacteria. Contact us to revitalize your floors today!
Grimy stained grout in need of cleaning.
January 24, 2025
Struggling with dirty tiles or moldy grout? Discover the top signs you need professional grout cleaning to restore your tile’s beauty. Call us today!
A close up of a shiny tile wall with sparkles coming out of it.
November 15, 2024
Keep your grout looking new with these easy, bleach-free cleaning tips. Discover how to protect your restored grout and maintain a spotless look!
Professional countertop refinishing can refresh your kitchen.
November 5, 2024
Professional Countertop Refinishing: Restore & Protect Your Marble or Granite Surfaces - Hemingway's Myrtle Beach, SC