FLOORING


For larger or more open areas using a scrubber dryer can be more productive and cost effective. We recommend LVT floors are deep cleaned at least once a year, and scrubbed thoroughly to remove in-grained dirt. This can then be followed by an application of dressing to provide a protective finish (if required).


So, what are the main considerations for LVT and cleaning in commercial environments?


Antimicrobial The control of bacteria is also increasingly important, which is why the latest safety flooring LVT products encompass antimicrobial technology, including Amtico’s Signature 36+ and Spacia 36+ collections. Such a feature has been proven to resist the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and fungus between cleaning schedules.


This built-in hygienic protection has clear benefits, not least of all improved wellbeing for a commercial building’s occupants. Indeed, while safety flooring is usually considered for its slip resistance, the additional ability to improve hygiene levels of a building is also a major benefit.


It’s ok to use bleach-based or


antibacterial cleaners For increased peace of mind (for facilities managers and the occupants of a venue or space), cleaning regimes can include the use of antibacterial or bleach (or cleaning products containing bleach) on LVT – as long as they are correctly diluted. For Amtico floors, we recommend diluting these products with at least ten-times as much water.


Dust – there’s nowhere to hide Dust, pollen and other allergens are easily able to hide and get stuck in the fibres of rugs and carpets. In contrast, the hard surface of LVT makes it easy to sweep or vacuum loose dirt or debris, which can be incorporated into the day-to-day cleaning of areas including entrance matting.


LVT is highly water resistant While it is advisable to mop up and clean spills and stains immediately to prevent slips and falls, it is important to note that liquids are not able to permeate LVT as easily as some other materials, for instance carpet or laminate. This makes it less susceptible to mould and bacterial growth.


Low VOCs for excellent air quality Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are both manmade and naturally occurring chemical compounds. They consist of carbon molecules that readily evaporate into the air at room temperature, and excessive VOCs in a building can lead to poor indoor air quality. Amtico’s Signature and Spacia LVT collections have low VOC emissions and contribute to a healthy indoor environment. (In fact, they were awarded Indoor Air Comfort 6.0 Gold as well as the stringent M1 building materials emissions classification for indoor air quality; plus, the emission results exceeded many of the business standards imposed in the UK and EU.)


Bevel protection The bevelled edges of LVT planks or tiles add authenticity to


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the finished floor design – and it’s this attention to detail that makes high-quality flooring stand out. However, in certain commercial applications, such as healthcare environments, there is a need for extra reassurance that bevels won’t become a dirt trap and remain resistant to spills. A simple solution is to apply a dressing to a newly laid floor, as this will not only hermetically seal the bevel/gap to moisture, but also partially fill the bevel in, making future cleaning even easier.


With a wide variation in quality from one brand to another, it is of paramount importance to check the product’s warranty and carefully follow the cleaning and care guidelines to keep floors looking their best. Information on warranties and product performance can usually be found on a manufacturer’s website, although we recommended getting in touch with the company if you’re unsure or unable to find the relevant details online.


www.amtico.com/


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