Quality office flooring represents significant investment. Proper maintenance protects that investment, extending lifespan and maintaining appearance. Poor maintenance wastes money through premature replacement.
Why Maintenance Matters
Appearance – Neglected flooring looks tired, affecting how staff and visitors perceive the workspace.
Lifespan – Correct maintenance extends useful life by years. Incorrect maintenance accelerates wear.
Indoor Air Quality – Dirty flooring affects air quality. Particularly important for carpet, which traps particles.
Safety – Damaged or contaminated flooring creates slip and trip hazards.
Carpet Tile Maintenance
Daily – Vacuum high-traffic areas. This is the single most important maintenance task. Grit left on carpet acts as sandpaper, cutting fibres every time someone walks.
Weekly – Vacuum all areas thoroughly, including under desks and furniture edges.
Periodically – Deep clean every 12-18 months. Hot water extraction removes embedded soil that vacuuming can’t reach.
Spot Cleaning – Address spills immediately. Blot (don’t rub) and use appropriate cleaning solution.
Replacement – Replace individual damaged tiles rather than living with worn patches.
Common Mistakes:
- Infrequent vacuuming
- Using wrong cleaning products
- Over-wetting during cleaning
- Ignoring spills
LVT Maintenance
Daily – Dust mop or vacuum to remove grit. Grit scratches LVT surfaces.
Weekly – Damp mop with manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Don’t flood the floor.
Periodically – Machine scrub for deeper cleaning. Polish if manufacturer recommends.
Spot Cleaning – Most spills wipe up easily. Address promptly to prevent staining.
Common Mistakes:
- Using abrasive cleaners
- Excessive water
- Wrong cleaning products (some leave residue)
- Dragging furniture
Sheet Vinyl Maintenance
Similar to LVT but with additional considerations:
Seam Care – Welded seams can deteriorate. Inspect periodically.
Polish Regime – Some vinyls benefit from periodic polish. Follow manufacturer guidance.
Avoid – Rubber-backed mats (can stain). Harsh chemicals. Excessive water.
Entrance Areas
Entrances take disproportionate wear and bring in most contamination.
Matting – Quality entrance matting traps dirt before it reaches main flooring. The investment pays back through reduced cleaning and extended flooring life.
Increased Cleaning – Clean entrance areas more frequently than general office space.
Weather Response – Increase cleaning during wet weather when more moisture and dirt enters.
Furniture Protection
Chair Mats – Protect flooring under desk chairs. Essential for carpet; advisable for LVT.
Felt Pads – Furniture legs need felt pads to prevent scratching and indentation.
Castors – Use soft castors appropriate for your flooring type.
Professional Deep Cleaning
Regular professional cleaning supplements daily maintenance:
Carpet – Annual or bi-annual hot water extraction.
LVT/Vinyl – Periodic machine scrubbing and recoating if applicable.
Benefits – Removes embedded soil, refreshes appearance, extends life.
When to Replace
Even well-maintained flooring eventually needs replacement. Signs include:
- Wear through to backing (carpet) or design layer (LVT)
- Permanent staining unresponsive to cleaning
- Lifting, curling, or loose sections
- Trip hazards
- Simply looking tired despite cleaning
Our Maintenance Support
APA Contract Flooring provides maintenance guidance with every installation. We can recommend cleaning contractors and supply replacement materials when needed.
Contact us for flooring advice.