SPC stands for stone plastic composite or stone polymer composite. It is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that has a core made up of stone and plastic composites, whereas other types of vinyl flooring consist of wood composites. SPC flooring is also known as engineered vinyl flooring or rigid core flooring. Like other vinyl flooring options it is easy to install and easy to clean. Let’s take a closer look at how to clean SPC flooring.
What You Need To Know About SPC Flooring
The core generally consists of powderized limestone that is mixed with other stabilizing ingredients. Since limestone is denser than wood, SPC products are usually thinner and stronger. Like any other vinyl flooring, it has its own set of advantages and drawbacks when compared to solid-core hardwood floors.
Pros
- Comfortable– most SPC brands come equipped with an attached underlayment that acts as a cushion. This is especially nice when walking on the flooring in bare feet.
- Durability– most products come treated with a scratch and water-resistant layer that can stand up to everyday wear and tear.
- Endless design options– since this flooring is artificially made, there are more customizable choices when it comes to color and pattern.
- Environmentally friendly– many manufacturers utilize recycled materials.
- Installation is a breeze– the tongue and groove design is easy to install and replace in case of any damage.
Cons
- Restoration– unlike flooring made of real wood, vinyl floors generally can’t be sanded and restored. They can be cleaned and maintained, but significant wear will have to be replaced.
- Designs aren’t perfect– even the top-tier brands won’t look identical to a hardwood floor. SPC can still look stunning when taken care of, but you can tell the difference between real wood when held side by side.
Supplies You’ll Need For Cleaning SPC Flooring
- Soft-bristle broom
- Shop vac
- Microfiber mop
- Bucket
- Towels or rags
- Spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
How To Clean SPC Flooring? (6 Steps)
Step 1: Prep The Room
Move any furniture out of the room you are cleaning. It is easier to just move everything out of the way instead of trying to work around it. Leaving furniture in the room almost always means having to move everything more than once. It also opens the possibility of scuffing the floor and damaging the flooring further.
Step 2: Start Dry
Water usually makes cleaning efforts much more efficient, but it can also damage your flooring if not properly handled. Slow and steady wins the race, so make sure to start dry and only use water if necessary.
We want to start off with a broom or brush that has soft bristles so we don’t scratch the flooring. You can also use a vacuum here as long as it has an attachment that won’t scuff or score the flooring.
Step 3: Mix The Cleaning Solution
Commercial cleaning products always seem like the easiest method to clean flooring, but they can result in irreversible damage. There are tons of different products out there that are made up of different chemicals, so we can’t ever be 100% sure that they won’t hurt the flooring. It is a better idea to mix your own solution out of a non-abrasive pH-neutral cleaner. If you insist on using a commercial product, make sure that it is all-natural and can be used on vinyl floors.
The options here are almost endless, but the most popular solutions include either vinegar, dish soap, or lemon juice. The key here is to dilute your solution, no matter which route you choose to go. You can always go with a stronger mixture later, but you can’t reverse the damage from using an undiluted solution.
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are common all-natural cleaning solutions. Vinegar is naturally acidic (pH above 7), so this is why we want to dilute it with fresh water. Start with ¼ cup of vinegar to every 1 gallon of water.
You almost certainly have some dish soap lying around the kitchen, making this another easy option. Begin with a solution of ⅛ teaspoon of dish soap (make sure it is free from bleaches or oils!) for every 1 gallon of water.
Lemon juice is another all-natural cleaning agent that most people have around the house. Like vinegar, lemon juice is also very acidic so make sure to dilute it thoroughly to avoid damaging the floor’s finish. Use ½ cup lemon juice for every gallon of water in your solution. This method has the added benefit of smelling great as well!
Mix your solution in a large bowl or bucket while wearing the proper eye protection. Even though these substances are almost all-natural, they won’t feel very good in your eyes.
Step 4: Start Small
We are using very gentle cleaning agents here, but it is still a wise decision to spot-test the solution on an inconspicuous area. As we said earlier, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Use a soft towel or rag on a small area and wipe dry to make sure you diluted the cleaning solution enough. If everything looks good, then go ahead and apply to the rest of the room.
For larger rooms, it is OK to use a microfiber mop to save some time. Most SPC floors are water-resistant, but it is never a good idea to let excess water pool up and sit on your flooring. Make sure you wring out the mop before cleaning the floor, and wipe the area dry immediately afterwards.
Step 5: Rinse And Repeat
Don’t get discouraged if there are some stains that remain. It may take a few passes to get your floors looking like new again. It is better to use a diluted cleaning solution that requires a few applications, as opposed to a strong cleaner that can damage the flooring. Remember, SPC flooring usually can’t be refinished like a hardwood floor. Continue with this process until your floors look and smell amazing.
Step 6: Allow For Time To Dry
Make sure to limit foot traffic within the room until the floors have had ample time to dry. Walking on the wet floor will likely make it dirty again. Move your furniture back into the room, and enjoy your clean and shiny SPC floors!
Final Considerations When Cleaning SPC Flooring
Cleaning SPC floors is a simple process, and in reality, they are easier to clean than most other types of flooring. Like with other vinyl flooring options, the best way to clean SPC floors is to use a gentle cleaning agent multiple times to achieve a beautiful finish. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can restore your floors to their former glory.
