Just returned from Las Vegas’ Surfaces Show, where over 700 vendors offered carpet, stone and wood flooring, vinyl, and other materials that make up floors, counters, etc. Showcase the wares of a building or home. Why go to the show as a cleaner? This allows me to learn about the latest trends in materials, and I can talk with the technical staff of the manufacturers and find out what maintenance problems they have encountered and their recommendations.
Terrazzo is made from recycled plastic.
From Coca-Cola Bottles to Carpet
More recycled surfaces
This year’s show had two main themes: sustainability and easy care. Mohawk boasted about recycling 6 billion drink bottles into polyester fiber for their carpets. Other carpet mills made similar claims. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), a popular product, has similar stories. One firm uses waste plastics of all types to create accent colors for terrazzo. In the past six or seven years, there has been a big focus on natural materials: oiled hardwood, natural fiber rugs, and laminate, among others. These are often water-sensitive and hard to clean. Today, waterproofing is the buzzword.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT).
LVT is the trend for easy-care flooring. Six years ago, the LVT category was virtually non-existent. Today, it accounts for 30% of all flooring sales. LVT is a laminated vinyl flooring consisting of a printed sheet on a core and a wear coat over it, usually with a polyurethane finish. Original LVT has a flexible vinyl core but is susceptible to heat. LVP planks are rigid and usually on a stable body. Waterproof is a label that all of these products carry, but not all are water resistant. Some manufacturers offer warranties for steam mop use, but the majority do not. It is either because the steam can cause heat damage to the floor if it’s left in one spot for too long or because the smoke gets down between the planks and condenses, leading to mold growth. In the care instructions of one manufacturer, it was stated that water should not be used to clean. The after-care manager told me that a flat, damp mop would be perfect. They didn’t like buckets or puddles. Surfaces is where I go to get clarifications like this.
Resurgence of Laminate
Laminates are gaining popularity. It is promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to LVT because it contains a natural core. Waterproofing is a major concern for all the major manufacturers. The bottom may still disintegrate in a flood. The locking system between the boards is much more secure. Some of these products come with a warranty that includes a steam mop, but the majority do not. Remember that these improvements are only recent, and there are still many laminates installed that do not resist water.
Waterproof Wood
Several manufacturers showed the new product with minor variations. It is claimed that you can now have a real hardwood floor without worrying about water. This goal will be tested. The construction is similar to LVT, except instead of a vinyl printed layer, there is a real wood 0.6 millimeters layer. This is about the same thickness as a business card. It is believed that a thin sliver will not warp or cup when wet. These boards were left in the water for three days without any damage. No matter how light the wood is, as long as it’s real, you can call it a real hardwood floor. The product is also more environmentally friendly since a traditional hardwood floor would require 20 logs to cover a 2500 sq. This product is also more sustainable since a conventional wood floor would need 20 records to cover a 2500 sq. We will see how this product holds up. As of now, the product should be clean, just like LVT.
Both residential and commercial customers are looking for products that are easy to clean while supporting claims of sustainability. It should be easier for us to clean these materials. However, there are still many older materials out there. We need to be professionals and be able to deal with it all. Avoid acids and high-PH cleaners on all of these floors. Acid cleaners and high pH can damage polyurethane finishes. Steam mopping is not recommended on most of these floors. Next year, I will be watching to see what worked well and what did not.
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