How to improve infection control with vinyl flooring
Infection control is a growing concern in various industries and settings, whether that be commercial or residential, from hospitals to homes. Navigating challenges such as increasing microbial resistance and heightened public health awareness means the materials we choose for our environments play a significant role in maintaining hygiene. Flooring, which covers vast surfaces and often endures high levels of daily wear, is a key factor in controlling the spread of bacteria and viruses. Vinyl flooring is an effective solution due to its hygienic properties, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we explain why.
Key features of vinyl flooring for infection control
1. Non-porous surface
Vinyl flooring is a non-porous surface which prevents liquids, dirt, and contaminants from seeping in. This reduces the likelihood of microbial growth, which thrives in moist and porous environments. Unlike carpets or unsealed wood that can retain germs deep within their fibers or grains, vinyl creates a barrier that is easier to clean and sanitise.
2. Easy to clean and maintain
One of the standout features of vinyl flooring is its low maintenance. All modern vinyl floors have a PU coating, which is a protective polyurethane film, which makes the surface of the flooring more durable, and resistant to water, abrasion and some chemicals. This ensures that the flooring is easier to keep clean, and grease free.A simple cleaning routine with disinfectants can eliminate bacteria and viruses. Whilst some of the flooring is smoother i.e for lobbies etc where the slip resistance is only R10. A flooring such as Altro Stronghold, used in a kitchen, is much more grippy and rough with an R12 slip resistance. No matter the slip resistance, all of our vinyl flooring is easy to clean, however floors with more grip will require different products and apparatus to clean. For example, on a grippier floor, a brush will be needed, rather than a mop. With the correct tools and cleaning regimes, your vinyl flooring will be as good as the day that it was installed, for years to come.
3. Seamless installation
Vinyl flooring can be installed with minimal seams, reducing the potential hiding spots for dirt and germs. Using Altro’s vinyl flooring as an example, it typically comes in 2m wide rolls and can be fitted with a flat finish into the walls or with a coving for a more easily cleanable and waterproof system. The 2m widths are up to 20m long and are joined together by heat welding. Creating a completely sealed surface like this is particularly beneficial in environments like hospitals and laboratories where hygiene is paramount. In comparison, tiled flooring or concrete flooring may have gaps, cracks or seams, which not only makes them more difficult to clean, but is a breeding ground for bacteriaWith a practically seamless flooring, with no lumps or gaps where dirty and bacteria can get between or underneath the flooring, it is the most effective option when it comes to floors.
Suitable applications
Vinyl flooring is the product of choice for many settings including schools, hospitals, care homes, commercial restaurants and leisure centres to name but a few.
Healthcare settings
Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories are among the most demanding environments for infection control. Vinyl flooring’s non-porous, easy-to-clean surface makes it the perfect choice for patient rooms, operating theaters, and corridors. Its compliance with hygiene standards like ISO, HACCP and other regulatory frameworks underscores its suitability for healthcare applications.
Food preparation areas
In kitchens and food processing plants, maintaining sanitation is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses. Vinyl flooring’s seamless and water-resistant properties make it ideal for these spaces because it’s easy to clean spills and disinfect surfaces. Altro’s safety vinyl flooring meets the highest standards of slip resistance around the world and come with a lifetime sustained slip resistance guarantee - ensuring that everyone who uses the spaces has a safe experience.
Residential use
In homes, especially those with children, pets, or elderly residents, infection control is crucial. Families can benefit from its durability and ease of maintenance whilst reducing the risk of allergen build-up and microbial growth. Vinyl flooring offers a hygienic solution that’s also aesthetically pleasing and versatile. Altro offers a vast array of ranges which can turn your room into a homely yet functional space, one which doesn’t compromise on style.
Sustainability and infection control
In addition to its hygienic benefits, vinyl flooring options are increasingly being designed with sustainability in mind. A number of Altro’s flooring ranges are now available in an adhesive-free option. They are sustainable, contain 10% recycled content (meaning they use less valuable natural resources) and are 100% recyclable post-consumer. With the adhesive-free range, waste is minimal as you do not need to use a damp-proof membrane (DPM) or adhesive products, helping to reduce unwanted landfill content. As it’s 100% recyclable, the floor can be uplifted quickly and easily and any leftover floor can be used elsewhere. At the end of its life the floor can be recycled and regenerated for other uses. You can also use a company called Recofloor when installing certain brands of vinyl flooring, where they will take away leftover floor or offcuts for you, for recycling - this is useful on big building sites, which would generate a lot of waste.
Maintenance best practices
To maximise the infection control benefits of vinyl flooring, proper maintenance is key. Here are some best practices:
Develop a regular cleaning programme suited to the usage and traffic of the area: Heavily trafficked or highly visible areas need to be cleaned more often than areas which are seldom used, or where appearance is less important. The best and most cost effective method of cleaning Altro safety flooring is by machine.
Use recommended cleaning chemicals: Use only recommended cleaning liquids or their equivalent in the correct concentration. Do not mix cleaning liquids, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always check the suitability of cleaners for use on vinyl floors. Do not use a cleaner containing pine oil.
Remove scuff marks regularly: To remove any rubber heel marks by abrasion use the correct machine pad, or scrub by hand, using scouring powder. For areas requiring renovation due to neglect or heavy soiling consult the manufacturer.
Protect newly laid floors – all newly laid safety floor surfaces should be covered and protected from all other trades during the contract with a suitable non-staining protective covering.
Protect newly laid floors: All newly laid safety floor surfaces should be covered and protected from all other trades during the contract with a suitable non-staining protective covering.
Comparison of vinyl flooring with other flooring options
When compared to other flooring materials, vinyl stands out for its infection control properties:
Carpets: Difficult to clean thoroughly and prone to trapping allergens and pathogens.
Wood: While visually appealing, unsealed wood can absorb moisture and harbor bacteria. If it’s the wood effect you’re after, take a look at Altro Wood. This is an attractive, general purpose 2mm wood-effect vinyl safety flooring available in a range of designs with different plank sizes and shades to help you create the right look without compromising on the qualities expected from vinyl flooring.
Tiles: Grout lines can be breeding grounds for germs, requiring extra maintenance.
Vinyl: Combines the benefits of durability, low maintenance, and superior hygiene at a competitive price point.
Make vinyl flooring your choice for hygiene, safety and design
Choosing the right flooring can significantly impact infection control efforts in various settings. Vinyl flooring offers a hygienic, durable, and cost-effective solution that meets the needs of modern environments and regulations. Whether in a hospital, a kitchen, or a home, its non-porous surface, ease of cleaning, and antimicrobial properties make it a top contender for maintaining health and safety whilst creating attractive spaces. Investing in vinyl flooring is not just a practical choice but a proactive step toward creating healthier spaces for everyone. Get in touch with us today to explore your options further.
