Non-Toxic Way to Seal VCT Tile

Ease of installation, low cost and low maintenance are some of the benefits of installing Vinyl chloride tile, or VCT, in place of carpeting or wood flooring. Regular cleaning and sealing are required to keep an installed VCT floor looking new and stain-free. However, the majority of sealers contain heavy metals and other toxins that emit dangerous fumes during application and can remain a moderate health risk when dry. Sealer companies have addressed these issues by producing non-toxic sealers that are environmentally friendly, safe and use the same application methods as their toxic counterparts.

Plastic paint scraper
Broom
Mop
Soapy water
Clean water
Plastic bucket
Non-toxic VCT sealer
Dry mop

Instructions

- 1
  Slide a plastic paint scraper across the tile to remove stuck food and other debris. Sweep the floor to remove dirt and loosened debris from the surface of the tile. Thoroughly mop the area with soapy water. Rinse the mop in clean water. Mop the floor with clean water to remove soapy residue.
- 2
  Allow the floor to dry for four to six hours.
- 3
  Open all window and doors in the area. Fill a plastic bucket half-full with a non-toxic VCT sealer.
- 4
  Dip a clean, dry mop in the plastic bucket. Ring excess sealant from the mop head. Run the mop over the tile using a long sweeping motion. Reload the mop by dipping it in the bucket after applying sealant to 15 to 20 square feet of flooring. Continue the process until the entire floor has an even coat of sealant.
- 5
  Allow the sealant to dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat to the VCT.

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