When cleaning and maintaining floors, make sure to use the best equipment and supplies for each type flooring as this is crucial to extending the life of the floor.

Clean floors, cleaner air

Routine and proper flooring maintenance is crucial as clean floors contribute to the health and safety of those working or residing in a space. Consistent and routine floor care can control dust and toxins that are brushed into the air from foot traffic which can have a direct impact on indoor air quality.

The quality of indoor air plays an important role in health and productivity. Research has shown that persons working or residing in spaces with better air quality are more productive and are healthier.

Deteriorating floors are a large contributor to slip and fall accidents every year. Properly cleaned floors can help reduce slip and fall accidents because floors that are not maintained properly are more likely to develop inconsistencies in the surface, wear out more quickly, and ultimately start to fall apart.

Determine the types of flooring that must be maintained

Each type of flooring requires unique equipment, tools, detergents or soaps, sanitizers and disinfectants. Every product has specific guidelines on usage and maintenance. Read the manufacturer instructions for the specific flooring you are cleaning, as well as guidelines for how to use, mix and dispose of any cleaning fluids.

It is important to keep in mind how difficult the space may be to clean. For instance, if there are tight corners and narrow aisles such as in a grocery store, a walk-behind scrubber could be ideal to reach all the nooks and crannies.

Determine foot traffic and necessary frequency of clean

Foot traffic plays a key role in determining how often you will need to clean the floors. Heavily trafficked areas need to be cleaned at least once a day, as leaving dirt and dust on flooring too long can speed up the breaking down of fibres, affect the durability of flooring and contribute to a less healthy indoor space.

Determine routine maintenance for equipment

Proper care and maintenance of your floor cleaning machines are essential to eliminate downtime and prolong the life of the machine. This can save time and money and extend the life of the equipment.

Commercial flooring and what you will need to clean it

• VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile): Vinyl and laminate flooring are popular because of style, colour, ease of installation and durability. Read the manufacturer’s directions as not all these types of flooring are water resistant and exposure to water and steam can be damaging. Regular sweeping and light mopping should keep this type of floor in shape.
• Wood floors: Wood flooring can be difficult to maintain, and water can damage the wood, so always keep wood floors dry. Wood floors should be vacuumed daily and dry mopped with a soft dust mop to help extend the sheen.
• Tile floors: Tile flooring can be tricky because the grout needs need more care. Clean tile floors routinely, because the more regular the maintenance they get, the less staining can happen.
• Concrete floors: Concrete flooring can be porous and should be treated with a commercial finishing treatment to help stop staining. The floor should be swept thoroughly to remove all debris. Use the correct brush for the head of the machine. For concrete flooring, use the appropriate bristles that also work to clean the porous nature of concrete. Once the dirt and debris have been completely removed from the space, using a commercial scrubber, again with the appropriate brush, is beneficial in helping to lift stains on harder-to-clean areas of the floor.
• Carpets: Carpets are the largest indoor filter of dust debris and other particles that are tracked in from the outdoors. Daily vacuuming is essential and will keep toxins and dirt from remaining on the carpet fibres for too long and breaking them down. Depending on the size of the space, it may even be beneficial to use autonomous floor cleaning machines.

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://emea.icecobotics.com for the information in this editorial.

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