Commercial floors can be an expensive investment. There’s the initial installation and the cost of routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Then, there’s the cost of reinstallation when the flooring needs to be replaced.
Proper floor cleaning and maintenance can extend the lifespan of commercial flooring by years. This helps facility owners stretch their budgets further.
Hard floors
Quality commercial flooring from renowned manufacturers is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and stand the test of time. However, a great-looking floor requires regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain its value and lifespan.
Keeping your commercial floors clean not only extends their life but also helps protect the health and safety of your employees, visitors, and customers. If you notice that a floor has changed in how it feels when you walk on it, this is typically caused by the padding degrading and could lead to trip hazards.
Vacuuming, sweeping, and dust mopping keep dirt and grit to a minimum, which minimizes abrasions and scratching on materials like tile, vinyl, and stone. Placing rugs and mats at entryways to trap grit, rock salt, and snow reduces scuffs and scratches on hardwood floors. Putting furniture pads under chairs also reduces scratching and denting on hard floors.
Tiles
The flooring in a commercial environment has to deal with significant foot traffic, abrasive materials, spills, and even the weight of heavy equipment and furniture. Without proper cleaning, this can result in damage that shortens the lifespan of your facility floors. That’s why routine cleaning by a professional floor company is essential.
Scheduled sweeping and vacuuming removes loose dirt particles that can scratch or scuff the surface of tile floors, which can extend their lifespan. Additionally, using pH-neutral cleaners can help suspend dirt particles for easier removal. It’s also essential to put down mats in high-traffic areas and to use furniture pads to distribute the weight of heavy machinery or office equipment evenly and reduce stress on the floors.
Investing in new commercial floors is a significant expense for any facility manager, and you want that investment to last as long as possible. Proper flooring care by a professional commercial floor cleaning manhattan ny service can save you the expense of repeated repairs and replacements, and it will keep your commercial facilities looking great.
Cork
Cork is a sustainable flooring material harvested by carefully peeling the outer layer of mature Quercus suber trees without harming them. As a bonus, it’s hypoallergenic and naturally mold, mildew, and insect-resistant.
Like other natural materials, it requires special care to extend its lifespan. It’s important to sweep regularly and vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If dirt and grit accumulate on the surface, they can gouge and scratch the floor.
Felt floor protector pads on furniture legs and walk-off mats in doorways are a must to prevent denting the cork. Cork absorbs impact more efficiently than laminate, vinyl, or linoleum, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s also a good choice in rooms where echoing is an issue in a pared-down home with few rugs or apartments, for instance. And now waterproof click-together planks make cork a viable option for bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Vinyl
Vinyl is very durable and can withstand most abuse, but it’s essential to use the appropriate cleaning solutions. For example, it’s crucial to avoid bleach, vinegar, and homemade cleaners, as these can damage the surface.
Sweeping and dust mopping are suitable for removing abrasive dirt and debris, and using a mild cleaner with water can help prevent stains. Make sure to wipe up spills as they occur and to blot rather than rub to avoid scratching the vinyl.
Using furniture pads can protect the flooring from scratches and dents, and it’s also helpful to encourage people to remove their shoes indoors (or at least wear slippers) to reduce the amount of dirt brought in from outside. Doormats at entryways can help reduce the number of scuffs and marks, as can placing rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Lastly, consider investing in tennis balls and a stick, as dents and scratches can often be removed with these simple tools.
