Most commercial floor types require a specific cleaning approach. For instance, you will need a mild detergent for concrete floors and something less harsh than bleach or vinegar for hardwood floors.
Generally speaking, most floors benefit from daily and weekly sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping. But they also need a certain level of more serious commercial floor cleaning Manhattan, NY to loosen the harder types of gunk that can still accumulate.
Mopping
It’s important to sweep or vacuum before mopping to prevent dirt and debris from spreading. Then, the cleaning process will be more effective.
When mopping, it’s important to change the water frequently. This prevents the mop from spreading dirt and bacteria around the floor. The mop should also be wrung out thoroughly so that it’s damp, not dripping wet.
For stone floors, avoiding acidic cleaners like vinegar is a good idea. Instead, use a pH-neutral or non-chelating cleaner.
Some commercial floor cleaners have an odor, but many options have no smell. These are usually natural products that use vinegar as their main ingredient. Some products use lavender, mint, or pine scents to cover cleaning chemicals’ odor.
Scrubbing
The scrubbing machine is an excellent alternative to mops and buckets. It can eliminate scuffs and scratches to leave the floor with a shiny finish. It’s also important to buff commercial floors at least once a month for cleanliness and a polished look.
Using a natural cleaning solution helps in the scrubbing process. A mixture of vinegar and soap is a great choice for scrubbing concrete floors because it cuts through the build-up, breaks down dirt, and disinfects.
The four main processes for a clean commercial space are emptying/cleaning the entry mat, vacuuming or sweeping, dust mopping or dry mopping, and wet mopping with an auto scrubber. These steps help in reducing the spread of germs in the workplace. Hiring a professional crew that knows how to use the equipment is best for better results.
Vacuuming
Often, dirt and debris on commercial floors come from outside the building. An unkempt landscape breeds pests, dust, and bacteria that can wind up on warehouse floors.
Before mopping, janitors should sweep or vacuum the concrete floor to remove heavy soil and debris. Sweepers are available in different sizes to accommodate the size of the warehouse or store space.
Once the flooring is free of loose dirt and debris, janitors should mop it using a mild cleaning solution. The cleaning solution can be purchased from a store or made at home using water, white vinegar, or dish soap. It is important to dry the floor afterward to prevent water damage. Avoid soap-based cleaners if you have laminate floors, as they will dull the surface.
Wiping
The key to cleaning commercial hard floors is preventing dirt build-up. That means wiping the floors regularly and sweeping debris off of them. In addition, it’s best to schedule a deep cleaning of the floors every spring. This is especially important if you have a retail or restaurant location because snow, salt, and ice can cause the floors to be slippery and grimy.
Many commercial floor cleaners produce an odor, but some options are free of harsh chemicals or emit only a mild scent.
Drying
Commercial spaces require a special plan of action for floor cleaning. Typically, these facilities have many people and require a lot of space. Moreover, the floor cleaning crew cannot come in while the facility is open to keep everybody safe and productive.
For this reason, a janitorial company can create a unique program for specific types of commercial spaces. They can set a schedule that includes the most important aspects of flooring maintenance, such as vacuuming carpets in high-traffic areas and buffing hard floors regularly. This prevents scuff marks and scratches and helps the flooring look like new. These companies can also include a process such as concrete polishing, which fortifies the flooring and extends its life. This can be especially helpful for warehouses.