Proper Commercial Floor Maintenance

           Whether you have polished concrete or epoxy commercial floors, they require ongoing appropriate maintenance for lasting performance. Learn the importance of commercial floor care and what’s necessary to keep yours in pristine condition.

                  Industrial flooring is known for being relatively low maintenance. But to contribute to its longevity, safety, and appearance, different flooring systems require different methods of upkeep. Polished concrete and epoxy floors are porous surfaces, so it’s important to incorporate routine, customized floor care. When you properly maintain your flooring by following best practices, the service life is extended and it remains a beautiful reflection of your company for years to come.

                When cleaning polished concrete floors, the key is to avoid using harsh chemicals. Bleach, ammonia, and citrus-based products wreak havoc on your floor’s shiny finish. You should also never use solvents, sealers, or waxes on polished concrete since these strip the floor’s lustrous finish.

               Dirt and debris are abrasive to polished concrete floors. The key to long-lasting shine is daily light maintenance and protection from outdoor elements and regular foot traffic. Use a dust mop, which is a long-handled tool with soft padding that removes impurities and other particles from your polished concrete floors. This simple step keeps them from looking dull and lackluster.

A dust mop is easy to use and removes the day’s dirt and grime from hard-to-reach places. Neglecting to dust mop makes your floor more vulnerable to scrapes and scratches, giving your building an unsightly appearance.

              To reduce the amount of dirt people bring in from their shoes, lay mats down in entryways and other common areas. Instead of using rubber-backed mats, use rugs that allow vapors to pass through. Rugs also prevent rainwater—which is acidic and especially harmful to polished concrete—and mud from settling into the surface.

Use precautions when moving heavy furniture, as well. Never scoot items across your concrete floor. Be sure to carefully lift from the bottom and gently set it in place, to avoid abrasions and irreparable damage.

              Water that’s too hot causes cracks, so water must be below 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps you from delaminating the floors, causing the resinous finish to erode. Hot water may seem like a good idea when you have tough oil or grease stains on your floors, but the high temperature and steam isn’t good for the epoxy surface. To remove stubborn stains or tough spills, use a water-based solution of alkaline detergent instead.

             Soap-based detergents leave a haze over epoxy floors that breaks down the protective barrier over time. Epoxy can do without sap. Don’t use organic solvents, alcohol, or other harsh cleaners, either. Most times, all it takes is warm water, a mop, and a soft scrubbing brush to get the floor’s surface sparkling clean again.