Well-maintained hard flooring is pivotal when it comes to having a clean work environment. Not only can it make or break the appearance of a room, but it also requires a fair amount of upkeep that many businesses fail to provide. From hardwood to tile, each surface has its own individual look and maintenance method.
Here are some ways you can take better care of your hard floors:
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is becoming an increasingly popular flooring choice for business owners due to its versatility and straightforward maintenance approach. Daily sweeping or vacuuming is crucial for hardwood floors, especially in businesses with a lot of foot traffic. Because hardwood floors can be sensitive to a variety of different cleaners, be sure to use only what is recommended by your manufacturer. Steer clear of mopping with water or steam, as it can cause severe damage to your floor’s finish. Wax cleaners that require you to mix oil, soap, or ammonia should also be avoided. Some companies use a humidifier to keep the wood from shrinking, especially if it’s in a kitchen with a stove or oven that causes dryness.
Laminate
If you love the look of hardwood flooring but don’t have room for it in your budget, laminate flooring is an excellent alternative. Many business owners have chosen laminate flooring as a cost-effective substitute for hardwood, tile, or ceramic. Laminate floors are known for their incredible durability, lasting anywhere between 15 to 25 years. Regular sweeping and dust mopping is recommended for general cleaning. To avoid residue, stay away from soap or detergent-based cleaners.
Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
Many businesses choose vinyl composite tile for their building because it is durable and relatively easy to maintain. Never use anything other than a cleaner with a neutral pH of 7 on your VCT floors. For deep cleaning, VCT floors should be machine scrubbed and then sealed. Keep these floors as dry as possible, as excessive wetness can cause adhesive failure, mold, or discoloration.
Resilient Sheet Vinyl
Because of its water-resistant qualities, resilient sheet vinyl is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl floors should be swept regularly, according to how much traffic they receive. Stay away from soap and detergent-based cleaners, as they tend to dull vinyl flooring. These floors are stain resistant, so most stains and spills will wipe off easily, but they are still slipping hazards when wet. The sooner the stain is removed, the better.
Marble
Not only is marble a beautiful design choice, but it is also durable and long-lasting. Using a microfiber dust mop is highly recommended for general cleaning. It will trap and remove dust more efficiently than a regular broom. A pH neutral cleaner is crucial for marble flooring. Anything too acidic, such as lemon or vinegar cleaners, will damage and corrode marble floors. Try to keep water levels to a minimum, as excess water may cause your floors to rust.
Concrete
There are a few different types of concrete floors that commercial buildings use, and each of them have a specific protocol when it comes to maintenance. All types of concrete floors should be cleaned with microfiber pads and gentle cleaning products. Stained concrete floors should be dust mopped, then mopped with a neutral pH cleaner, and finished with sealer. Polished concrete floors follow the same suit, but don’t need a sealer. Plain concrete simply needs a periodic power wash and seal, depending on how trafficked the area is.
While each surface is different, all hard floors collect dirt and dust, which can easily scratch the surface of your floor. If you choose to vacuum these particles, double check that your vacuum head is felt or brush and does not have a beater bar. Also, be aware of how much sun exposure your hard floors are receiving, as they are subject to discoloration and fading over time.
A little consideration goes a long way with your flooring. Consistent, careful cleaning extends their longevity and ensures you get the most out of your investment. No matter what type of floors you have, Calico is prepared to maintain them. Our wide range of services and our years of experience allows us to adjust our methods to your particular business and flooring system.
This article was brought to you by Calico Building Services. With our knowledgeable team of experts, we will see to it that your floors are properly maintained. From nightly dust mopping to an annual strip and wax, Calico is prepared for all your floor care needs. We offer premier janitorial, repair and maintenance, and construction services to a vast range of industries such as retail and entertainment centers, medical and dental facilities, large corporate offices, and financial institutions. Learn more about our wide range of maintenance services by visiting us here. We look forward to working together to extend the lifetime of your floors and keep them sparkling for your employees and patrons alike. Contact Calico today to request a proposal!
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About Calico Building Services
Calico Building Services, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 1986 by husband and wife, Ron and Kathy Strand. By developing a reputation for quality workmanship and superior customer service, the company has grown organically to become a leading provider of building, facility and property services in the Western and Central U.S. with reach and capabilities nationwide. Today, the company employs hundreds of team members and works with hundreds of strategic partners throughout the U.S.
Our core service areas delivered through the company’s three divisions include janitorial, repairs and maintenance as well as construction. With our relentless customer-centric commitment to quality and service, we serve: national retailers, banks, building owners, universities, medical facilities, government municipalities and facilities managers. Our numerous customers range from regional success stories to Fortune 500 companies. We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and unique portfolios of services in the industry. From day one, personalization and offering mission-critical solutions to our valued customers has been our top priority. Depending on our customers’ needs and requirements, we can deliver our services as a self-performing company or we can deploy a network of Calico certified vendors and suppliers through effective project management. Whether they are fellow team members or certified vendors, we only hire the best and most qualified service personnel and technicians. Each of our divisions are managed and staffed by highly trained and experienced professionals in their respective fields.
There are many reasons why so many companies nationwide rely on Calico Building Services, Inc. for all their building, facility, and property services. At the core, and the key differentiator, are our people and their constant commitment to excellence and unparalleled service.
