When business owners want to make a good first impression, they plant flowers at the front door, make sure the windows are clean and smudge free and update office furnishings. One thing that often gets overlooked, though, is proper floor cleaning. The floor is one of the first things customers and visitors notice when entering a building and a dirty or damaged floor will most certainly catch their unwanted attention. To ensure a positive first impression at all times, you need to ensure you have a comprehensive floor care strategy that enhances your building’s appearance while also providing safety benefits. Each type of flooring has unique needs, though, so it’s important that you know how best to clean your specific flooring system.
Wood
Wood flooring can lose its sheen over time and grow incredibly dull under the high traffic of everyday use. It’s also a porous surface that dirt and grime can deeply embed into. Because of its porous nature, it absorbs liquid if too much is applied, which can end up causing permanent damage. For a waxed wood floor, routine sweeping, vacuuming or dusting not only prolongs the life of the floor, but also keeps the entire area clear of allergens and dirt particles. For a sealed wood floor, simply spray with a natural water-based formula and follow through with a clean mop to ensure that the floor is clean and sparkling. It’s also important to schedule restorative cleaning sessions at least twice a year in addition to regular cleaning.
Tile and Grout
Tile floors accumulate more dirt and oil than other types of floorings as heavy use can cause grime to become embedded into its grout. The type of tile your floor is made of, though, will determine the best cleaning methods and products. Many commercial tile floors are made of a vinyl composition tile (VCT) that requires non-abrasive cleansers. Other types can tolerate harsher chemicals, but their grout can’t. When cleaning tile, you should use sealants that deep clean the grout, thus making mopping more effective and avoiding the need to replace your tile in the future. It’s also important to choose a cleaning brush or tool that can accommodate the level imbalance between the grout and tile. For weekly cleaning, gently mix 1/4 cup vinegar in a 16-oz spray bottle with one drop of dish soap and warm water. Spray the floor one section at a time and wipe with a damp microfiber mop as you go.
Carpet
An improperly cared for carpet can become matted, frayed or faded—which will eventually lead to costly and frequent replacement. The most effective way to protect your investment is regular maintenance that involves quarterly, low-moisture cleaning. In an office environment that doesn’t have a lot of foot traffic, you might only need to vacuum your carpet twice a week. However, in busier industries that see more people—like hotels and hospitals—carpets must be vacuumed daily. Regular vacuuming removes dust and particles that may damage the fibers in your rug. Immediate spot and stain cleaning is also important to prevent spills from soaking into the carpet.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the easiest surfaces to clean and sealing it will not only help keep it from absorbing staining elements, but will make it easier to clean down the line. However, as concrete is a porous material, any water or liquid cleaner put on it should be thoroughly dried to avoid absorption into the floor—even if it’s sealed. To clean your indoor concrete floors, use a broom to loosen dirt and get rid of debris in case your floor isn’t properly sealed. Then wash using an all-purpose cleaner.
No matter what type of floor you choose, regular care and cleaning are essential in order to maintain its good looks. However, there is no one cleaning method that suits all. Talk to the cleaning experts at Cubix, Inc. and let us create a custom cleaning plan that meets the unique needs of your business. We offer commercial cleaning solutions tailored exclusively to your facility and employ a variety of leading cleaning technologies in order to offer our customers the best service, the deepest clean and the highest value.
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
