A shiny hardfloor increases the value of a commercial property. It’s highly durable, has excellent resale value, and enhances any decorating style. Unfortunately, the usual wear and tear caused by occupants can diminish its elegant look. Here are some valuable tips for maintaining a shiny hardfloor through the years.
What’s Considered as Hardfloor?
An owner must know exactly what he’s dealing with to decide the best approach for maintenance. For example, a hardfloor or hard-surface flooring uses materials like vinyl, linoleum, concrete, ceramic, wood, and stone.
Each type of material has unique characteristics and performance levels. For example, some are resilient, while others are not so much. Therefore, the method of cleaning and product to be used is chosen carefully to match their unique property.
Useful Tips to Achieving a Shiny Hardfloor
It seems tedious, but an excellent cleaning and maintenance plan helps save time, frustration, and money. An additional year to the flooring’s life equates to thousands of dollars saved.
1. Buy high quality walk-off mats.
The most effective way to eliminate dirt is to prevent it from entering. A 12 to 15 feet mat placed at the entrance catches approximately 80% of soil. This increases to 98% with a 39 feet mat.
2. Avoid dragging the furniture.
Dragging the furniture leads to scratches, nicks, and divots on the floor. Instead, lift the furniture as much as possible. Anti-scratch pads placed on chairs, tables, and other furniture are also quite helpful.
Putting mats or thick rugs under heavy items also reduces scratches that damage and dull the floors.
3. Vacuum the floor every day.
People immediately think of mops when it comes to achieving a shiny hardfloor. Vacuuming is equally essential. Mops can’t fully eliminate sand and soil, but a vacuum can. This is critical because these elements can bring real damage once they scrape the floor. You must also vacuum your walk-in mats.
Floor wax is helpful in many ways. Aside from adding non-slip properties, it also makes the floor look nice and glossy. The wax also acts as a sealant and needs to be redone occasionally.
4. The flow of traffic must be consistent.
Note the traffic patterns of the property and change the cleaning strategy accordingly. The areas that have the heaviest traffic must get additional cleaning. These need mopping and vacuum several times a day.
5. Choose the correct type of cleaning product.
Not all floor types and cleaning products are compatible. Avoid cleaning solutions that may possibly void the flooring warranty. It’s best to test a small area of the floor first before going all the way. Consult a professional if necessary.
Here are some suggested cleaning solutions for different types of hard floors:
- Hardwood
Washing is a big no-no for untreated or wax-finish hardwood floors. Instead, just sweep, vacuum, or dust-mop frequently. On the other hand, a pH-neutral soap is ideal for polyurethane-finish floors.
- Laminate
Soap-based cleaners and polishes are not suitable since these will make the surface dull. Then, use a slightly damp cloth for stubborn stains.
- Vinyl
Mix water with a bit of mild detergent for a deeper clean.
- Linoleum
Hot water and dish soap are effective for linoleum floors.
- Stone
Use non-chelating and pH-neutral cleaners for natural stone floors. These cleaning agents will not produce undesired chemical reactions that might damage the stone’s minerals.
- Tiles
Mild soap is sufficient for tiles. The main concern is the grout, where dirt and grime tend to accumulate. Mix 2 parts of baking soda and 1 part to clean the grout.
6. Strip, seal, and wax
The products required to strip a floor depend on the type of flooring material. Use the right chemical to get the best results. Stripping easily removes debris, dust, and wax.
A sealant is applied right after stripping. This protects the floor from scuffing and grease that can settle. The floor should be completely dry before sealing for best results.
This task is done once, twice, or thrice annually depending on the traffic, floor type, and cleaning method. It’s also good to do this after the winter season because the cold temperature is harsh on the flooring.
7. Burnish or buff regularly.
Burnishing or buffing on a weekly or semi-weekly basis will add gloss and shine. These can also hide the scratches and other signs of wear and tear. Many people prefer burnishing because it gives a brighter shine.
Prestige Property Services Helps Businesses Achieve a Shiny Hardfloor in No Time
The easiest way to maintain floors is to seek the help of professional cleaners. This is especially true for commercial spaces. Wear and tear are greater due to the number of people that come and go.
Specialty floors like hardwood require extra care. Utility personnel may clean with all their might, but the service an expert provides is unmatched. This will cost more, but the return on investment is definitely worth it.
For all your commercial cleaning needs, call us today at 714 224 0301 or email your inquiries to info@prestigepropertyservices.com.
