Best Ways To Take Care Of Commercial Floors – Complete Guide

Is the shine of your office’s floor getting dull? Give it a new life and revive the shine with proper commercial floor cleaning practices. 

We have provided all the essential information regarding floor cleaning in this thorough guide to help you get rid of those dingy floors.

Cleaning Commercial Carpet Floors

It is obvious that proper cleaning on a timely basis extends the life of the flooring. The theory fits perfectly in the case of commercial carpet flooring too. 

Dirt and debris accumulate in the carpet that wears down its fibers, thereby affecting its durability. Also, in the wake of the pandemic we are realizing that floors area another part of facilities that need to be cleaned properly to minimize germs and bacteria¹. It’s never been more important to have a well-defined carpet cleaning process in place.

 

Best Methods for Commercial Carpet Cleaning 

• Hot Water Extraction Cleaning

Hot water extraction cleaning, also commonly known as steam carpet cleaning, is one of the best methods for commercial carpets. This method uses high pressured hot water to agitate the carpet fiber and dissolve dirt in the carpet.

The hot water extraction cleaning process typically involves applying a cleaning agent to the soiled surface, agitating the carpet with a brush, and then rinsing. After the cleaning agent has had a chance to settle into the carpet for a short period of time, the carpet will be “washed” by a carpet cleaning machine to rinse the cleaning agent thoroughly. Finally, the carpet will be left to dry in a room or air-conditioned environment.

• Carpet Shampooing

This method uses a rotary brush to work a shampoo solution into the carpet. The shampoo will work to break up dirt and stains in the carpet.

Shampoo carpet cleaning was popular till encapsulation technology was introduced in 1970s. Shampooing your carpets may seem to clean them well, but it has a disadvantage: it leaves behind a lot of wet foam residues that take a long time to dry. It can feel sticky when it dries because no rinsing is done after shampooing. This can make the cleaning method less popular than others.

• Encapsulation

Encapsulation cleaning is a relatively new carpet cleaning technology. This method uses an encapsulating compound to surround dirt particles and stains, making them easy to remove when the carpet is vacuumed.

The advantage of this commercial carpet cleaning method is that it uses less water than hot water extraction or shampooing, so the carpet will dry faster. In addition, there is less chemical residue left behind after cleaning because the dirt and stains are encapsulated by the compound.

• Bonnet Cleaning

Bonnet cleaning is a surface cleaning method that can be used on commercial carpets. This method uses a rotary machine with a bonnet (a pad made of absorbent material) to clean the top part of the carpet fiber.

The advantage of bonnet cleaning is that it is a quick and easy way to clean commercial carpets. However, this method does not clean the carpet deeply, so dirt beneath the surface of the carpet may reemerge quickly. In addition, bonnet cleaning can cause accumulation of chemical residue in the carpet if the bonnet becomes too saturated with cleaning solution.

• Dry Carpet Cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning, also known as compound cleaning, is a relatively new commercial carpet cleaning method. This method uses a motorized brush machine to work a dry cleaning compound into the bottom part of the carpet fiber.

The advantage of dry carpet cleaning is that it is effective at deep cleaning commercial carpets. In addition, this method does not require drying time, so carpets can be used immediately after cleaning.

Dry carpet cleaning is a safe way to clean all types of carpets. It is recommended for offices that need to be open all the time since the process does not require time to dry.

Cleaning Commercial Tile Floors

Tile/VCT flooring is preferred as the best flooring option in commercial projects that have a high traffic flow². Reasons for this preference are – 

• Easy Maintenance
• Durability
• Low Cost
• Variety of Appearances

But these reasons become practical only when a dedicated Tile Floor Cleaning process is followed. Unlike wood floors, tile does not warp but it can absorb stains.

How to Clean Commercial Tile Floor

Mopping and Scrubbing with an automated floor scrubber are the two ways to clean the tiles. You must mop the floors regularly (daily or weekly) to keep the dirt away and scrub the floors using an automated scrubber at least once every quarter.

The Cleaning Process – 

1. Sweep regularly before mopping to remove dirt and debris.
2. Follow a proper mopping plan before you begin to avoid ending up in a corner.
3. Use a yarn or string mop instead of a sponge mop as it fills the grout with dirty water that gets hard to clean. 
4. Change the water frequently. Mopping with dirty water will leave your business’ floors looking dingy.
5. Buff your floors dry using a clean, lint-free cloth or a microfiber mop.

How to Remove a Stain from Tile Floors?

• Use the Right Cleaning Solution

It is not suggested to use a concentrated cleaning solution to clean the floor daily, but for the purpose of removing a stain, it is important. Mix 2-4 ounces of cleaner in a gallon of water for an effective cleaning outcome.

• Mop in a figure-eight pattern

Try mopping in a figure-eight pattern to take off the stains rather than going up and down or side to side.

• Remove the wax

If your floor has yellow stains, remove the wax coating from the tile by using a concentrated cleaner and an automatic scrubber.

 

Cleaning Commercial Concrete Floors

Concrete floors are one of the most popular choices for businesses because of how easy they are to clean. But you can’t expect a clean floor without performing regular cleaning tasks.

Also, concrete floors are porous, and thus after every cleaning, you must ensure to dry the surface completely to avoid any absorption, even if it is sealed concrete flooring.

Things you need for concrete floor cleaning –

• Mop or broom with a microfiber pad (or a vacuum cleaner)
• Neutral-pH floor cleaner
• Bucket
• Water
• Air mover

The Cleaning Process – 

1. Dust mop the surface to remove the dirt and dust from the floor.
2. Wet mop the floor with a neutral floor cleaner. But don’t mop the floor just after applying the cleaner as it needs some time to break the dirt particles and grease. 
3. Start cleaning with smaller areas at a time so that the cleaner breaks the maximum dirt possible.
4. Make sure not to let the cleaner dry on the floor.
5. Rinse the cleaner off of your mop and wash it with clean water. Then mop all the chemicals off of your commercial floor using a damp mop.
6. Turn on the air movers to completely dry the surface and avoid slips and falls.

Note – For better maintenance, strip off the wax twice a year to avoid stains from reaching the main concrete surface.

Cleaning Commercial Vinyl Floors

Commercial Vinyl floors are long-lasting, provided they are given good care. Cleaning commercial vinyl floors requires a different approach than cleaning the same type at home.

As a general cleaning routine, you should sweep or vacuum the vinyl floor to avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust. 

The Cleaning Process

1. Use a damped mop with neutral cleaning detergent in the first phase of cleaning. Move the mop in a figure-eight motion.
2. Dampen your mop with clean water after applying the cleaner to the floor.
3. Mop the floor to remove all the detergent
4. Turn on the air mover to remove any leftover dampness and completely dry the surface.

For an excellent cleaning outcome, you can also choose to apply three to five coats of acrylic floor finish.

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More Types of Commercial Flooring and their Cleaning

Apart from the above-mentioned commercial flooring options, there are many more flooring types that require slightly different cleaning and maintenance schedules.

 

• Laminate

It is a great flooring option for places with high traffic, requires no complex cleaning procedures, and can be kept in good condition with low maintenance. 

The only negative side of it is that it can warp if exposed to high moisture.

• Rubber

Regular cleaning of rubber floors is enough to keep them in good condition. The daily cleaning involves sweeping and mopping.

Mostly found in gyms and areas like kids’ play zones, rubber floors need deep cleaning not very often.

• Stone

A number of varieties of stone floors are available for commercial spaces, including – slate, travertine, marble, and granite.

The cleaning and maintenance routines of stone floors depend on the particular type of stone.

Automatic Scrubbing  and Floor Buffing Machines- A Vital Part of Commercial Floor Cleaning

Scrubbing is an essential part of commercial floor cleaning that is done using an automatic scrubber. 

The scrubbing machine works as a great alternative for mop and bucket and performs effective cleaning. It is a common cleaning practice followed in many commercial spaces but does require you to sweep the floor first.

Buffing is another task included in commercial floor cleaning that eliminates scuffs and scratches to leave the floor with a glossy finish.

Special machines are used for this task that can spray buff and dry buff the floors efficiently.

According to the general cleaning schedule, buffing of commercial floors should be done once every month. The frequency can change depending on the type of floor and traffic on it.

 

How to Create a Commercial Cleaning Schedule

To create a commercial cleaning schedule for your floor, you need to consider the following factors – 

• Type of floor
• Amount of foot traffic
• Use of the place

Every section of your commercial space would serve a different purpose, and thus you should choose a different flooring plan accordingly.

Sample Floor Cleaning Schedule

To ease your process of drafting your commercial floor cleaning schedule, you can take the help of this sample cleaning schedule.

Daily Cleaning Activities

1. Sweep hardwood and tile.
2. Vacuum carpet in high-traffic areas.
3. Spot-clean spills.
4. Dust mop or damp mop. 
5. Auto scrub, depending on your facility.
6. Low-speed buff, depending on your facility.
7. High-speed burnish, depending on your facility.

Weekly Cleaning Activities

1. Mop the tile floors

Monthly Cleaning Activities

1. Deep-cleaning activities need to be performed monthly in particular types of facilities that demand higher bars of cleanliness.

Quarterly Cleaning Activities

1. Deep-clean and polish.
2. Deep-clean the tiles and the grout using a tile floor scrubber.
3. Wax the tile surfaces that have a high traffic count.
4. Deep-clean commercial carpet floors using a carpet cleaning machine.

Annual Cleaning Activities

1. Sealing tile grout.
2. Waxing the tile floors.
3. Applying carpet protector

Certain floors also demand strip and refinish tasks to be included in the cleaning procedure.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Floor Cleaning

 

• How do I make my commercial tile shine?

To maintain the shine of your commercial tile floor, you can use vinegar-based cleaners for regular cleaning. If the tiles are already dull, try using baking soda to clean them or use lemon-based cleaning solutions to restore the shine.

 

• How do you clean industrial floors?

Mop the floors regularly with a mixture of ammonia-based solution and water. The cleaning process might vary with the type of floor, but following a proper cleaning the schedule is essential to keep the industrial floors cleaned.

 

• How do you clean commercial linoleum floors?

Take one cup of vinegar, mix it with a gallon of water, and add a few drops of dish soap to it. Use the solution for mopping the floors, and use a scrubbing brush to remove stickiness and dirt from the floor. Then mop the floor with clean water and let it dry.

 

• How do you mop like a professional?

To mop like professionals, you need to follow these steps – 

1. Sweep the floor or vacuum it properly to remove the dirt
2. Mix the right cleaning solution with water.
3. Use a microfiber pad mop to clean the surface.
4. Mop the floor again with clean water.
5. Let the floor dry completely.

• How often should you buff a floor?

You should buff a floor once a month, but the frequency can vary depending on the foot traffic and use of that particular space.

Do you need a professional commercial floor cleaner?

If you are looking for a professional commercial floor cleaner, look no further than Foreman Pro Cleaning. We are a full-service commercial cleaning company that offers a variety of floor care services, including carpet cleaning, and stripping & waxing. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your commercial space clean and looking its best.

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