Don't be floored by floorcare

Keith Robertson of the NCCA explains why a back-to-basics approach to floor care can overcome cleaning difficulties on even the most challenging of surfaces

As a floor care consultant I sometimes find it difficult to understand why some floors are chosen for certain commercial situations, particularly where financial constraints dictate that ongoing maintenance is kept to an absolute minimum.

By contrast, I recently received a query about a particular vinyl floor which I consider to be an ideal product for moderately heavy usage.

Vinyl can be a very practical product to choose and there are a number of products in this market that are hard wearing, low maintenance, visually appealing and when mimicking natural materials such as wood and stones have a realistic grained surface.

I have not had many reports of maintenance problems with this type of product, but did recently receive one.The business owner complained that the vinyl was proving very difficult to clean and considered it not fit for purpose.

I suppose I should have been pleased that the criticism was not of the cleaner but of the product. It is not unusual that totally impractical floors are chosen and the cleaner is blamed when it doesn't clean up to the desired standard.

Nevertheless sometimes criticism of the cleaning can be justified so it is important to consider just how a floor should be correctly maintained.The first step is to consult the website of your chosen product/s, because any reputable company will have posted a PDF floor maintenance sheet for each of their product ranges.

It is quite likely that the maintenance sheet will suggest that the daily routine is to mop sweep or vacuum to remove dust and loose dirt and, if required, spot mop to remove stubborn marks, with a neutral cleanser.How is this interpreted?

In many cases floors are quickly brushed and then wet mopped. If this is not done correctly a problem will develop with soil build-up in the grain or dimples on the surface.However, it's a fact that in many situations it is unlikely that the floor requires to be washed daily, as repeatedly mopping of surfaces can often prove to be a soil redistribution process, especially if the floor has not been swept or vacuumed first.

Dry soil removal is key Too often it is forgotten that the removing of dry soil is a vital component of successful cleaning. Once that has been completed spot mopping is all that is usually required. It is not unusual for a cleaner to neglect dry soil removal and incorrectly assume that washing is sufficient.

Where a single disc rotary machine is available, spray buffing with an appropriate floor pad is a good method, although controlling the amount of cleaning product is vital. Perhaps it would be better to refer to this method as 'mist' buffing rather than spray buffing as the use of too much cleaning agent can still cause problems.

Mopping musts If mopping is the preferred cleaning method there are two specifics that should be taken into consideration.

1.Use as little water as possible. Even experienced cleaners are inclined to lay too much cleaning solution which means they are unable to lift all the soiled water and so the dirty water dries back into the grooves and grain.

2.Use a double bucket mopping system with microfibre mop heads which can easily be changed and washed.

Should the floor have already deteriorated, it will be necessary to wet scrub the surface and use a wet vacuum to lift the soiled water and dry the surface.

On the very rare occasions that there is still a problem it is then time to look at other soil prevention measures such as the entrance barrier matting.