Winter floor cleaning

"Doormats and vacuums can limit the amount of moisture that hangs around on floors, but you also have to worry about the chemical components of salt and sand damaging your floors," the company says. "These materials can strip the finish on hardwood and tile floors if they're not properly cleaned up. Without this protective coating, the acidic content of winter grime will eat away at your flooring's foundation, which will cause permanent damage.

"Another area of concern is the mold that builds up when moisture is left on floors. Rotting floors and molding could need replacing in a worst-case scenario, and the cost of new floors will wreak havoc on any building manager's budget.

"While the potential for damage is clear, you might not be aware of the best options for keeping your floors dry and protected with the proper finish. Checking the condition of your floors at the beginning of the winter season is a must. If you see the protective coating wearing off already, refinishing the floor is highly recommended before the wave of snow and ice hits the area.

"As for daily maintenance, cleaning systems that neutralize the impact of salt and sand are your best bet. Traditional cleaning tools like mops and standard chemicals are not a good fit for this type of task. Furthermore, the limitations of mops are clear when you are trying to keep the floors dry, not make them wet a second time. An autovac is a better tool for cleaning and keeping moisture under control.

"As you improve your winter floor cleaning tools and techniques, your investment in your building facilities will return the appropriate value over time. Hoping to get by with antiquated cleaning tools can have disastrous effects on the property and your company's budget for the long term."