Floor Care in 4 Steps

All floor maintenance programs should consist of the following 4 steps:

Step 1: Floor Preparation

Before proceeding, remove all furniture and roll up all walk-off mats. Sweep the room or vacuum to remove all debris from the floor surface.

Safety is very important during floor maintenance, for both the person doing the cleaning and especially for people walking in the area being cleaned. Slips and falls can happen in a second and can be very dangerous, causing broken bones, head injuries or worse. The proper use of floor signs, as well as following correct cleaning procedures, can reduce the risks of injury. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Step 2: Stripping

When choosing a stripper, the performance is the key factor. Keep in mind that if you buy a cheap or poor quality floor stripper, you might not save money in the long run.

The following factors are important to consider:

• Ease of penetration of the film
• Cost in use
• Odour
• Free-rinsing

Step 3: Sealing

When choosing a sealer, just remember the acronym SAP:

Safety: It must not increase slip potential or emit harmful fumes.

Appearance: The higher the gloss level, the greater the degree of colour enrichment.

Performance: Thickness, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Step 4: Floor Finish

When comparing floor finish consider these factors:

• Maintenance: Is spray-buffing or burnishing required? If so, how often?
• Ease of removal
• Performance curve
• Appearance of glossiness

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