Tips to Properly Maintain Coated Floors
by Paul Scheidmantel - Sales Director
Proper maintenance will increase the longevity of your coated floor, and improve the gloss retention and overall appearance.
The frequency of maintenance will depend on your work environment and the amount of dirt soilage that accumulates. Dirt and dust are abrasive. Liquids may stain and damage the finish. Ultimately, they can quickly dull the finish, decreasing the sheen and shorten the life of the coating.
The greater the accumulation of soilage and the harsher the environment, the more frequently you will need to clean your floor. To maximize your floor coating investment, it’s highly recommended you develop a regular floor care maintenance program including the following steps:
Sweeping: Sweep floors daily with a broom or mechanized sweeping equipment to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. If using a mechanized sweeper, be sure to use a soft nylon bristle brush. Stiff brushes may scratch the coating, causing it to lose gloss.
Scrubbing: The frequency of scrubbing depends on the amount and type of soilage; however, all floors should be scrubbed at least once per week. High-traffic areas, such as aisle ways, should be scrubbed daily. Use a mop and bucket, or for greater productivity, use an autoscrubber that is suited to your needs. Areas where oil and grease are prevalent require daily attention.
Here’s a short list of cleaning equipment manufacturers:
- Advance: http://www.advanceus.com/
- Clark: https://www.clarkeus.com
- Factory Cat: http://www.factorycat.com/
- Minuteman: http://minutemanintl.com/
- Tennant Company: http://www.tennantco.com/amen/equipment/allequipment
Spills: Any liquid spill, including caustics, acids and solvents, is a safety hazard and should be cleaned up immediately to prevent damage to the coating. Harsh liquids that remain on the floor may soften, discolor, or completely remove a coating or sealer. If chemicals are prevalent in your work area, consult your APF Sales Representative for a guide to the chemical resistance properties of your floor coating.
Scratches & Gouges: Avoid scraping and sliding heavy machinery, pallets or sharp objects across the floor, as this will cut and gouge the coating.
To summarize, keep this quick checklist handy:
- Sweep your floor daily with a broom or mechanized cleaning equipment.
- Scrub your floor at least once a week using the correct brush and detergent.
- Clean up spills immediately before they have a chance to damage the finish.
- Place mats near entryways to capture and minimize dirt and moisture.
- Repair any large gouges or scratches as soon as possible.
- Do not slide heavy machinery or materials across the floor without protection. This will scratch and gouge the floor coating.
- Avoid dropping heavy or pointed items on the floor, as chips may occur.
- ONLY use soft bristle brushes or pads. NEVER USE stiff bristle brushes or caustic cleaning solutions on the coating.
Due to the nonporous nature of a coated floor, it typically requires less maintenance than an uncoated concrete floor. Nevertheless, to maximize the life of your new flooring investment, a daily maintenance program should be established. Routine sweeping and scrubbing will minimize scratching from abrasive dust, limit soilage buildup and extend the life of your floor.
For more maintenance tips, view our troubleshooting article outlining common conditions and solutions.