Common Cleaning and Maintenance Mistakes

Not changing water

Using a single bucket mopping system – for many commercial cleaning locations, a single bucket and mop is not adequate. A double bucket system employs a bucket of clean water used to rinse the mop before it is placed back into the cleaning solution. This is much more effective and avoids contamination of the cleaning solution. Rinsing is important with many cleaning products.

Too much cleaning product, wrong dilution

There is a common perception that if a floor is dirty, you need to use more of the cleaning product, making a stronger dilution. This is incorrect and can create sticky residues, which can make a floor dangerous (slippery) underfoot as well as attract more soiling.

Poor rinsing

This leaves residues behind and can create a slip hazard.

Aggressive cleaning techniques

The use of aggressive pads or inappropriate pads can cause issues. e.g., black pads and diamond pads on resilient and wooden floors.

Entrance flooring systems (matting) not effectively cleaned

If entrance systems are not effectively maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it will quickly become full of soiling and ineffective, and should therefore be included in a general cleaning and maintenance regime.

Same cleaning product and system used for all floor surfaces in one building

Cross contamination is regularly seen by those who problem-solve cleaning issues.

Protective finishes incorrectly applied or specified

Floor coatings can offer a different finish and are regularly applied to assist in creating a gloss level. However, when inappropriately applied, particularly on to a badly prepared surface, they can be ineffective and adversely affect the appearance of a floor and create other issues such as slip. Poorly applied finishes can also create issues for the visually impaired.

The wrong cleaning solution is used

For most floor coverings and general soiling, a solution of neutral detergent is adequate. There is a vast range of cleaning product available on the market, some with very alkaline pH values; if used incorrectly these will damage the majority of floor coverings. In addition, it is not uncommon for floors to become damaged by bleach and strong pine-based disinfectants.

It is also important to differentiate between disinfecting and cleaning as these two processes are regularly confused. Effective cleaning should be carried out ahead of any disinfecting regime. The two processes are entirely separate.

Disinfecting kills germs and microbes, cleaning removes those dead germs and microbes. Simply applying layers of disinfectant to a resilient or hard floor surface (daily) will over time make that surface sticky from a build-up of residues and make it impossible to maintain.

For more technical information visit the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring.