Choosing the right tools
Using the correct equipment is critical for proper cleaning. A flooring specialist has advanced carpet cleaning equipment—it lifts the pile and scrubs all sides of the fiber with a counter-rotating brush instead of brushes spinning on top of the carpet and removing only the top layer of dirt. Floating cleaning heads gently agitate carpet fibers to safely break up and remove the stubborn soils while improving the overall appearance. Other specialized equipment can go beyond deep cleaning and spot removal to provide the client with the best possible results. Specialists have the capacity to de-shed carpet, especially helpful with wool-based products. They can also safely lift depressed pile crushed by heavy machinery.
Just as the right cleaning equipment is essential, so are the right chemistries and cleaning products. Chemistry affects the performance and appearance of flooring, either by positively enhancing and protecting it or more negatively impacting its properties. A prime example is with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) tile. Usually found in technology rooms or data centers, ESD contains carbon film, which helps dissipate static. Often, contractors or cleaning teams apply a standard acrylic finish, effectively removing the very properties the client is expecting from the tile. To repair the damage, the surface needs to be stripped get the tile back to its working properties and then the correct product needs to be applied to maintain and protect its special features.
Special finishes require special care
High-quality flooring finishes cannot be treated like basic linoleum. Specialty flooring materials require unique care. Emergency calls from facility managers about newly installed products can be avoided with advanced input from floor care experts. For example, cork is an absorbent material that may come installed with an existing wear layer. If not, a wear layer should be applied. Maintenance involves cleaning with neutral pH cleaner and minimal water. If too much water is employed, it could potentially warp the product. In most cases, once the wear layer is worn down, the floor is either replaced or it is simply lived with as is. As is the case with all flooring surfaces, the frequency of cleaning depends on the usage of the space.
Rubber flooring is extremely durable and can be maintained with an all-purpose cleaner and extraction to remove moisture. Issues arise if the janitorial staff applies an acrylic finish meant for vinyl composition tile (VCT). When applied to rubber, it causes the floor to turn yellow and crack. In this situation, the product needs to be stripped and the correct finish applied.
High-end, handwoven, and specialty area rugs require hand cleaning to ensure the carpet is not damaged during the cleaning process. Woven vinyl flooring has become popular in recent years, particularly in café and common areas. However, its loose, open-format weave captures dirt and debris, and the product itself becomes soiled with use. Agitating with hot water and all-purpose solution followed by extraction is the preferred method of cleaning.
