We all learn not to judge a book by its cover, and yet we are also well aware of the importance of first impressions. Your business can’t risk making a bad first impression, so you probably take office cleaning very seriously, but how much have you considered the importance of floor maintenance? Whether your office has a carpet floor, hardwood floor, or some other type of hard surface, proper maintenance can significantly improve the appearance of your work environment. Let’s take a moment to discuss some floor maintenance tips that will help keep your offices looking clean and professional.
Carpet
Carpet manufacturers recommend regular cleaning by a professional at least every year to a year and a half. While you may be tempted to do the carpet cleaning yourself, it is not ideal, as most quick soil changes are the result of improper cleaning methods. Older rugs tend to get re-soiled more often than newer rugs, so it is even more advisable to seek professional cleaning services. Ideally, your carpets should be cleaned regularly, but as soon as you notice stains or dirt. It’s also important to remember that the best carpet cleaning results will come from using the right cleaners and equipment, so always work with a professional and you’ll save time and money in the long run.
Wood
As with carpets, the best wood cleaning results come from using the proper cleaners and equipment. For example, you should never use harsh or abrasive chemicals to clean wood, as you risk ruining the finish of your floors. Unfortunately, hardwood floors are among the most susceptible to wear and tear over time; No matter how carefully you care for your hardwood floors, you are likely to see scratches and wear eventually. However, there are ways to maintain your hardwood floors to reduce or eliminate the appearance of wear and tear, i.e. repainting. Repainting can usually be done in a day if done regularly, and while it may seem more expensive, waiting for more serious signs of damage to appear can make the repainting process significantly more expensive and difficult. You also want to prevent damage to your hardwood floors by adding protective furniture leg pads to your floors and considering placing temporary rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas.
Hard surfaces
Regarding the maintenance of natural or artificial hard floors, there are different tips for different types of soil. In commercial or industrial settings, concrete floors are an inexpensive (but unappealing) option, but they must be sealed so dirt, oil, and grease do not penetrate the surface and cause discoloration.
Brick floors are generally made of clay, sand, lime, or concrete. It is important to sweep and wash regularly with a neutral cleaner. Brick floors are generally not suitable for sealing. Similarly, natural stone floors like marble, slate, and limestone don’t need to be sealed either. However, you may want to use a water-based acrylic grout or cement seal for brick and natural stone floors.