Snow, Salt, Slush: Maintaining Your Commercial Floors During Dirty Winter Months

By: Darlene Bernd

In most of the country, slips, trips, and falls seem like a standard part of life during the winter months. For business owners, they can also come with serious consequences.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for more than 20 percent of all emergency room visits – more than 8 million each year! This is why it’s important for commercial properties like?office buildings, medical facilities, fitness centers, schools, and more to keep floors clean and dry all winter long.

As customers and employees track in snow, salt, and dirt, commercial floors can quickly become dirty and hazardous. We outline the importance of clean commercial floors during winter months and provide tips on how to keep them clean and safe.

Why do clean floors matter?

First impressions

The first thing customers see when they walk through your doors is the floor. A dirty, cluttered floor can give the impression that your business is unprofessional and unclean. However, a clean and well-maintained floor makes a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your customer experience.

Safety

Around 67% of falls happen on the walking level as a result of slips and trips. Slips occur from wet and oily surfaces, weather hazards, traction differences, and more. During these winter months, commercial floors can become slippery and hazardous from tracking in snow, ice, and salt – and making a mess.

Keeping floors clean and dry at all times prevents accidents (and potential lawsuits) and ensures the safety of everyone in your business.

Longevity

Commercial floors are not cheap. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of your floors. Dirt, salt, and other debris can cause scratches and damage to flooring materials, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Keeping floors clean protects your investment and saves you money in the long run.

Daily maintenance

The best way to keep commercial floors clean is to establish a daily maintenance routine. This includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove any loose debris, followed by mopping with a mild cleaning solution. Be sure to use a clean, non-abrasive, microfiber flat-head mop to avoid scratching ceramic tile, marble, or another soft stone. Did you know the experts say even a paper towel can scratch marble floors?

Deep cleaning

In addition to daily maintenance, it’s important to deep clean commercial tile floors regularly. This can be done using a steam cleaner or a commercial floor scrubber. These various special machines use hot water and cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime from the tile and grout – even handling stripping and waxing.

Regularly inspect floors

It’s always a good idea to regularly inspect your commercial floors to catch any issues before they become bigger problems. Look for cracks, chips, or other damage that may need repaired. Also, be on the lookout for any areas that may need extra cleaning or maintenance, such as high-traffic areas or spots where salt and dirt tend to accumulate.

Use the Right Cleaning Products

When it comes to cleaning commercial floors, it’s important to use the right products. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage ceramic tile and grout, marble, hardwood, and other floor types.

Professional commercial cleaning services

Don’t put the burden of commercial cleaning floors on your employees. While daily maintenance and regular deep cleaning can help keep commercial floors clean, it may be beneficial to leave it to the experts and hire a professional cleaning service for a more thorough and efficient job. Professional janitorial cleaning service providers have the equipment and expertise to properly clean and maintain all commercial floors, ensuring they stay in top condition throughout the winter months and all year long.

Clean commercial floors are essential for making a good first impression, ensuring safety, and protecting your investment. Following these best practices will help keep your floors clean and safe during winter months. And remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to hire a professional commercial cleaning service to ensure your floors are properly maintained and looking their best.

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