Category: Janitorial Services

20 Sep 2020
security

Security And Your Janitorial Company

security

Every business has some type of security protocol. Whether it is as simple as a lock and key or as in-depth as a full-on security system with cameras, keypads, and burglar alarms – all businesses have things they need to protect. For retail businesses, it may be merchandise, cash, or credit card numbers. For medical and legal offices it may be data, records, and personally identifiable information.

When considering a commercial cleaning company, security concerns may not be top-of-mind, but it is something that requires serious consideration. Commercial cleaning or janitorial staff have access to nearly every area of your business and they often work outside of normal business hours. This is why it is so important to make security considerations a priority when vetting potential providers.

What To Look For In Janitorial Service Providers

When hiring a janitorial service provider for your facility you need to understand their level of commitment to security. A reputable provider will have training and protocols in place that help ensure that its staff understands the importance of security. There are many ways that smart janitorial services can mitigate security risks and bolster client confidence.

Employee Background Checks 

Any reputable janitorial service understands the importance of employee background checks. Background checks help to eliminate potential security risks by weeding out applicants with checkered pasts and less-than-honorable intentions. Make sure that your provider only employs staff that has passed a background screening.

Security Protocols and Training

In addition to employee background screening, set security protocols and regular employee training reinforces in the employees’ minds, the company’s commitment to security. In addition, it helps ensure that employees understand and follow security protocols. Ask prospective providers about their security policies and the level of security training their staff receives.

On-site Supervision

Ensuring that cleaning crews are supervised by a responsible individual provides several benefits. A supervisor represents a single point of contact, meaning that keys, alarm codes, and other access points are entrusted to only one individual. In addition, a supervised cleaning crew is far less likely to breach security protocols, knowing they are being watched.

Bonded and Insured

If your janitorial service provider is not bonded and insured, you need to find another provider. Bonding and insuring is the most important step a janitorial service provider can protect both themselves and their clients. It ensures that if a cleaning staff member damages or steals property from a client that the client will be reimbursed.

Low Employee Turnover

If your janitorial service provider experiences high employee turnover it can present a security risk for you. Cleaning staff that has had access to your building and inside knowledge of your security protocols and are no longer bound by the cleaning company, can represent a real security threat. Ask potential providers about their turnover rates and avoid companies that can not seem to retain staff.

Uniformed Staff

While this may not seem like a security precaution, uniformed cleaning staff are easily identifiable, making non-staff members easily identifiable as well. Ensuring that cleaning staff is required to wear name badges or IDs is another way that janitorial services can show their commitment to security.

A Little Forethought Goes A Long Way

It pays to be vigilant when hiring a commercial cleaning service and hiring the wrong one can cost you in a big way. Take your time, vet your prospects, and hire a firm that will add value rather than cost.

10 Sep 2020
property management cleaning

Is Your Cleaning Company Hurting Your Bottom Line?

property management cleaning

There is no doubt that a clean facility has many advantages and generally hiring a commercial cleaning company will help ensure your facility always looks its best. However, who you hire to manage your facility’s cleaning program can be the difference between a profitable business partnership and a costly one.

Not All Commercial Cleaning Companies Are The Same

When choosing a commercial cleaning company to manage your facility’s cleaning program, you have a lot of choices. You will likely find several companies offering cleaning services in a variety of price ranges. The important thing to remember is that it’s not about price; it’s about value and return on investment.

Typically, companies offering cleaning services at rock-bottom prices are inexperienced and underfunded. They likely do not have adequate staff or proper equipment and training. These shortcomings might save you money in the short-term, but over time you may find that their inexperience is costing you more money than you saved. In fact, hiring an inexperienced or fly-by-night cleaning company can hurt your bottom line in more ways than you think.

Lost Tenants Equal Lost Revenue

An inadequately cleaned facility makes a bad impression and could scare off potential tenants. In addition, existing tenants may feel compelled to look elsewhere once their lease is up if they feel that the facility is not well maintained.

Your tenants understand the value of a clean and inviting facility. They recognize that their clients form opinions about their business based on the cleanliness of the facility. They also recognize that their employees are better served when the workplace is clean and sanitary.

The bottom line is: that a poorly maintained facility is bad for your tenants, bad for their staff, bad for their clients, and ultimately bad for you.

Dirty floors, smudged windows and mirrors, dusty lobbies, and unsanitary restrooms will leave your tenants dissatisfied and they will eventually move their organization to a better-maintained facility. This means empty spaces, more dollars spent on marketing, a potentially damaged reputation, and lost income for you.

Proper Maintenance vs. Costly Repairs

Improper training, poorly maintained equipment, and carelessness on the part of a cleaning crew can cost you more than just tenants. Commercial cleaning is not just about cleaning, it is also about maintaining your property to ensure longevity. Improper use of commercial cleaning chemicals can damage surfaces in your facility which can lead to costly repairs and replacement costs.

Imagine an inexperienced cleaning crew using overly caustic chemicals on your lobby’s marble floors. Or a poorly maintained buffing machine gouging your hardwoods. Using the wrong cleaning chemicals can damage all types of surfaces, from chrome fixtures in restrooms and kitchens to granite countertops and expensive furnishings. These types of ‘accidents’ can lead to repair and replacement costs of thousands of dollars and a commercial cleaning company that is ‘just starting out’ may not have the funding or insurance to cover the costs. This leads us to a third unanticipated cost associated with ‘inexpensive’ commercial cleaning services.

Liability And Insurance Claims

Commercial cleaning companies that are not yet well established may not have the necessary insurance coverage to deal with property damage and personal injury claims. If a cleaning company employee is injured on your premises and their employer’s insurance company denies the claim, you could be held liable.

What if an inexperienced cleaning crew inadvertently creates an unsafe environment for your staff, your tenants, or their clients? Lack of training can lead to all manner of unsafe conditions when it comes to commercial cleaning. Are you willing to take that risk?

How Do I Know Who To Hire?

As was stated earlier, hiring a commercial cleaning company based on pricing alone is not the best approach. You should request proposals from several potential providers and then vet each one separately. Some of the questions you’ll want to be answered are as follows:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you have experience with similar facilities?
  • What are your training protocols?
  • Do you perform employee background checks?
  • Are you insured and to what extent?
  • What is your employee turnover rate?
  • Will there be management oversight of cleaning crews?
  • What is the communications protocol? (i.e. Who can I call when there is a problem?)
  • Can you provide references?

Getting answers to these questions will go a long way toward weeding out the bad apples during your vetting process and should make the decision-making process easier. If you can carve out three or four respectable providers from your list of prospects, then you can start talking price.

30 Aug 2020
reduced risk

How Commercial Cleaning Can Reduce Risk and Liability

reduced risk

It’s clear that hiring a commercial cleaning company to clean your facility has many benefits. A professionally cleaned facility presents well, creates a healthy work environment, and can make for happier and more productive staff. What many business owners and facility managers fail to take into account is the reduced risk and liability that commercial cleaning services represent.

While cleaning your own business may seem like a smart way to reduce costs, there are risks and liabilities associated with this do-it-yourself approach. Most of these risks and liabilities can be mitigated by hiring a commercial cleaning company to manage the risks for you. Not to mention the cleaning.

So How Can A Commercial Cleaning Company Reduce Risk?

1) OSHA Training

Properly cleaning and disinfecting your business requires the use of a variety of commercial cleaning products, tools, and even machinery. Employees tasked with cleaning may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals, asked to work with equipment that can present a danger, and asked to perform various tasks that may cause injury or illness if not performed properly. Failure to understand and adhere to OSHA safety guidelines can put an employee, their coworkers, or your customers at risk.

A reputable commercial cleaning company trains its employees with regard to OSHA safety standards, chemical usage, and proper operation of machinery. These people are professionals who stay abreast of and adhere to the safety standards that keep themselves and those around them safe.

2) Environmental Safety

The physical environment in which cleaning services are performed can present many hazards for you, your staff, and your customers. Commercial cleaning companies are responsible for ensuring that they maintain a safe environment while performing their duties. Proper signage for wet floors, proper ventilation when using noxious chemicals, and safe operation of cleaning equipment. These precautions help reduce liability and risk of injury.

3) Property Damage

Improper use of cleaning chemicals and equipment can cause damage to your property. Poorly trained in-house staff may not even be aware of the damage they are doing until it’s too late. On the other hand, a well-trained professional cleaning staff knows how to properly clean a huge variety of surfaces effectively without damage or degradation. Wood floors, marble and granite countertops, various upholsteries, and even carpets should all be cleaned and maintained with proven tools and techniques.

4) Worker’s Compensation

If you are hiring in-house staff to manage your cleaning and janitorial needs then you are required to provide worker’s compensation benefits. If a member of your in-house cleaning staff is injured while performing their job they are likely to file a claim. When you hire a commercial cleaning company to manage your facility’s cleaning needs, these obligations are theirs, not yours. The cleaning company is responsible for insuring their own staff, reducing both costs and liabilities for you.

5) Reduced Risk of Illness

A reputable commercial cleaning company will thoroughly clean and disinfect your workplace and a clean workplace reduces the chances of employee illness, absenteeism, and potential insurance claims. Providing a safe and healthy work environment can mean less paid sick leave, fewer insurance claims, and happier, healthier staff.

 

 

 

31 Jul 2020
Healthcare cleaning services

Tips For Hiring Medical Facility Cleaning Services

Healthcare cleaning services

Not every commercial cleaning company is suited for medical facility cleaning. There are certain standards that need to be met to protect you, your staff, and your patients. Regardless of the size of your facility, you need a company that understands the unique needs of the medical industry. One that has the training and expertise to meet those needs. Here are four tips for hiring a competent medical facility cleaning company:

1) Training

Healthcare facilities represent unique environments with very specific cleaning requirements. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire a cleaning company that trains their employees specifically for healthcare facility cleaning. A quality healthcare facility cleaning company will be able to describe to you the type of training they provide to their employees. Additionally,  they should ensure proper policies and procedures are followed when working within a healthcare facility.

  • HIPPA Compliance – Any medical facility training program should include training on HIPPA compliance. All staff should be well educated and compliant with HIPPA standards as well as any internal policies with regard to patient privacy.
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training – In addition to HIPPA training, cleaning staff should be in OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards. They should recognize that they are not to handle sharps or waste liners marked ‘Danger – Infectious Waste”.
  • Cross-contamination Avoidance – The last thing you want is a cleaning company that is spreading more germs than they are eliminating. Your medical facility cleaning company should have very specific policies and procedures in place to reduce or eliminate cross-contamination and all employees should be fully trained in this regard.
  • OSHA Compliance – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets standards for safe and healthy workplaces and work practices. These standards are designed to protect both the worker and the business. They include guidelines for safe chemical handling

2) Experience

Obviously, you want an experienced commercial cleaning company to manage your medical facility cleaning program, but a company with experience specific to the healthcare industry is paramount. An experienced healthcare facility cleaning company has processes and procedures in place that are designed specifically for the healthcare industry.

They understand the unique needs of the healthcare industry, they understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting and the need for both, and they understand the concepts of cross-contamination and Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs). While training and knowledge are invaluable assets, nothing can replace experience.

3) Employee Screening

As a healthcare facility administrator, you understand the importance of trustworthy staff. The healthcare industry is often home to vulnerable populations, sensitive medical records, and prescription drugs. Yours is an industry ripe for criminal activity and it is vital that whomever you hire to provide cleaning and disinfecting services vigorously screen their employees.

Any medical facility cleaning service worth their salt should be able to provide detailed information with regard to their employee screening processes upon request.

4) Oversight

Even with proper training and employee screening, smart medical facility cleaning services always have a supervisor on site. This practice ensures oversight of the cleaning staff and gives you direct access to management personnel. Having a manager on-site allows you to immediately address perceived problems, request specific services, and address any other issues that may arise.

In Conclusion

Hiring a medical facility cleaning service is not a hit-and-miss process. You should do your research, interview prospective providers, and ask a lot of questions. Don’t trust your healthcare cleaning to amateurs, hire the best.

 

 

 

10 Jul 2020
restroom cleaning

Restroom Cleaning: Is Your Cleaning Company Doing Enough?

restroom cleaning

Let’s face it, nobody likes a dirty restroom. It is not just that a dirty restroom is unsightly, it is also unsanitary and could be causing health problems for you, your staff, and your customers. What is worse is that if your restroom is not clean, the rest of your business or facility isn’t clean either.

Think about this scenario: An employee enters your unclean restroom, does their business, and exits without washing their hands. On their way out they touch the stall door, and the restroom door, and then proceed to use the microwave, the water fountain, and the copier machine.

Even if your workplace was clean before this single episode, it is not clean now. The fact of the matter is that an unsanitary restroom makes for an unsanitary workplace and an unsanitary workplace can lead to lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased costs.

So is your cleaning company doing enough to keep your workplace restrooms clean and sanitary?

Not All Commercial Cleaning Companies Are Created Equal

Commercial cleaning companies come in all shapes and sizes and like in any industry there are those who do an exceptional job, those that do a mediocre job, and those that do not do a good job at all. When it comes to keeping your restroom clean, mediocre doesn’t cut it and if they are doing a poor job, you may as well clean it yourself.

The best commercial cleaning companies do many things better than the other guys, but the two things that make them stand out is their understanding of the cleaning process and their adherence to it. Exceptional commercial cleaning companies have processes in place that help ensure consistent and thorough cleaning, and the one place where these procedures are most evident is the restroom.

Restrooms Cleaned Right

A truly professional commercial cleaner understands that an unsanitary restroom is a catalyst for an unsanitary workplace. They understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting and the need for both. They understand dwell times, cross-contamination, and the value of a truly effective and efficient cleaning process.

First off, a well-organized commercial cleaner has the right tools and cleaning agents required to properly clean a restroom. They will use a variety of cleaning products for different tasks, disposable or color-coded cleaning cloths to avoid cross-contamination, and will thoroughly clean and maintain their equipment after each service.

In addition, a professional cleaning company will adhere to safety procedures, blocking off restrooms, posting wet floor signs, and donning protective equipment to protect themselves and others. They will be familiar with the chemicals being used and be well-versed in how to use them safely.

Dust Above The Floor Surfaces

Dusting above the floor surfaces first helps to ensure that you do not dirty lower surfaces later in the process. Be sure to clean any soiled areas on walls, stalls, and doors, remove graffiti, gum, and clean grout lines.

Check and Refill Dispensers | Empty Trash Receptacles

Check to make sure that dispensers, hand dryers, etc. are working properly and refill those that are running low. These should include toilet paper, sanitary napkins, paper towels, and soaps. Empty trash receptacles and replace liners.

Pre-cleaning Toilets and Urinals

Toilets and urinals should be pre-cleaned by removing any debris from in and around these fixtures, placing urinal strainers in a disinfecting solution, and dispensing of depleted urinal cakes.

Cleaning High-touch Surfaces

The first step in any sanitizing process is to clean. Cleaning removes soils and dust from a surface and prepares it for effective disinfection. Failing to clean first, is failing to disinfect.

Toilets, urinals, sinks, dispensers, countertops, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces should all be cleaned thoroughly.

Accounting For Dwell Times

Once all high-touch surfaces have thoroughly cleaned a disinfectant should be applied. This includes the disinfecting of toilets, urinals, sinks, countertops, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces. Once applied, move on to other tasks to allow for appropriate dwell times.

Fixtures and Glass

Assuming appropriate dwell time has elapsed, remove any disinfecting solution from sink fixtures, dispensers, and door handles. Polish these surfaces with a metal polish or glass cleaner. Glass cleaner will generally shine fixtures without polish buildup. Wipe mirrors and glass surfaces with glass cleaner and a designated cleaning cloth.

Wipe Down High-touch Areas To Dry

Assuming appropriate dwell times have elapsed return to the high-touch areas to complete the disinfecting process. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning cloth for each respective surface. You don’t want to wipe the countertop with the cloth used on the urinal. Be sure to replace any urinal strainers and disinfectant cakes after wiping down urinals.

Mop The Floors

At this point, the only surface remaining should be the floor. Restroom floors should be cleaned with the appropriate mix of cleaning agents and water. Too much of a chemical agent will leave the floor sticky and dull, not to mention more prone to dirt buildup between cleanings.

A microfiber mop is the best mop option as it does not require repeated dipping in dirty mop water and will not leave your floors as wet. In addition, microfiber mops tend to more effectively remove dirt, as opposed to pushing it around.

We Can Help

Need a commercial cleaning company that does restrooms right? Complete Care can help! Contact us today to learn how we can help keep your business or facility clean and sanitary.

 

 

04 Jun 2020
green cleaning

Going green and clean: Top eco-friendly commercial kitchen and office cleaning tips

green cleaning

Office and Commercial kitchen and cafeteria cleaning don’t need to be back-breaking, noxious-smelling activities to be feared. In this article, we’ll give you some advice on office cleaners, and commercial green cleaning products, and go through some ways to save the environment at work.

 

We’ll look at:

  • Traditional office and kitchen cleaning supplies
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products
  • The power of steam cleaning
  • The pros and cons of the DIY eco-cleaner
  • Deep kitchen cleaning checklist
  • Office cleaning tips
  • Other ways to go eco-friendly in the office

Read on to discover how to go green and join other eco-friendly businesses that are helping save the environment.

Keeping your kitchen and office clean and tidy is a basic business health and safety requirement. It’s necessary to help keep your employees and customers happy and healthy. There are expert teams out there who specialize in professional kitchen cleaning and office cleaning so you can be confident you’re meeting all the guidelines. But if you’re looking for ways to be green about your cleaning, it may be a good idea to talk to them about the chemicals and equipment they’re using in your workplace.

Traditional office and kitchen cleaning supplies

While effective and excellent at killing germs and viruses, a lot of the harsh chemicals used to clean professional workspaces are bad for the environment. Some even contain phosphates, which can be harmful to aquatic life. Others use hydrocarbons and compressed gas, which is terrible for air pollution and global warming. And that’s not even taking into account the single-use plastic and packaging that a lot of these come in.

Having a conversation with your kitchen and office cleaners about sourcing more environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and methods is a simple way you can go green and clean.

Eco-friendly cleaning products

People can be skeptical about sanitizing offices and cleaning kitchens with green products, but they’re just as effective at removing dirt, grime, and bacteria. Swapping to eco cleaners is the first (and easiest) step you can take in your ‘how to be greener’ journey. And what’s great is that there are loads of products out there that fit the bill, such as degreasers, surface cleansers, and even washroom supplies.

Using more products like these is responsible, effective, and good for the environment.

The power of steam cleaning

When it comes to kitchen cleaning and sanitizing, there are so many extra spaces you have to consider. Ceilings can become caked in grease, kitchen ducting can harbor dust, and grates, drains, and sinks can start to smell so much sooner thanks to the fat and food waste siphoned away.

There’s a lot of potential for bacteria in a kitchen, so regular deep cleans are necessary to help avoid customer illness and keep your business compliant with all regulations. But these deep cleans don’t need to be full of harsh chemicals and commercial green cleaning products – Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to be green and clean.

Steam Cleaners can reach temperatures between 66-149° C, so they’re certainly hot enough to kill germs, melt grease and remove a multitude of stains with zero scrubbing. And there’s not a chemical or cleaning agent in sight. You can steam clean your floors, surfaces, and appliances. They’re ideal for those out-of-reach places too. Just be careful not to use them on anything porous or prone to heat damage.

The pros and cons of the DIY eco-cleaner

In your eco-friendly cleaner research, you’re sure to come across some do-it-yourself cleaning solution recipes. Vinegar sprays, lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda solutions – they’re all well-known for their home-cleaning prowess, but are they suitable for use in commercial kitchens and offices?

They’re certainly effective, but having overwhelming vinegar and lemony smells in a kitchen could be confusing for cooks. You need to take into account the time some of these take to work. Some bicarbonate of soda oven-cleaning hacks need overnight soaking to break down stains.

Using pantry staples may seem like a low-cost, eco-friendly option for cleaning your kitchen and office, but you’ve got to consider the time spent, any leftover scents, and overall effectiveness. Professionally produced cleaning products are thoroughly checked for their efficiency – can you say the same for your homemade vinegar/bicarb solution?

Deep kitchen cleaning checklist

To help you stay on top of it and to keep those germs at bay – here’s a kitchen cleaning to-do list of things to consider and areas you shouldn’t forget:

  • Think about introducing rubber mats to trap dirt and runaway food – Brush and clean these daily
  • Sweep and mop the floors with eco cleaners, degreasers and disinfectants
  • Clean high-traffic touchpoints like door handles, switches, etc. daily
  • Don’t forget hard-to-reach and inaccessible areas such as ceilings, lighting, shelving, etc.
  • Keeping all your appliances clean will improve efficiency – don’t forget to scrub those seals and shelves
  • Clean the kitchen vents and kitchen ducting regularly.
  • Give the rubbish and recycling bins a clean to reduce smells

Office cleaning tips

Offices aren’t as high-maintenance as a commercial kitchen, but there are areas that need special attention as well:

  • Introducing rubber kitchen mats or rugs will trap dirt and spills – you can buy machine-washable ones for ease of use
  • Clean high-traffic touchpoints like door handles, switches, and desks daily
  • Vacuum regularly and thoroughly clean carpets at least once per year – consider a steam carpet cleaner as a green alternative
  • Keep the fridge and other communal appliances clean to improve efficiency and longevity
  • Clean the inside and outside of the bins to reduce unwelcome smells
  • Encourage staff to keep workspaces clean. This includes keyboards, monitors, and other equipment.

Other ways to go eco-friendly in the office

As well as making your cleaning greener, there are other ways to help the environment at work. For example, adding some plants and greenery to office spaces – they’re great for increasing oxygen levels and they create a welcoming atmosphere. To reduce the use of energy and encourage natural light, keep your windows clean both inside and out. And you could get some recycling bins and only choose reusable cups and plates.

Banishing paper towels is another great option – microfibre towels are super absorbent and you can get loads of different kinds of low-energy hand dryers these days. You should also consider smarter dispensers and sensor taps – they’re much more hygienic and reduce water consumption too.

There are so many different ways you can help the environment and keep your commercial kitchens and offices clean, all you need to do is take that first step.

08 May 2020
restroom cleaning

Your Public Restroom and Your Reputation

restroom cleaning

Your business’ reputation is one of your most important assets, and as a business owner, you likely invest a great deal of time and effort into nurturing it. Reputation is not something that you can buy, it is a reflection of other people’s opinions and impressions of your business, its employees, and its services. Making a good first impression is the first step toward building a positive reputation.

While most business owners recognize that cleanliness is important to making a good first impression, many do not extend that philosophy beyond the lobby and reception area. Despite the common sense appearance of this thought process, you might be surprised to learn that customers are likely more concerned with the cleanliness of your restrooms.

According to a survey conducted by Bradley Corporation, the cleanliness of your restrooms is a major deciding factor with regard to customer perceptions of your overall business. According to the survey results:

  • 69% of customers believe an unclean restroom indicates insufficient management
  • 67% of customers experience a lowered opinion of the company when restrooms are dirty
  • 63% of customers equate an unkempt restroom with a low degree of care for visitors’ comfort by the company

Each statistic makes it painfully obvious that the cleanliness of your public restroom has a direct impact on your customers’ satisfaction levels.

What Can You Do?

While everyone appreciates a clean restroom, no one wants to clean them. For most businesses maintaining a clean and sanitary restroom can be challenging and many use a commercial cleaning company to do the job for them. The key here is hiring the right company.

When considering commercial cleaning companies to manage your restroom cleaning needs there are several important things to consider. Obviously you want a company that is experienced, but you also want a company that can manage all of your restroom needs.

Your commercial cleaning company should:

  • Clean and disinfect all areas of the restroom with particular emphasis on high-touch areas like door handles, stall doors, faucets, hand dryers, and dispensers.
  • Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals, including hard to reach areas behind toilets and urinals
  • Clean and sanitize floors, walls, and countertops
  • Clean and sanitize sinks
  • Empty trash
  • Restock soaps, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, urinal cakes, and other restroom supplies.

Having a commercial cleaning company manage your restroom cleaning needs ensures that your restrooms are an asset to your company and that they reflect a positive image for your business. Your customers will appreciate it, your staff will appreciate it, and you will be assured that your clients and customers are not forming poor opinions of your business due to poor restroom maintenance.

 

 

27 Apr 2020
polished concrete

Top Tips For Maintaining Polished Concrete Floors

polished concrete

The good news is that while polished concrete floors are not maintenance-free, they generally are easier to maintain than other types of decorative concrete floors since they require no waxing or sealers. Still, without proper maintenance, your beautiful concrete floors will eventually lose their luster. This is especially true of floors in high-traffic environments like retail stores and commercial facilities.

Here are a few pro tips for maintaining your polished concrete floors:

1) Frequent Dust Mopping

Dust and dirt particles are abrasive and can scratch and mar the surface of your polished concrete, dulling the shine. Frequent dust mopping helps reduce the amount of dirt and abrasives present on your floors and will promote a longer-lasting luster.

2) Wet Mopping

Even with frequent dust mopping, more stubborn dirt particles will persist and you will need to use a wet mop to remove these particles. Always use clean water, a clean mop, and a pH neutral cleaning agent formulated to suspend dirt particles. While a mop and bucket are likely sufficient for smaller areas, an automatic scrubber with non-abrasive pads makes larger areas much more manageable.

3) Clean Spills Immediately

Spills and stains are the nemeses of polished concrete and should be addressed immediately so they are not absorbed into the concrete.  Use clean water and a pH-neutral cleaning agent to address stubborn spills and allow the cleaner enough time to break up any grease or grime before mopping. Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the surface as this too can damage the floor.

4) Use Floor Mats

In entryways and other high-traffic areas, consider using floor mats to protect your floors and to provide a means for people to wipe their feet upon entering your facility. Be sure to regularly vacuum your floor mats and remove them during wet and dry mopping. Just because they are there does not mean the floor underneath is maintenance-free.

5) Burnish Your Floors

Even with proper maintenance concrete floors may eventually lose their luster. If your polished concrete loses its shine you should have your floors burnished. This will bring back the original luster and leave your floors shining like new again.

Need help maintaining your polished concrete floors? Complete Care Maintenance can help! Call us at 1 (609) 275 8227  for a free no-obligation quote.