Training Tips For Maintaining Hard Floors

Although hard floors are considered durable they tend to show scratches, scuffs and soiling sooner than carpet.  It is very important that regular servicing be provided if they are to maintain an acceptable appearance.  This is especially true in entrances and hallways requiring more attention due to increased foot traffic and use.  Following are some suggestions for maintaining hard floors while noting that different types of hard floors may require different chemicals and processes if they are to maintain a uniform appearance.

1. Gather supplies, place caution signs as needed, move furniture, floor mats or other items as directed.

2. Inspect corners and baseboards for buildup and debris that a dust mop cannot reach.  Use a broom or brush to pull soil into area to be captured by dust mop.

3. Using a treated dust mop, push the tool down the hall similar to a lawn mower.  Be careful of shaking since can disperse dust back into the air.

4. An alternative is to use a back pack vacuum cleaner with a hard floor tool.

5. Inspect and scrape up any gum and remove scuffs with a tennis ball on a stick or floor pad.

6. After mixing floor cleaning solution, damp mop floor starting at far corner and using care not to splash base boards.

7. Allow floor to dry, remove wet floor signs and replace all items moved back to their correct positions.

8. Inspect, clean and replace all equipment and tools to storage for next use.

Hard floors can be a great appearance item if kept clean.  Regularly removing grit and soils can extend the life of the finish and allow for easier maintenance.

Your comments and questions are always welcome. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.