Training Tips For Restoration Of A Hard Floor

Upon inspecting the floor after auto-scrubbing you may determine that it is necessary to perform basic restoration work to restore the shine.  Usually the loss of a glossy appearance is due to either the finish wearing down, too much abrasion or other factors.  The quick answer is to “pop a shine” by following the suggested steps listed below:

1. Gather supplies, apply PPE (personal protective equipment), put out floor signs and move any furniture, trash cans or other items that may be in the way.   

2. Tape/block doorways, filing cabinets and other areas where you do not want water or dust to spread.  Note this step optional in most cases.

3. If you have recently auto-scrubbed the area, then it may only require a quick dust mopping to prep the floor.  Give special attention to corners and baseboards.

4. If the floor shows any signs or soil or grit after dust-mopping/sweeping, damp mop the floor with neutral detergent and change water/solution often.

5. It is crucial the floor not have any sand, grit or soil that can be ground into the existing finish or even act as an abrasive that can strip off or powder the finish.

6. Once the floor is clean and dry, use a high speed burnisher (1,500 – 2,000 RPM is typical) with the appropriate pad (white, yellow, hogs hair, or ???).

7. Most high speed machines can be pushed like a lawn mower from one end of the area to another taking care not to bump walls, doors, etc.

8. Sometimes is may be appropriate to apply a restorer product that responds to high speed machines resulting is a truly wet look if used correctly.

9. Inspect, dust mop with focus on corners and edges to remove any residue/grit that can literally remix into the finish if left for even twenty four hours.

10. Replace equipment, remove signs and tape where appropriate.

11. Clean pads, clean equipment (including cord) and never store unit on drive block to reduce chance of damage.

A well maintained floor can make you and your company look professional if the correct steps are taken along the way.  The more you perform these tasks the better and hopefully faster you will be.

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.