Top 4 Myths About Floor Cleaning and Maintenance

Floor cleaning myths busted!

If the first thing you see is a dirty, worn, scratched floor, shoulders might slump and a sigh might escape. Alternatively, clean floors can improve morale, trust, productivity, and health.

The largest surface area at every workplace is the floor. It may be luxury vinyl tile, hardwood, wide planks, or laminate. No matter what type of commercial flooring you have, it is not cheap to purchase, install or replace. Extending the life of flooring is a common goal. To do that, commercial floor cleaners are called in for daily care, periodic strip, and wax, or deep cleaning.

In 2020, US workplaces were hit with $4 million in health violations for non-compliance with COVID-19 mandates. Many of these mandates focus on infection prevention and elevate workplace cleanliness protocols. Frequently cleaning your floors (and your facility) ensures compliance.

Myth 1 - Floors Don't Spread Germs

Fact - Sanitizing your Floors reduces Absenteeism -- Do you subscribe to the 3-second-rule if food drops on the floor? 3 seconds, 5 seconds, don't do it. A recent study unveiled the alarming ratio of Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) found on the soles of shoes. You may think C. Diff is only found in healthcare environments. However, almost 50% of shoe soles in non-healthcare settings were positive for C. Diff. The study was not small, 11,500 samples were collected. Does it really matter? Well, C. Diff infects over 500,000 people in the US every year. Symptoms from this infection can range from diarrhea, inflammation of the colon, to sepsis and death. Even with the mildest of symptoms, absenteeism will rise. Keeping your floors sanitized will tamp down on germ transmissions. Fewer infections mean better health.

Myth 2 - Allergens are in the Air

Fact - Mopping your Floors reduces Allergens -- Watery eyes? Sneezing? General malaise? These are signs of allergies. Dust, chemicals, dander, pollen, and other allergens will quickly accumulate on your floors. By daily mopping, you'll remove these allergens and continually keep them at bay. When allergens are cleansed away, you'll create a healthier environment that will reduce allergic reactions, alleviate the need for frequent doctor visits and save thousands on paid sick days and paid leave.

Myth 3 - Floors are Not a Safety Hazard

Fact - Increase Safety by Preventing Scratches, Cracks and Worn Flooring Increases Workplace Safety -- Walk-off mats for entrances and high-traffic areas, will minimize some of the salt, dirt, and debris from entering your premises. However, even with mats, constant foot traffic tracks in dirt onto the flooring. Hardwood floors are especially prone to scratches, some large and obvious, while others are finer and smaller. As debris builds up, tiny scratches develop into blemishes that are ugly and noticeable. Floors that are worn down or not cared for pose a serious hazard to anyone who enters your facility. The largest contributor to workplace injuries is cracked surfaces and slippery floors. To reduce risk and liability, a professional floor care maintenance team is a smart investment. They specialize in diagnosing when a floor needs to be waxed, stripped, or replaced entirely. Finding a trusted hardwood floor cleaning service is worth the time to research and secure. By keeping your floors tended to on a daily basis, they are monitored and inspected by a trained professional.

Myth 4 - Cleanliness of Floors Doesn't Impact Reputation

Fact - Clean Flooring Makes a Positive Impression -- Clean floors are the expectation, not the exception. If your floors haven't been mopped in a while, you may have forgotten what a sparkling clean floor looks like. Depending on the type of business conducted, floors may or may not complement your operations. In the worst case, they cost you money. When you walk into a well-kept building, the floors are immediately noticed, even for a second. The same is true for an ill-kept building. Dirty floors compel you to leave the premises rather than stay. They do not make a good impression. Floors set the tone for customers and employees.  A shiny, clean foundation imparts a mode of trust and comfort. Whereas, neglected floors evoke wariness and make people wonder what the rest of the company is like, if they are willing to tread onward. Simply put, the condition of your flooring is representative of your company's professionalism, cleanliness, and level of detail.

Here's a basic rule of thumb regarding the

frequency of floor cleaning for businesses:

Daily

Vacuum all floors

Clean all hard floors with mop and disinfectant

Weekly

Buff and polish all hardwood floors

Monthly

Deep clean all surfaces, pay close attention to areas that see high daily use

Lacking janitorial staffing

Concerned about a staffing shortage and whether you are using the right cleaning service for your workplace? It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your workplace clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with System4 IPS. 

Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? System4 IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!

If your workplace experiences a singular COVID-19 positive case or outbreak, call System4 IPS and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many satisfied customer testimonials and public Google ratings.