Commercial Floor Problems and How to Fix Them

Most commercial establishments are the hub of activity for shopping, eating and entertainment. A study conducted by the Gordon Institute of Business Science found that super regional and regional shopping centres in South Africa averaged a footcount of 800,000 consumers a month. That’s a lot of feet! And that’s one reason why, out of all the surfaces in malls, restaurants and entertainment centres, the floor is the most vulnerable to dirt and grease build up. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, commercial flooring can be subject to wear and dirt that only gets worse with continued heavy use. The result is a shoddy, worn-out looking floor that could bring down the aesthetics of the building – a definite drawback that affects how consumers feel about visiting the establishment. Here are just some of the problems that commercial establishments face when it comes to keeping their floors clean and in great condition. Floor Spots, Stains & Spills Extra foot traffic can be a tremendous burden on commercial floors, with visitors tracking in dirt from the outside, spilling various substances and walking through them, and leaving black streaks caused by the soles of certain shoes. Cleaning the various scuffs, stains and scratches left by people walking in and out day after day can be quite a task, however, not an impossible one. When washing down floors, be sure to apply a quality floor finish which will act as a protective coat to prepare your floors for increased use – making it easier to clean the next time round. Slippery Floor Hazards When commercial floors are only superficially cleaned – that is for appearance rather than cleanliness, especially using ineffective products – it could result in slippery floors. As the condition continues, the floor can become dangerous for visitors to walk on, possibly leading to slips, falls and injuries – not to mention a potential lawsuit. Using the right cleaning products that not only cleans dirt and removes bacteria, but also makes the commercial establishment safer for consumers is the best way to solve this problem and avoid the risk that comes with it. Mold & Bacteria Areas that are exposed to excess water generally have water drains to allow the water to flow through without forming puddles. But what happens when these drains clog up? When water is left to stand on tiles and settle into the surface, mold can form both on and in the tiles, possibly leading to bacteria build up and an unsanitary environment. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep drains unclogged and freely flowing, and ensuring that any puddles or standing water is cleaned and dried as soon as possible. Ingrained Tile Pores Tiles that are porous in nature or natural stone should be cared for and cleaned more regularly than other floor surfaces. This is because dirt, grease and moisture are more prone to being absorbed into the tile’s microscopic holes. If left to build up, it could cause the tiles to weaken and cause damage. To keep this from happening, be sure to clean your porous tiles with proper stone tile cleaner on a regular basis. Unpleasant Odours Grout is often the primary cause of bad odours in tile surfaces. According to CleanLink, “Malodors and darkened, stained grout are common problems, especially restrooms. One of the major sources of restroom odors is urine, which is also a rich food source for odor-causing bacteria. In fact, lingering, stubborn odors are actually evidence of ongoing bacterial activity.” Looking for professional commercial cleaning services that will make your establishment look good? Click here to learn more