CM/Spotlight: Hard Floor Care To improve floor traction in the dining room — the area showing the largest decline in overall floor traction — testers suggested integrating a matting program into their floor care process. Mats would be placed around beverage stations and buffet bars, as well as in transi-tional areas like those between food prepa-ration stations and the dining room. In addition, it was recommended that floors be deep cleaned more frequently to keep floor appearance high and to further reduce the opportunity for slip-and-fall acci-dents. 1. Deep clean The first step of the hard floor care trifecta is to deep clean. The initial task when revitalizing a floor surface is a thorough deep cleaning, which should be completed on all hard floor sur-faces. Daily vacuuming and mopping reduces surface-level particulates, but often fails to capture and remove all contaminants. As a result, floors become worn over time, and white grout lines become black from grease and other organic buildup. Periodic deep cleanings revive floors to enhance the image of the business and pro-tect staffs and patrons. In addition to making floors look better, deep cleaning helps improve hard surface traction, effectively making them safer for use. When combined with a traction treatment, particularly with natural substrates like quar-ry tiles, deep cleaning increases the traction by removing surface polishing of the tile due to foot traffic and rejuvenating the naturally rough surface. Selecting a deep cleaning provider that is certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) or a service certified by the NFSI can help guarantee superior levels of clean. 2. Protect The second step of the hard floor care trifecta is to protect. Once floors are restored, the next step is to protect them from indoor and outdoor contaminants that could create conditions conducive to a slip-and-fall accident or that could mar the floor’s finish. Mats act as the first line of defense in buildings by capturing dirt and water before they enter the facility. Strategically place mats throughout your facility to capture dirt and water and reduce slips and falls. At entrances, combine rubber scraper mats outside of the building with carpet mats The Trifecta Revealed As the study shows, comprehensive hard floor care should involve three primary steps. Deep cleaning, protecting and maintain-ing floors — and consistently following the process in that order — helps ensure that the WSCOF levels remain high regardless of the current stage in the program. NI-2 NI-2 064 0 644 44
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