Select products for restoration that are water-based or low in VOCs (see Products Section and Appendices). Consult the finish manufacturer or janitorial supplier for product and procedural assistance. When applying the restorer from a spray bottle, use a stream or coarse spray. Do not use a fine mist as this increases the potential for fine particles to enter the breathing zone and to over-spray walls, furniture, carpets, and other objects.
Some floors do not require a separate finish applied by the owner or cleaning service. Check with your supplier to determine the maintenance requirements of the type of floor you have. Do not apply finish to a surface not intended for it.
Many options in finishes are available. Some newer coatings require very little maintenance. However, the cleaning and restoration process is a huge factor in the longevity of most coatings.
To maximise the life of finishes and floors, make sure there is a solid foundation of water-based finish (as applicable) on the floor. Dry buffing and burnishing is slightly abrasive and increases the appearance level by removing thin layers of finish to smooth out the surface—the smoother the surface, the shinier its appearance. However, if too much floor finish is removed, dry buffing and burnishing can damage floor tile and send flooring particles into the air, which may be harmful if inhaled. Important: Dry buffing on the asbestos tile should only be performed when there is an adequate coat of intact floor finish to prevent abrading the floor itself. Non-bluffable coatings (those that shine to a certain degree without buffing) may be a better choice for asbestos-containing tile.
Match the appropriate pad to the equipment and floor finish. Especially when using high-speed burnishers, it is important to use vacuum attachments to minimise particles in the air. If machine floor or pad pressure is adjustable, set the level to achieve appearance goals while minimising the amount of finish removed from the floor.
See Products Section and Appendices for more information about:
- Floor finishes
- Floor strippers
- Wood floor finishes
- Janitorial equipment
- Action Items
Action Items
- Make sure adequate finish is on the floor. Determine if it is time for a scrubbing and recoating. Consult the finish manufacturer or janitorial supplier for procedural assistance.
- Select the appropriate restoration product. Water-based or low-VOC products are recommended (see Products Section and Appendices). Consult the finish manufacturer or janitorial supplier for assistance.
- Select appropriate equipment (see Products Section and Appendices). If burnishing, use a vacuum attachment to prevent particles from becoming airborne where they can be inhaled. Use recommended buffing/burnishing pads (overly aggressive pads will abrade the finish and create more dust).
Further information about Cleaning:
- What is Cleaning?
- Cleaning Procedure
- How to improve cleaning?
- How to train your cleaning employees?
- How to guide cleaning staff?
- How to keep and maintain communication with cleaners?
- About entryways and lobbies cleaning?
- How is dust cleaned?
- How to mop dust
- Floor care and maintenance
- How to maintain hard floor?
- Floor stripping and removal
- Buffing and burnishing techniques
- Carpet maintenance and care
- Carpet extraction and cleaning
- How to Cleaning Data Centre and Server Room?
- How to Clean Computer and Keyboard?
- How to clean your restroom
- What is disinfection?
- How to reduce solid waste?
- Pets cleaning management
- How indoor plans help in cleaning the environment?
- What are the special needs for cleaning?
- Information about cleaning products
- What are concentrated cleaning products?
- What do all-purpose cleaners mean?
- Facts about restroom cleaners
- How to disinfect your restroom?
- Facts about carpet cleaners
- What is chrome cleaner and polisher?
- What is dust treatment?
- Facts about floor finish
- Floor strippers meaning
- Information about Furniture polishes
- General degreasers
- Information on general degreasers
- General disinfectants and cleanings
- Glass cleaners
- Graffiti removers
- Gum removers
- Lime and scale removers
- What is a sanitiser?
- Solvent spot removers absorbents
- Urinal deodorisers
- Wood and stone floor coatings
- Disposable paper and plastic bags
- Selection and use of janitorial equipment
- How to clean a dry floor?