When it comes to flooring options for industrial environments, polymer flooring is reliable choice, offering a tough and long-lasting surface that meets a variety of needs, depending on its specific technology and specification. Understanding the most appropriate methods of how to clean resin flooring will help to maintain its high performance.
There’s more to polymer flooring than just being durable – it brings a whole range of performance benefits that make it ideally suited to heavy-duty environments… even those in industries with niche service requirements, such as chemical processing, aerospace and sensitive electronics manufacturing.
Making the most of these benefits relies heavily on keeping up with maintenance. A key part of this is having a good cleaning routine in place, one that not only keeps things hygienic and tidy but also suits the type of polymer flooring you have. Getting the most out of industrial resin flooring – and making sure it lasts – is, in part, about understanding and following an appropriate cleaning routine.
Why implement a suitable cleaning regime?
There are many reasons why maintaining an appropriate cleaning schedule should be considered a priority.
Cost
While it’s undeniable that there’s a financial aspect to keeping floors clean and well-maintained, it’s vital to weigh this against the potential long-term costs of neglect. Investing in regular upkeep may incur expenses, but it’s likely to be considerably more economical in the grand scheme of things.
The alternative scenario of failing to maintain cleanliness could lead to significant aesthetic or critical damage, necessitating the costly installation of an entirely new floor system. Considering the comparative costs over time underscores the importance of prioritising maintenance to safeguard both your flooring investment and your budget.
Hygiene
Maintaining cleanliness isn’t merely about cosmetic appeal; it’s fundamentally tied to ensuring optimal hygiene standards, especially in environments involved in the production, processing, or retailing of consumable goods. The Food Standards Agency records food product recalls due to potential contamination concerns, such as the recent alert regarding the E coli contamination of a specific cheese product.
To adhere to rigorous food safety protocols like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), establishments must implement effective and well-documented cleaning schedules. This proactive approach not only minimises the risk of contamination-related incidents but also fosters consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of the products being handled or prepared.
Appearance
The impact of daily wear and tear on floor coverings cannot be overstated, particularly in environments subject to heavy foot traffic and frequent spillages. Neglecting to promptly address such incidents can result in cumulative aesthetic deterioration over time. Moreover, the presence of dust and other minute debris particles can exacerbate this issue, acting as abrasives that gradually wear down the floor surface. Compounding matters, the improper use of cleaning agents can accelerate the degradation process, compromising both the appearance and structural integrity of polymer flooring.
Adopting a proactive cleaning regimen that incorporates appropriate cleaning agents and addresses potentially harmful substances promptly is essential for preserving the pristine appearance of polymer flooring installations for the duration of their lifespan.
Longevity
Surprisingly, certain substances, including some cleaning agents when misapplied, can pose a threat to the long-term resilience of polymer floor coatings. Failure to adhere to manufacturer instructions or employing incompatible cleaning solutions can lead to premature deterioration, manifesting as cracks and surface degradation.
Similarly, the accumulation of dust and debris in commercial and industrial settings can inflict visible damage, detracting from both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of the flooring. To mitigate these risks and prolong the lifespan of polymer flooring solutions, it is imperative to implement effective maintenance practices and select cleaning agents carefully to safeguard against potential damage and ensure enduring durability.
Slip resistance
Maintaining a clean floor surface is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants, particularly in environments prone to slips and falls. The presence of dirt, dust and greasy contaminants significantly heightens the risk of accidents, solidifying the importance of regular cleaning and hazard removal.
Textured floor finishes that are designed to minimise slip risks in such environments present unique challenges when it comes to cleaning, as their intricate surfaces can harbor bacteria and prove more difficult to clean thoroughly. Tailoring the cleaning approach to suit the specific characteristics of each flooring type, can help to mitigate slip hazards and promote a safer environment for all occupants.
Static control
For environments requiring electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, maintaining consistent static control measures is paramount. As part of the appropriate cleaning regimen, regular testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of static control measures. Agreeing upon the frequency and type of testing before installation ensures ongoing compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Vebro’s guide to cleaning polymer flooring
The Vebro Polymers guide to cleaning polymer flooring outlines the typical methods and schedule for the upkeep of the following resin technologies…
- Smooth & quartz epoxy & polyurethane systems
- Smooth & textured PU concrete systems
- Smooth & textured ESD systems
- Outdoor stone & tubber crumb systems
Of course, every floor is unique in its context, surroundings and usage, so while the Cleaning Guide provides valuable insights into general cleaning protocols, specific cleaning regimes should be developed dependent on the floor surface and service criteria.
Download ‘Cleaning & maintenance: a guide to cleaning Vebro’s polymer flooring systems’, or contact your local Vebro Polymers team for more information on technical@vebropolymers.com
