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Cleaning professionals are starting to see something new on
their customers’ floors. More facilities are installing green and
sustainable floors, and one type that is becoming increasingly popular is
cork.
The Library of Congress in Washington, DC, now has cork
floors in some sections. Hilton Hotels is installing cork floors in some of
its properties, as are schools, restaurants, office buildings, and even hair
salons.
To help cleaning workers keep these floors clean, safe,
and healthy, Tornado Industries, manufacturer of professional floor care
machines and equipment, offers the following Tornado Top Ten tips on
maintaining cork floors:
1. Ask the flooring manufacturer for care and maintenance
recommendations. Some cork floors are treated with finishes that can impact
how the floor is to be maintained.
2. Make sure matting systems are installed at all entries
to help prevent soils from being tracked in.
3. If placing mats on cork floors, make sure they are
“breathable;” rubber or non-porous backings can trap moisture, which can
damage the floor.
4. Vacuum the floor regularly. Backpack vacuum cleaners
work well on cork and help remove sand and dust that can scratch the floor.
5. Clean up spills immediately. Moisture that sits on the
floor for long periods can damage cork.
6. Damp mop regularly (depending on use) with a neutral pH
cleaner-do not use harsh chemicals. Wring the mop to remove excess moisture
and chemicals.
7. Mop the perimeter of the floor first, and then work to
the center.
8. Machine buff the floor using soft buffing pads to
remove scuff marks and restore the natural shine of the cork.
9. Be careful not to drag cleaning equipment or carts over
cork as this may cause deep gouge marks.
10. Use Green certified cleaning chemicals on the floor;
they have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and less impact on indoor
air quality.
The Tornado Top Ten is an ongoing program that provides
cleaning professionals with quick tips to maintain floors, carpets, and
other cleaning tasks. |
