Preventing Damage: Hard Surface Floor Maintenance Best Practices

Prized for their aesthetic appeal and durability, hard surface floors are a staple in many industries. However, without regular care, they can sustain damage that detracts from both their beauty and longevity. Here, we’ll cover how to tackle everything from scuffs and scratches to stains and discoloration so you can keep your hotel, resort, building, or restaurant’s hard surface floors in top condition.

Common Issues

Hard surface floors are susceptible to a variety of issues, including:

• Cracks and warping: Excessive moisture, poor installation, and temperature fluctuations can all play a part in a floor that’s cracked or warped.
• Scratches: Sand, dirt, heels, heavy furniture–many things can scratch or scuff the surface of your hard floor.
• Discoloration: Both spills and incorrect cleaning products can lead to unsightly staining.
• Loss of shine: Neglecting routine care can dull once-shiny floors

By understanding the common issues and causes of damage, you can better avoid them, helping your floors stay flawless.

Preventative Measures

1. Daily Cleaning Routines

Dust, dirt, and debris tracked into your establishment are abrasive and can scratch your floors if left unchecked. Daily sweeping or mopping can minimize wear and tear. Just be sure to use products that are compatible with flooring materials, especially when cleaning hardwood floors.

2. Proper Use of Cleaning Products

Not all products are safe to use on your business's hard-surface floors. From tile and stone to hardwood, different materials require different products and cleaning methods. The best way to clean hard-surface floors is to use products and tools specifically designed for them. Otherwise, you risk causing micro-scratches and stripping the finish.

3. Regular Maintenance

Hard floor cleaning services completed by professionals are key to protecting the lifespan of your floors. Because periodic maintenance covers:

• Deep cleaning
• Buffing
• Resealing
• Polishing

You can keep your floors in pristine condition without having to do any of the labor-intensive work yourself.

In-Between Maintenance Tips

Occasional issues will arise no matter the industry you’re in, restaurants and resorts included. Here are a few tips for keeping your hard floors clean between regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance services.

✓ Act Quickly

When a spill or spot is noticed, immediate action can help prevent a stain from setting in. For most types of hard floor surfaces, you’ll want to blot, not scrub, the area with a soft cloth. For added assistance, use a pH-neutral cleaner.

✓ Address Minor Damage

Keep a scratch repair kit on hand in case a small ding or chip happens. Just be sure the kit is for the type of floor you have. If you have hardwood floors on one level but tile on another, consider stocking multiple kits so your floors are always covered.

✓ Call In the Pros

While you may be able to handle minor damage, know when to call in the professionals! Extensive problems, such as cracks, deep gouges, and persistent stains, will need to be addressed by experts, such as those here at Hotel Cleaning Services.

We’ll Keep Your Floors Looking Their Best

With help from maintenance best practices, hard floor surfaces are an investment that pays off. A proactive approach and partnership with Hotel Cleaning Services can not only prevent damage but also extend the lifespan of your floors. Our team specializes in floor care and maintenance and looks forward to tailoring solutions that keep yours shining and damage-free.