Preventative measures

A good dirt barrier system is absolutely critical for maintaining the appearance and preserving the investment of interior floor finishes, by reducing soil transfer from outside sources. Walk-off mats should be placed at all entrances and, wherever possible, be at least 3 metres long.

Consideration should be given to the colour selection of the main product, as it goes without saying that darker/duller colours with contrasting highlight flecks will hide soil more readily than light, bright, plain colours. This should be taken into account in association with the product’s intended use.

Completion of building or initial cleaning

Before handover, vacuum or dry/damp mop the floor to remove light dirt and dust.

If the dirt level is high, mop the floor with an alkaline cleaner or stripper diluted to the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave the solution on the floor surface for a few minutes to loosen the dirt. The floor can then be machine scrubbed with a suitable cleaning pad and the resulting dirty water can be picked up with a mop or wet vacuum. The floor should then be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry.

Periodical Cleaning

Mop the floor with a neutral or alkaline (depending on soiling) detergent diluted to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should be left to loosen the dirt and the floor should then be scrubbed with a rotary scrubbing machine fitted with the appropriate cleaning pad. The dirty water should be mopped up or wet vacuumed. The floor should then be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry.

Stubborn stains or black heel marks that may remain can be locally treated using undiluted alkaline cleaner or stripper and a scrubbing pad. The floor should be rinsed afterwards with clean water and allowed to dry.

Automatic cleaning equipment that both scrubs and vacuums in one cycle can be used for large areas.

Special note

Polishes, floor maintainers or other dressings should not be applied, as a build-up will affect the slip resistance of the floor.

Coloured rubber can cause discolouration. Possible causes are car tyres, castors, etc. Discolouration happens gradually: to avoid this, always use polyurethane castors or place mats underneath any possible causes.

Always follow the latest Health & Safety guidelines.

For further advice, contact Armstrong's technical dept. on 01235 554848