Slipping, tripping, and falling are common occurrences during winter, and unfortunately, they can cause serious harm to individuals and business owners alike.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 20 percent of emergency room visits, which equates to more than 8 million visits annually!
That's why it's essential for commercial properties such as office buildings, medical facilities, Government Buildings, schools, etc., to keep their floors clean and dry throughout the winter months. With customers and employees walking in snow, salt, and grime, commercial floors quickly become dirty and hazardous.
This article emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean and safe commercial floors during the winter months and provides helpful tips on how to do so.
Why is it important to keep your floors clean?
The floor is the first thing customers notice when they enter your establishment. A cluttered, dirty floor can create a negative image of your business as dirty and unprofessional. On the other hand, a clean, well-kept floor makes a great first impression and helps to set the tone for your overall customer experience.
Safety
Slip and trip-related falls account for approximately 70% of all falls at the walking level. Slips are caused by wet and oily floors, weather conditions, traction variations, and many other factors. During winter, commercial floors become slippery and dangerous from being tracked in snow and ice, as well as salt. Maintaining a clean and dry floor prevents accidents (and lawsuits) and keeps everyone in your business safe.
Daily Maintenance- The most effective way to maintain commercial flooring is to create a daily cleaning schedule. This includes vacuuming or sweeping to remove loose debris, and then mopping with mild cleaning solutions.
Deep Cleaning- In addition to regular maintenance, commercial tile floors need to be deep cleaned on a regular basis. Commercial tile floors can be deep cleaned with a steam cleaner and commercial floor scrubbers. These different types of machines use warm water and cleaning products to remove grime and dirt from commercial tile floors and grout. They can also be used to perform striping and waxing.
Cleaning Products- When it comes to commercial floor cleaning, it is important to use the correct cleaning products. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners should not be used as they can damage ceramic tiles and grout, as well as marble, hardwood and other types of flooring.
Regularly inspecting floors- Commercial floors can be prone to cracks, chips, and other damage, so it’s important to inspect them regularly to identify any potential problems before they develop into bigger issues.
Longevity- Cleaning and maintaining your floors can help them last longer. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can scratch and damage your flooring materials. This can result in expensive repairs or replacement. Cleaning your floors helps protect your investment and helps you save money.
Don't leave it up to your employees to clean commercial floors. Sure, daily cleaning and deep cleaning will help keep your commercial floors in tip-top shape, but it may be better to leave it up to the pros and hire a cleaning service that can do a better job.
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