Resin flooring systems are tough and resistant to many types of commonly inflicted damage, both from the environment and from spillages. Appropriate cleaning regimes will ensure you get the best performance from your floor.
Cleaning regimes will differ dependent upon the application and its specific hygiene requirements, the type of floor installed, the duty and the degree of soiling experienced.
The Cleaning Process
There are two clear components involved in cleaning a floor. The mechanical component – perhaps better understood as the ‘energy’ involved – may be achieved by hand but is usually provided by a mechanical floor scrubber. In some cases, high-pressure washers and steam cleaners may also be applied.
The chemical component, or cleaning solution, acts to dissolve the soiling and must be followed up by removal of contaminated water and rinsing of the floor. Epoxy resin flooring can be cleaned using a variety of commercially available materials as specified within the guidance provided by the flooring manufacturer and should be rinsed using clean water.
Cleaning Regimes
Flooring manufacturers will provide specific guidelines, and spot testing is recommended before applying cleaning products. Cleaning regimes should be established for each type of flooring, clearly stating frequency of cleaning procedures, the equipment to be used and the appropriate cleaning solutions.
Keeping floors clean will prolong the working life of the floor. Certain industries require specific standards of hygiene and cleanliness, including food and pharmaceuticals, whilst in other industries such as engineering, waste products can cause actual physical damage to the floor if not removed often and correctly.
Maintain a safe and healthy environment with routine manual or mechanical sweeping, regular cleaning and effective dust control.
Cleaning Methods
Whilst traditional mop and bucket cleaning works effectively for spillages, proper cleaning regimes are necessary to ensure optimum performance.
Manual Cleaning – sweep floor first, select the appropriate cleaning agent and dilute as directed by the manufacturer. Apply, leave time for the cleaning agent to dissolve contamination, then agitate using a stiff brush. Swill with clean water, scrub, then remove soiled water to floor drains.* Rinse again and repeat.
Mechanical Scrubbing – provides the optimum cleaning method, ensuring controlled application of the cleaning agent, a correct scrubbing action, supply of clean water and safe removal of soiled water, combined with a drying action. Different brushes or pads are available to match the profile of the floor and the level of contamination.
Pressure Washing/Steam Cleaning – training is recommended to achieve the best results from powerful pressure washers and steam cleaners.
RFC Cleaning Products
RFC offers a range of cleaning products designed for use with both resin and polyurethane flooring systems. Products include cleaning trowels, roller frames and brushes, solvent wipes to remove contamination from floor surfaces and specialist cleaners to combat fat, grease, oil and ingrained dirt. Developed for use on all hard washable surfaces, these materials are particularly suited to applications such as removing heavy soiling in engineering works and as hygienic floor cleaning solutions for kitchens and food processing areas.
Waste Disposal
Please remember that due consideration should be given to the disposal route for waste water produced during the floor cleaning process.
Tips for extended floor life:
- Regular cleaning
- Extended cleaning regimes for heavily used areas
- Immediate clean up of all spillages
- Use appropriate brushes for textured areas to optimise cleaning
- Always follow the manufacturers’ guidelines
- Never over-use cleaning materials; always dilute as directed
- Never use phenol based cleaning materials which will prove detrimental to floor surfaces
* Please observe all regulations regarding contaminated water and the potential introduction of chemical cleaners and waste into surface water drains and sewers
