Winter Floor Cleaning Tips

The Lancaster County snow looks beautiful and pristine; but, unfortunately, the chemicals and products used to treat it can wreak havoc on your commercial flooring. That’s because these items hitchhike on the bottom of people’s shoes and are tracked into your facility.

In order to prevent floors from being damaged, commercial businesses should try to clean their surfaces more frequently during the winter months. Here are some commercial cleaning tips on how to care for your commercial surfaces during the winter.

General Floor Cleaning Tips

Create a “shoe-off” buffer

Use heavy-duty mats outside and absorbent mats inside all the entrances to your facility. Encourage your employees to wipe their shoes on these mats, before entering. Most of the damage from salt and grit starts at the door.

Vacuum or sweep

No matter what type of flooring you have – carpet or a hard surface – it’s essential to vacuum and sweep more regularly during the winter months. Sweeping and mopping must also occur before you clean a floor.

Grit acts like sandpaper when wet. By removing it from carpet and hard surfaces before you apply a wet cleaner, you will prevent scratches or tears on your flooring.

Spot-clean high-traffic areas daily

Entryways, hallways, and kitchens take the biggest hit when it comes to floor traffic. If something happens to the floor that could cause damage, you must address it immediately. Quick touch-ups will prevent buildup and long-term damage to your surfaces.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Now that you know general winter floor cleaning tips for any type of flooring, we will address what you need to know to care specifically for carpet. Once you have vacuumed carpet and are ready to clean it, the following office carpet cleaning tips should be implemented.

Avoid over-wetting

Applying too much water to carpet when cleaning can lead to mold, mildew, or lingering odors. When cleaning carpet, it should feel barely damp, not soaked, after cleaning. Also, allow for enough time for the carpet to dry before people walk on it. A completely dry carpet offers less chance of re-soiling or odor.

Deodorize naturally (when needed)

If you notice your carpet isn’t looking so fresh or has a slight odor, it’s a good idea to use baking soda on it. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let it sit 15–30 minutes, and then vacuum. Deodorizing your carpet will help with winter “wet boot” smells without using harsh chemicals.

Choose the right cleaner

When selecting a cleaner, you should use products that are designed for your carpet type. Avoid sticky or overly fragranced cleaners, which can attract dirt faster.

Rotate furniture occasionally

Occasionally rotating the furniture in your commercial space will prevent uneven carpet wear and will keep traffic patterns from becoming permanent in the carpet.

Hard Surface Cleaning Tips

Although hard surfaces are tougher and more durable than carpet, winter grime – salt, grit, moisture – can cause real damage if the flooring is not cleaned the right way. Here’s a best-practices approach that works for cleaning most hard-surface floors during the winter months, after you have swept the surface.

Use the right cleaner

Stick with a pH-neutral cleaner whenever possible. Avoid harsh chemicals, ammonia, or vinegar unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Using the wrong cleaner can dull finishes and leave residue that attracts dirt. You should also adjust your cleaning techniques, based on the floor type:

• Hardwood: minimal water, wood-safe cleaner only
• Tile & grout: gentle scrub as needed, avoid harsh acids
• Vinyl/LVP: pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasive pads
• Laminate: light moisture only, dry immediately.

Don’t over-wet the floor

Winter already adds moisture from snow and slush. Use a damp mop – make sure it’s not soaking wet, especially on wood-based floors. It’s also a good idea to change the water often.

De-icing salt leaves a sticky film. After cleaning your floor, do a quick rinse with clean water (lightly damp mop) to prevent residue buildup.

Dry floors promptly

Standing moisture can cause warping, staining, or slip hazards to hard surfaces. As such, use a dry microfiber mop or towel to speed up drying when needed.

Pay attention to edges and corners

Salt and grime easily collect along baseboards and in grout lines. Detail these areas regularly with a microfiber cloth or soft brush, in order to prevent buildup.

Protect hardwood and finished floors

Apply a seasonal floor polish or protective coating if appropriate. This process adds a sacrificial layer to protect against salt and moisture. For sealed floors, consider a seasonal polish or finish maintenance to add protection against salt damage.

Watch indoor humidity

Winter air is dry, but melted snow adds localized moisture. Aim for the humidity level inside of your commercial facility to be 30–50%, in order to prevent wood floors from cracking or cupping.

The winter weather can have a negative impact on your floors. Now that you know how to care for your commercial surfaces during the winter months, you will be able to save money on floor refinishing, repairs, and possible replacement down the road. If you would like Angie to help you care for the commercial flooring in your facility, contact angiescommercialcleaning.com.