EMEA FLOOR CLEANING & ENHANCED CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS

Shaw Contract provides information and insights to help facilities make informed decisions about cleaning floors. While floors have traditionally been considered a low touch environmental surface, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) which is based in Sweden has released information and guidance for the enhanced cleaning of surfaces through their published guidelines : Disinfection of Environments in Healthcare and Non-healthcare Settings Potentially Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.  

Routine and proper maintenance is the foundation for a clean floor. We recognize that many will explore the use of products for interim cleaning and disinfection.  The WoolSafe Organization who we are Associate Members of via their CleanSeal Approval Scheme maintains a list of cleaning and sanitizing agents which are manufactured  by licensed members such as: Diversey, Prochem, The Wrennalls Group etc.

High capacity, professional carpet steam cleaners such as the ones manufactured by Kärcher have also been found to provide a valuable contribution to general hygiene.

It is important to note that whilst some products have been approved by third party organizations and manufacturing groups, many product lines may not be suitable to preserve the long term appearance or performance of a flooring systems; however, colleagues within our America Head Quarters are actively working with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify a wider range of products that can be used without detriment to our systems. Those that have been tested and are now approved are listed under the product category section.

CARPET MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

The complete guide for proper carpet maintenance can be located in our Carpet Maintenance Checklist. 

Note: Current legislation will require all staff associated with undertaking such cleaning processes to wear appropriately designed PPE.

Daily Cleaning:

• As outlined in our carpet maintenance checklist, remove loose soil, debris and other substances through vacuuming.  

Deep Cleaning: 

• Deep clean using a 160-degree Hot Water extraction process outlined in our carpet maintenance checklist along with the detergent pre-spray.

• Any visible contamination found upon the surface of a carpeted floor or rug should be physically removed and the area cleaned with appropriate sanitizer that is indicated for use on such surfaces. 

Interim Cleaning:

• The use of disinfectants may cause negative effects on carpeting. For example, products that contain quaternary ammonium can leave a sticky residue and result in yellowing or distortion of surface appearance.

• Before using any cleaning solution on any commercial finish, it is important to review the product information and instructions first. 

• Test disinfectants and other cleaning products in an inconspicuous area.  

Caring for your equipment:

• To prevent cross-contamination occurring, all cleaning equipment should be properly cleaned and sterilized after each use as per the guidance presented within table 1 of the previously mentioned ECDC document. 

RESILIENT/HARD SURFACE MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

The complete guide for proper resilient maintenance can be located in our Resilient Maintenance Checklist.  

Daily Cleaning:

• Dry mop floor using a micro fibre mop pad or appropriate floor vacuum to remove dust particulate from the floor. Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars as they may scratch the products surface.

• Spray neutral pH cleaner, such as Shaw Hard Surface Cleaner, Diversey Stride or similar detergent onto the floor in manageable area. Note: spray mist applications will dry quickly. Use a micro fibre wet mop pad to mop the floor. Change the pad regularly. Work the floor in manageable sections. 

• Always rinse the floor with clean water only. Remove all spoiled residue with a wet vacuum or by mopping.

Deep Cleaning:

• Always pre-vacuum or dry dust mop before wet cleaning. 

• Use neutral pH resilient floor cleaner

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and use. 

• Common systems are: 1) Micro fibre wet mop or mop and two-bucket system, and 2) rotary scrubbing with a red 3M pad or equivalent soft brushes. 

• Rinse the floor with clean water. Repeat the rinse process if necessary, to remove all haze and allow to dry.

• Never use brown or black pads/brushes. Such products are too aggressive and can damage the floor coverings surface. 

Disinfection:
Most if not all cleaning solution manufactures can provide specific solutions to safely sanitize the surface of our resilient floor finishes

• Before using any product on commercial finishes, it is important to review and understand the product information and its instructions. 

• Always test disinfectants in an inconspicuous area first. 

• Products containing bleach are not usually used or recommended; however, Shaw bio-based resilient flooring systems can be treated with a 5% bleach solution.

Caring for your equipment:

• To prevent cross-contamination occurring, all cleaning equipment should be properly cleaned and sterilized after each use as per the guidance presented within table 1 of the previously mentioned ECDC document.