How To Clean Wooden Floors In An Office

Commercial spaces are a different ballgame than residential ones, and the floors of your office see a lot more traffic and action than your living room would. Being that they bear the brunt of a lot more wear and tear, it only makes sense that the cleaning process to recover from all the hustle and bustle is also a bit different than what you may do in your house. When it comes to hardwood floors, these can be a great investment – they’re beautiful, durable, and they can certainly take a beating better than traditional carpet. However, it’s still important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood floors, as well as the most effective and gentle cleaning techniques, so that your commercial space can enjoy them for many years to come and maximize on your flooring investment.
First, it’s important to note that hardwood is porous which means that dirt and grime can penetrate the material deeply – which makes it even more important that your floors are cleaned consistently and properly. Keep in mind that certain woods can be less durable and more susceptible to taking a beating, especially if there is heavier industrial equipment or large pieces of furniture around, so taking some precautions there is also a good idea. In addition to cleaning, we’ll address preventative measures below, too.

Sweep – You can also use a dust mop, but just make sure all the dirt, dust, and loose grime are gone. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating a bigger mess when you mop and turning it to mud. Additionally, larger pieces of unswept debris could scratch your floors during mopping.

Mop – Once ready to move on, saturate a mop with cleaner – when it comes to choosing your cleaner, make sure you select one that won’t eat through any sealant you may have put on your floors. Some people like a gentler vinegar mixture, while others prefer heavier chemicals – we advise you choose depending on your business’s needs. When you begin, the mop should be damp enough to leave a trail, but not so wet that it’s dripping cleaner everywhere. Break the floor into sections so it’s easier to ensure each portion is done thoroughly. After you mop with the cleaning solution, rinse the mop head in clean water and go back to remove the floor cleaner.

Drying – Once you’re finished, don’t let the moisture sit on the floor. Use a towel to dry, or a commercial floor drying air mover if you have one, for a streak-free finish. Extra dampness that sits on the floor can create streaks or a film, so your floors will thank you for being dried after a thorough cleaning.

Frequent cleaning – Cleaning your floors frequently, even just a small routine sweeping or vacuuming with a hardwood vacuum, can not only keep them looking better longer but can also help prolong the life of your floor so things don’t build up.

Preventative measures – Sealant is a great place to start when it comes to prolonging the life of your floors, and taking this preventative measure will proactively save your floors from a lot of wear and tear, as well as keep them looking newer for a longer period of time. After a while, you may want to re-seal or even re-finish your floors, so keep that in mind for later. On a smaller scale, floor mats can do a world of good. This saves you time when cleaning, and saves your floor the trouble of ever coming into contact with a lot of dirt and grime.

When it comes to keeping your floors looking beautiful and extending the life of your investment, it’s important to make small cleaning tasks and the occasional deep clean a regular part of the maintenance of your business. Your floors and your bottom line will be sure to thank you!