The Art of Floor Care

Stripping
  • Covering too large of an area will cause the stripper to dry into the floor.
  • Failure to allow sufficient dwell time will leave patches of finish on the floor.
  • Utilizing a clogged pad may also leave patches of finish on the floor.
Finishes
  • Using a dirty mop will leave streaks on the floor.
  • Pouring finish into a dirty bucket may dull the floor.
  • Attempting to recoat the floor before the finish has dried may dull it as well.
  • Utilizing the floor fan too soon will cause ripples to appear in the finish.
Daily Maintenance
  • Using too much chemical will leave the floor sticky following completion.
  • Operating a dirty mop or mixing with dirty water may leave streaks in the finish.
  • Neglecting to clean the walk-off mat will allow dirt to track in with foot traffic.
  • Endeavoring to scrub using a dirty pad will grind dirt into the floor.
Spray Buffing
  • Using too much spray buff may dull the floor.
  • Scrubbing with a dirty pad will grind dirt into the floor.
Burnishing
  • Failing to clean the floor prior to burnishing will grind dirt and debris in the finish.
  • Burnishing with a pad that is too aggressive may scratch the finish.
Scrub and Recoat
  • Recoating with the wrong chemical will leave the floor dirty and shiny.
  • Using too spongy a pad may also leave the floor dirty and shiny.
  • Scrubbing the floor too rapidly will leave dry, shiny patches.
  • Rinsing with dirty water will cause the finish to peel up from the floor.
Stripping
  • Start out with clean, cool or warm water.
  • On grouted floors use, a stripping brush.
  • Don’t cover too large an area.
  • Move machine slowly and overlap the passes.
  • Walk where you’ve scrubbed.
  • Flip pads to avoid clogging.
  • Never put stripper in the solution tank of an autoscrubber; this can damage the machine.
  • Change rinse water frequently.
  • Store wet pads in a plastic bag.
  • When finished, clean all equipment.
  • Wipe equipment and power cords clean.
Finishes
  • Use a clean bucket and wringer.
  • Use a mop head specifically designed for applying finish.
  • Apply even, medium coats.
  • Stay 12″ off the base boards and edges to prevent buildup on the first coat and every other coat after that.
  • Allow ten minutes before using a fan.
  • Don’t pour unused finish back into container.
Daily Maintenance
  • Dry and wet clean daily for best results.
  • When mopping, change mop water as it dirties.
  • Clean up equipment after use.
  • Remember to plug in the autoscrubber after use.
  • When using a mop, frame your area so you don’t splash water on the baseboards.
Spray Buffing
  • Match the pad to the machine.
  • Work small areas at a time.
  • Flip or replace the pads when needed.
  • If it takes more than 3-4 passes to buff out, use less product.
Burnishing
  • Always clean the floor first.
  • Match the pad to the floor finish.
  • Do not leave the machine in one place too long.
Scrub and Recoat
  • When using an autoscrubber, use the double scrub method.
  • When damp mop rinsing, use a clean mop.