Franchise Owner's Guide To Floor Care

FRANCHISE OWNERS
GUIDE TO FLOOR CARE

Notice: The methods contained in this manual do not necessarily include all
responsibilities for this assignment and/or classification.
This analysis, the processes, and time values used, and all report formats and forms
used, are the proprietary properties and trade secrets of ANAGO CLEANING SYSTEMS,
INC. Except as provided by licensing agreement, or contract, it shall not be
duplicated, used or disclosed for any purpose or reason, in whole or in part, without
the express written permission of:
ANAGO CLEANING SYSTEMS, INC.
1100 Park Central Blvd., Suite 1200
Pompano Beach, Florida 33064
800.213.5857
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Floor Care Safety...........................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Management Systems.............................................................................................................................3
1.2 Contamination Control............................................................................................................................3
1.3 Hazard Removal.........................................................................................................................................7
Floor Care Resilient...................................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Resilient General Information............................................................................................................8
2.2 Common Resilient Floor Finish Problems.........................................................................................9
2.3 Dust Mop Floor.........................................................................................................................................10
2.4 Damp Mop Floor.......................................................................................................................................11
2.5 Spot Mop Traffic Area.............................................................................................................................13
2.6 Wet Mop Floor...........................................................................................................................................14
2.7 Spray Buff Floor.......................................................................................................................................15
2.eight................................................................................................. Strip Floor Finish
17
2.9 Finish Application Procedures.............................................................................................................19
2.10 Scrub and Recoat....................................................................................................................................19
2.11 Refinish Four-Coats (Deep Strip).......................................................................................................21
2.12 Apply Floor Finish....................................................................................................................................24
2.13 Machine Scrub Rotary Machine......................................................................................................25
Floor Care Carpet.....................................................................................................................................................26
3.1 General Information...............................................................................................................................26
3.2 Routine Cleaning.....................................................................................................................................28
3.3 Recovery Cleaning..................................................................................................................................29
3.4 Common Carpet Problems...................................................................................................................29
3.5 Vacuuming Carpet..................................................................................................................................31
3.6 Spot Clean Carpet...................................................................................................................................32
3.7 Bonnet Buff Carpet.................................................................................................................................33
3.eight.................................................................................................... Extract Carpet
34
Floor Care Terrazzo & Finished Aggregate......................................................................................................36
4.2 Dust Mop Floor.........................................................................................................................................37
4.3 Damp Mop Floor......................................................................................................................................39
Floor Care Masonry.................................................................................................................................................40
5.2 Clay Tiles and Brick................................................................................................................................40
5.3 Stone, Marble, and Travertine............................................................................................................41
5.4 Damp Mop Floor......................................................................................................................................42
5.5 Sweep Floor...............................................................................................................................................42
5.6 Floor Drain Care.......................................................................................................................................43
Floor Care Stairs.......................................................................................................................................................44
6.1 Sweep Steps..............................................................................................................................................44
6.2 Damp Mop Steps.....................................................................................................................................44
As a Franchise owner you will sooner or later be faced with an account that has floor
care contained within the cleaning specifications. You must train your employees to
perform all aspects of this type of work. This is one area where the result of the work
is immediate and assessable. If the work is judged satisfactory by the client, you will
then be in line with the contract specifications and will avoid the expense of redoing
or touching up subpar areas. If the work is not judged satisfactory, you will most
often have to perform redo work at no cost to the client. This will, in turn, double your
labor cost and take time away from new, income-producing work.
The Principal Reasons for Floor Cleaning are:

1. To prevent injuries due to tripping or falling.
Slip and fall accidents on level floors are a major cause of accidental
injury or death, and poor cleaning practices are a major cause of such
accidents.
2. To improve the appearance of the floor.
3. To remove stains, scuff marks, ground-in dirt, and litter.
4. To remove grit and sand, which scratch and wear down the surface of the floor.
5. To remove allergens, particularly dust and loose dirt.
6. To prevent wear to the surface by using a floor finish or protective sealant.
7. To maintain a sanitary environment, for example, in kitchens.
8. To maintain optimum traction, for example, on dance floors.
Floor Care Safety
Slip and fall accidents are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace.
Around 90% of these involve broken bones. Costs to the industry are substantial and
there is an incalculable human cost to those injured. Inadequate floor cleaning is a
significant cause of slip and fall accidents. Legal actions following such injuries can be
extremely damaging and costly to business, especially where the public is involved.
Insurance only covers a small part of this cost. Effective solutions are often simple,
inexpensive and can lead to other benefits.
The most effective approach is to ensure that slip and fall hazards are designed out of
a building. Unfortunately, very few, if any, builders consult with the cleaners during
the initial build out or remodeling. Such a consultation would provide valuable
information on the suitability of proposed flooring types and storage facilities for
cleaning equipment. Ultimately, the business is left with what the builders design and
aesthetics usually win out over functionality and safety.
Floor Cleaning is a Key in Controlling Many Slip and Fall

Accidents
Floor surface contamination, such as water, oil, and dust, is often a cause of
accidents. Regular cleaning to remove contamination can reduce such accidents.
Cleaning can also, however, present slip and fall hazards to those entering the area
being serviced, including your own employees. Examples of possible risks to your
employees include smooth floors left damp by mopping, which are likely to be
extremely slippery, and trip hazards created by trailing cords from vacuums or buffers.
Reported major accident figured show cleaning is high risk for slip and fall accidents.
When cleaning is carried out effectively, it can make the difference between a floor
being an unacceptably high risk or an acceptably low risk.
SUMMARY
Slip and fall accidents can be serious and costly. Cleaning
practices can either cause or prevent slip and falls choose
the correct method. Simple, inexpensive measures can be
Slip and Fall Accidents

Almost all slips happen when floors are wet or dirty, for example, contaminated with
water, oil, food debris, dust, etc. If the floor has a smooth surface (e.g., standard
vinyl, glazed ceramic tiles, varnished wood and some metal floors are all often very
smooth), even a tiny amount of contamination can present a real slip problem. Falls
generally take place on damaged, uneven, and badly laid floors, or because obstacles
have been left where people do not expect to find them.
NOTICE
People rarely slip on clean, dry floors. Floors in poor
condition and bad housekeeping are responsible for most slip
and fall injuries at the workplace.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents

Control Measures
1. Management systems
2. Contamination control, which involves preventing contamination, choosing the

right cleaning method, and making sure cleaning does not introduce an
additional slip risk
3. Hazards removal
All three are needed to prevent slip and fall accidents.
1.1 Management Systems

Cleaning, as with other areas of health and safety, requires a good management
system to help you identify problem areas, make decisions, act on your decisions, and
check that the steps have been effective.
A good system should involve:
Planning to make sure the correct cleaning regimen is chosen for the type of
floor; this should take into account how the floor is used, by whom (for
example, some people, such as the visually impaired or the elderly, run a
higher risk of accident), when the floor is used and what, if any, contaminants
are present.
Consideration for how spillages and the like will be handled between scheduled
whole floor cleanings.
Organizing your work and consulting with your employees to make sure the
planning stage is implemented.
Control to ensure that working practices and processes are being carried out
properly, for example, that access is prevented to wet smooth floors.
Monitoring and reviewing to identify any improvements that can be made to the
system.
Effective Communication
Effective communication involves:
Ensuring that you have on hand supplies that you need.
Obtaining information from flooring suppliers regarding floors and how to
effectively clean them.
Obtaining information from equipment and chemical suppliers regarding the
suitability of their products for the surfaces they will be used on.
Ensuring that you are providing clients with acceptable cleaning by trained
employees who are well-versed on their duties and the specifics of each job. A
lack of understanding on the part of the employee can lead to shortcuts that
rarely work; employees should additionally be informed of any changes.
Contracts should be renewed if the work environment changes.
Effective training and supervision is essential to make sure the standard of cleaning is
met. Training should match the individual, the environment and equipment used. If
any of these factors change, training should be reviewed. Employees should be

encouraged to report any difficulties in carrying out their work.
1.2 Contamination Control

People rarely slip on a clean, dry floor. There is contamination involved in almost all
slip and fall accidents. It can be introduced by the environment, work activity, or by
the cleaning activity itself.
Preventing Contamination
The best method is to prevent contamination of the dry floor. Spot cleaning is a useful
method to clean up spills and the like as they happen, especially between scheduled
floor maintenance. At entrances, enclosed holders for wet umbrellas and effective,
well-maintained walk-off mats can not only help keep the floor dry, but also remove
much of the dirt, tar, and grease from shoes before they reach the floor.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Method

To effectively remove a contaminant, the correct cleaning regimen needs to be
chosen. Consider the factors below when choosing the cleaning technique.
Detergent
Detergent is essential if there is any greasy or oily contamination on the floor. Water
alone, whether it is cold or warm, is not effective in removing this kind of
contamination. The concentration of detergent is critical to its effectiveness; follow
the manufacturers instructions, because too strong a solution can be as ineffective as
too weak. Monitoring how much is used can be a useful check. Dosing systems can
eliminate error. The detergent should be left on the floor for enough time to allow
effective removal of grease or oil before rinsing. A useful comparison is washing-up.
Heavily soiled pots and pans require soak time in the detergent. Scouring or brushing
can increase the effectiveness of detergent.
Spot Cleaning
Use a paper towel or rag to remove small areas of water-based contamination from
the floor. This is a cheap and effective method of removing water-based spills. It
avoids spreading the contamination or increasing the slip risk by mopping a large
area. Spot cleaning can be used between scheduled whole-floor cleaning to control
contamination. For greasy spills, detergent will be required.
Mopping
Mopping is usually only effective on smoother floors because it only skims the surface
of the floor, regardless of the effort used. Even a well-wrung mop will leave a thin film
of water which is enough to create a slip risk on a smooth floor. Subsequent use of a
completely dry mop will reduce the drying time but will not eliminate the slip risk.
Where smooth floors are mopped, take care to make sure the floor is left to dry
completely before pedestrians are allowed access. Consider how dirt is removed from
the floor and where it goes. For example, use a separate dirty water bucket for
wringing the mop out to increase the dirt removal. Greasy floors will require contact
time with the detergent solution; use the wet mopping technique where the detergent
is put down in one stage and mopped up after a soak time in a second stage.
Push Broom
Using a push broom on a smooth floor may be adequate to remove dry contaminants.
Airborne dust can be created using this technique, so this technique should not be
used where there are health risks associated with dust or other fine lightweight
materials.
Dust Mop
A dust mop can be used on any smooth surface floor to remove loose dirt and dust.
This type of mop will not remove scuff marks or ground-in dirt. Dust mops are most
always used on wood floors.
Hose/Power Washer
With sufficient power, hose or power washer can be used to remove dusty or doughy
contaminants. The floor will be left wet, so it should be rough enough not to create a
slip risk with the water left behind. Suitable drainage will be required. This is normally
used in outdoor areas, not inside buildings. (Exceptions are heavy manufacturing
areas or auto repair bays). For greasy contamination, a detergent will be required.
Squeegee
A squeegee can be effective in removing excess water after cleaning to reduce drying
time. The floor will not be left completely dry and will still present a risk. If a floor is
rough enough to be left wet, the volume of water is not important and a squeegee is
unnecessary. Be aware that where oily or greasy contamination is present, the
squeegee can have the effect of spreading a thin layer of contamination over a wider
area or forcing it into the surface. This may result in a floor that is more difficult to
clean.
Wet /Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is effective at cleaning up liquid spills. This is more effective on
smooth floors which can be left completely dry.
Dry Vacuum (Includes Uprights Canisters and Back Packs)

Dry vacuums are effective at cleaning up dry/dusty contaminants; they are also
effective on rougher floors. This method avoids the creation of airborne dust. Dust
creates a health risk; make sure the filter is replaced when needed.
Auto Scrubber
An auto scrubber can be an effective way to clean most kinds of flooring. Different
designs of auto scrubbers lend themselves to different situations. The squeegee
needs to be wide enough to recover all the water put down by the machine. Single disc machines tend to throw water out to one side, and may require an asymmetric
squeegee to recover this. The squeegee needs to be well maintained to ensure there
is no excess water left behind which may leave a smooth floor dangerously wet. On
very rough or profiled surfaces, the squeegee may not be flexible enough to allow
adequate removal of water from the surface.
Greasy floors require detergent
solutions. The operator should be trained in the correct use of the machine, for
example, applying appropriate levels of water and chemical for the floor surface to
reduce leaking and water trails.
A smooth, wet floor creates an accident risk. People often slip or fall on floors that
have been left wet after cleaning. Mopping is one of the main causes of floors being
left wet. However, other cleaning methods can also leave the floor wet, such as a
poorly maintained squeegee on an auto scrubber.
Where the Current Cleaning Methods Result in a Smooth

Floor Being Left Wet After Cleaning You Should:
Consider alternative cleaning methods that leave the floor dry; if alternative cleaning
methods are not going to work in a given situation, you need to ensure the floor is left
to dry completely before traffic resumes.
To restrict pedestrian access to drying floors, the following methods are available.
Those at the top of the list are considered to be more effective than those at the
bottom. A combination of different techniques may be required to make sure methods
of preventing access during drying are effective.
1. Clean after regular business hours whenever possible. If possible, physically
exclude traffic access from wet areas, for example, using physical barriers or
locking off an area while the floor is wet. Provide information on alternative
routes. The exclusion should be removed once the floor is dry so it continues
to be effective.
2. Clean in sections, so there is a dry path through the area.
3. Use warning signs. Consider using wet floor signs and the like carefully,
because they only warn of the hazard. Provide information on alternative
routes.
NOTICE
Warning signs:
1. Do not prevent people from entering the area where they
may slip.
2. Often poorly demark the extent of the area where
someone may slip.
3. Are frequently left in areas that are clearly not being
6
Warning signs can be an effective means of informing people of a spill before it can be
cleaned up, especially if the spill is visible. This is an indication that the sign is being
properly used. It is critical that the sign is removed once the area is safe.
NOTICE
Warning signs (wet floor signs) or perimeter warning tape
should always be used when a floor is in a condition that may
present a risk of injury. It should be noted that using these
items will not protect or absolve you of any liability if someone
were to be injured as a result of a slip and fall. If at all
possible, have an employee remain in the area until the floor is
Stairs are a particularly hazardous part of the building and become even more so
when being cleaned. The potential for an accident applies to both the cleaner and the
stair user. During the course of their work, employees may be exposed to injury risks.
Controls should ensure risks are minimized, such as through the cleaning methods
used and the sequence in which cleaning is undertaken. Slip-resistant footwear can
also help reduce risk to the employees themselves.
1.3 Hazard Removal

Obstructions and objects left lying around can easily go unnoticed and cause an
accident. These causes are frequently overlooked, but generally easy to remedy.
Several potential hazards associated with cleaning and possible control measures to
reduce the risk to employees and others are given below.
Cables and Leads

Cables and leads from cleaning equipment such as auto scrubbers, buffers, and
vacuum cleaners. The use of battery-operated equipment avoids trailing cables.
When possible, cleaning should be undertaken after normal working hours to reduce
the likelihood of people tripping over equipment and cables. If cleaning has to be
carried out when there are people in the vicinity, ensure staff and others are made
aware that cleaning is in progress, for example, by using effective signs or barriers.
Where the use of a cable is unavoidable, minimize the operating length (for example,
by using a closer electrical outlet), increase its visibility, and cover it or move it out of
the way of potential traffic by placing the cable next to the base board when cleaning
hallways or stairs. Disconnect and immediately return equipment to storage after
use.
Trash
Trash can consist of discarded boxes, waste materials, bin bags. Safely remove and
dispose of any waste items that may cause a trip hazard. Avoid temporary accident
hazards by not leaving unattended trash in walkways.
Uneven Floors
Uneven floors can include curling walk-off mats, peeling or missing carpet tiles, holes,
or changes in level. Employees and supervisors should report any flooring defects or
unmarked changes in level to the facilitys manager or by using the Communications
Log.
Lighting
Poor lighting can increase risk, as obstacles may not be clearly visible. Using the
Communications Log is the best method to report areas where the light is poor or
bulbs are missing or blown.
Housekeeping
The Communications Log is the best method to report spillages of leaking machinery,
vending machines, and other risks. Make sure cleaning equipment is not left
unattended and is safely stored when not in use.
Floor Care Resilient

2.1 Resilient General Information
Description of Resilient Floors
What are "resilient" floors? We have used this as a catch-all term to describe any floor
made of rubber, asphalt, vinyl tile, or linoleum. In other words, just about all floors
that are not made of wood or masonry and are not carpeted. These floors are capable
of withstanding shock without permanent deformation.
Vinyl Tile Floor Make-Up (VCT)

There are many kinds of vinyl tile. All are made with vinyl resins that are very tough
firm but flexible. They give excellent wear; heavy loads won't mark them and they
can't be hurt with mineral solvents, oils, grease, alkalines, or acids. They are decay-
and mildew-proof; most any type of water based finish or cleaner can be used on
them.
Conditions and Materials to Avoid

1. Do not use solvent floor polishes.
2. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
3. Keep floor well-swept and free of grit and sand.
Rubber Floor Tile Make-Up

There is no more "real" rubber tile. There is now man-made rubber, which consists
chiefly of synthetic rubber, fillers and mineral pigments. This can vary widely in form
and properties, is available in tiles and sheets, and comes in many degrees of
hardness and flexibility. All contain rubber, hence should be treated similarly. Rubber
floors are non-porous and resist warping and buckling. They are resistant to acids,
mild alkalies, and many stains.
They remain flexible and resilient over wide
temperature ranges.

1. Do not use coarse steel wool.
2. Avoid rubber poisons, such as manganese and copper compounds.
3. The surface can be softened and colors will bleed if it comes in contact with
petroleum solvents: turpentine, grease, oils, and carbon tetrachloride.
4. Never use sweeping compounds on rubber tile floors that have not been
protected with a coat of finish.
5. Extremely heavy objects can mark and damage these floors.
Linoleum Floor Make-Up

Linoleum is made from oxidized linseed oil or a combination of drying oils, wood flour
and/or ground cork, resins, and pigment. All are mixed together, rolled out, and
compressed onto an asphalt saturated felt, burlap, or other backing. Heat is applied
to the mixture during compression which fuses and sets the oil and resins to form
strong binding agents. It is slowly heat-cured to form the finished product. Linoleum
is a thermoset material: more resistant to temperature changes and indentation than
some other resilient flooring. It is somewhat porous.

1. Avoid heavy furniture loads.
2. Moisture, when absorbed, softens this material. (Avoid too-frequent cleaning;
allow floor to dry completely before opening to traffic.)
3. Do not use alkaline solutions, they will attack the binder.
4. Avoid using scouring powders; they will damage surface when floor is wet.
2.2 Common Resilient Floor Finish Problems

If you are not happy with the finish of a resilient floor, then the finish operation has
probably been carried out incorrectly. Here are a number of conditions which may
occur. They can usually be solved by re-scrubbing, re-stripping, and re-finishing using
correct procedure.
New resilient floors should not be wet mopped until the cement holding the tiles in
place has set. Some types of cement may require up to 2 weeks to set. In the
interim, use treated mops or damp mopping only.
Alkaline salts in solution are absorbed into porous floors during cleaning. As they dry,
they form crystals which expand, cause swelling, and finally damage the material.
The best protection against this is sealing.
Yellowing
Yellowing is often caused by repeated application of floor finish before removing old
layers.
Solution: Completely strip the floor and re-finish. Avoid putting repeated coats of
finish on top of each other.
Sticky Floors
Sticky floors are often caused by putting on too much finish or putting finish over an
oily floor. It could also be caused by poor rinsing prior to application of finish or if too
much humidity was in the air at the time of application.
Solution: Start over, watching amount of finish being applied and being sure floor is
properly rinsed and cleaned prior to application.
Water Spotting
Water spotting can also can be caused by poor rinsing before finish is applied or when
cleaning agents were so strong they damaged the finish.
Solution: Re-strip floor. After a thorough rinsing and cleaning, re-finish.
No Shine
Poor gloss can be caused by a dirty applicator or because the floor was not completely
dry before the finish was applied. Also, humidity could be a problem or floors may be
so old and worn that they can no longer achieve a brilliant shine.
Solution: Re-strip and re-finish floors; this time be sure a clean applicator is used and
the floor is completely dry before applying finish.
10
2.3 Dust Mop Floor

Definition and Purpose
Dust mopping is floor dusting. It is used to clean dust, light soil, and light litter from
smooth, finished floor surfaces. It will not remove heavy soil, spills, or stains. Dust
mopping is done to improve the appearance of floors, to prepare floors for deeper
cleaning procedures, and to lengthen the time between more extensive cleaning
procedures. Dust mopping does a better job than push broom sweeping which
scatters dirt. It is best done after furniture dusting, which may cause dirt and dust to
settle on the floor. Removing the dust and grit also preserves the floor finish.
Equipment and Materials

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Floor dust mop: Small mop for congested areas, large mop for open areas
Putty knife
Lobby broom
Dust pan
Waste container
Technique
There are chemical spray applications that can be applied to dust mop heads. If you
use these sprays, allow them to dry 24 hours BEFORE using.
1. Move furniture only if necessary.
2. Use lobby broom for hard to get places, like corners.
3. Sweep dust and litter into an open area where the dust mop can pick it up.
Flute the mop before you start. Shake gently so all strands are spread.
4. Rest the handle of the dust mop in your right palm, thumb on top. Put your left
hand an easy distance below your right, with your fingers gently closed to
steady and guide the mop. (Switch hands for "lefties").
5. Start floor dusting at the far end of the room and work toward the door, dusting
with an "S" motion.
6. Hold the mop at an angle and move forward with a swinging back and forth ,
covering about an eight' path. At the end of each, change the mop heads
direction by twisting the handle to keep same edge in front. Always move
toward the leading edge.
7. Avoid lifting the mop and never tap or shake the mop on the floor to free excess
dirt. That will scatter more dirt.
8. Start at the walls and move litter and dirt into the aisles of return path. Overlap
strokes to prevent dust lines and missed dirt.
9. Check floor for gum or other sticking matter and use putty knife to remove.
10.Mop under furniture using a circular stroke to keep the edge of the mop
forward. Twist the mop handle slightly; this will rotate the mop head to keep the
leading edge forward.
11
11.Use a one handed mopping motion in obstructed areas, such as under desks
(always move the chair to clean underneath a desk). Be sure to mop close to
the legs of equipment.
12.Make small piles of dust in the return path. Large piles spill out over the sides
of the mop on the return sweep.
13.Sweep up dust piles with lobby broom and dust pan. Carefully empty dust pan
into waste container to prevent scattering.
14.Clean dust mop by pulling dust and dirt into waste container by hand. Do not
shake.
15.Return any moved furniture.
16.Return tools to storage area ready for use.
17.Replace mop head as needed.
Safety Precautions
1. Keep the dust pan and all equipment out of traffic areas where people might
trip on them.
2. Do not leave piles of dirt or litter beside a room door or in a traffic lane where
people will come upon them unexpectedly. Pick up piles promptly.
2.4 Damp Mop Floor

Damp mopping is the removing of light soil from a floor by the smooth stroke of the
mop head and clear water or a solution that needs no rinsing. Damp mopping is done
to remove dirt that dust mopping cannot handle and does not require wet mopping.
Damp mopping requires no rinsing and therefore demands less time and energy.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bucket
Mop wringer
Cotton or rayon mop
Putty knife
Dust mop
Lobby broom, dust pan
Wet floor signs
Mild cleaning solution
Doodle bug and 3M pad
Preparation
1. Mix rinse-free solution. This is a specific type of cleaner.
Technique
12
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take all equipment and supplies to area.

Move any light furniture (e.g., chairs).
Scrape up sticky dirt or materials with putty knife. Do not gouge floor.
Use 3M pad with doodle bug to loosen black heel or scuff marks.
Dust mop the floor. Follow procedure listed under dust mopping. Skipping this
step will make the mopping more difficult because the cleaning water will get
dirty more quickly and need to be changed more often.
6. Damp mopping is done in the same way as wet mopping, except the rinsing
operation is not necessary because only a mild, rinse-free cleaning solution or
clear water is used. Use the same floor preparation, stroke, and cleaning
pattern. Except each time the mop is processed, it is wrung out until just damp,
not fully wet.
7. Hold the mop with the left hand and operate the press with the right hand,
using the flat open palm.
8. Start at the end area farthest from your exit point.
9. Mop corners and nooks or side areas first, working in towards a center aisle or
path that will be mopped down on the way out.
10.Always begin at the baseboard with your stroke. Dirt builds up quickly and
easily there. Keep your feet shoulder distance apart and stroke an area about
three times that wide. The stroke is too large if the strands flick and spread
dirty water on walls, cleaned floor, or equipment.
11.Mop with a side to side "figure eight" stroke facing the area just mopped,
moving backwards. Overlap strokes over the same area to work in the solution.
Shifting body weight with the stroke helps maintain a rhythm in swinging the
mop.
12.Use both sides of the mop. Lay the mop over carefully. Lifting the mop and
flapping it down will scatter water on walls or cleaned floor.
13.When mop seems to be full of dirt and out of cleaning solution, rinse the mop in
the cleaning solution, press out until damp, and continue mopping. When the
cleaning solution becomes noticeably dirty, CHANGE IT!
14.Return tools to storage area. Rinse out mop heads thoroughly and wring.
15.Rinse out buckets and wringers. Dry the equipment, then store. NEVER leave a
mop standing in a bucket with water.
2.5 Spot Mop Traffic Area

Spot mopping is the removing of light soil or spills from soiled traffic areas of a floor
by the smooth stroke of the mop head and clear water or a cleaning solution.
Spot mopping is done to remove dirt when dust mopping is not enough and complete
damp or wet mopping is too much.

1. Bucket
2. Mop wringer
3. Cotton or rayon mop
13
4. Putty knife
5. Mild cleaning solution (advertised as rinse-free)
Preparation
1. Mix cleaning solution in bucket; pour water first, then cleaning product.
Technique
2. Take all equipment and supplies to area.
3. Walk the area to be spot mopped. If there are any dirty spots on the floor
surface (e.g., coffee or soda spills, dirt or mud tracks, etc.), rub mop over spot
until spot is removed.
4. When mop becomes dirty, rinse and wring until damp.
5. Spot mopping is done in the same way as damp mopping except the rinsing
operation is not necessary because only a mild cleaning solution or clear water
is used. Use the same floor preparation, stroke and cleaning pattern. Each time
the mop is processed, it is wrung out until just damp, not fully wet. Be careful
not to over-wet the floor.
6. Collect equipment and return to supply area, then clean equipment. NEVER
leave a mop standing in a bucket with water.
Safety Precautions
1. A damp floor is slippery. If large areas are being done where people may be
walking, use wet floor warning signs. Keep in mind that posting wet floor or
cautionary signs will not relieve you of responsibility should someone fall as a
result of walking on a wet or damp floor. It is recommended that whenever
possible, wait until the facility is closed or a minimum of traffic is present
around the area to be mopped.
2.6 Wet Mop Floor

Wet mopping is the removal of a medium dirt film from a floor by the chemical action
of a cleaning solution and the physical action of the mop being rubbed back and forth
over the floor. Wet mopping is done to improve the appearance of the floor and for
longer protection. Rinsing is of great importance in the process to thoroughly remove
loosened dirt and to remove the cleaning agents, some of which can damage floors if
they remain on the surface.
Equipment
1. 2 Buckets
2. 2 Wringers
3. 2 Cotton mops
14
4. Dust mop
5. Dust pan
6. Putty knife
7. Doodle bug and 3M pad
8. Cleaning solution
9. Wet floor signs
10.Lobby broom
Preparation
1. Mix cleaning solution. Follow manufacturer's directions. Too strong a solution
leaves a film that gathers dirt and leaves the floor more soiled than clean.
2. Be sure mop bucket and wringer are clean and the proper size before adding
solution.
Technique
1. Take tools and supplies to work area. Set out wet floor signs.
2. Move any light furniture (chairs, etc.) or light-weight obstructions.
3. Dust mop the floor. Follow procedure listed under dust mopping. Skipping this
step will make the mopping more difficult because the cleaning water will get
dirty more quickly and need to be changed more often.
4. Scrape up sticky dirt with putty knife. Do not gouge floor.
5. Use abrasive pad to loosen black heel or scuff marks.
6. Dip clean mop into cleaning solution bucket. Wring slightly to remove excess
water and prevent dripping.
7. Hold the mop with the left hand and operate the press with the right hand,
using the flat, open palm.
8. Do not flood floor. Heavy water flooding means extra work in water pick-up.
9. Start at the end area furthest from your exit point.
10.Mop corners and nooks or side areas first, working in towards the center aisle or
path that will be mopped down on the way out.
11.Always begin at the baseboard with your stroke. Dirt builds up quickly and
easily there. Keep your feet shoulder distance apart and stroke an area about
three times that wide. The stroke is too large if the strands flick and spread
dirty water on walls, cleaned floor, or equipment.
12.Mop with a side-to-side, figure eight stroke facing the area just mopped,
moving backwards. Overlap strokes over the same area to work in the solution.
Shifting body weight with the stroke helps maintain a rhythm and swing with
the mop.
13.Use both sides of the mop. Lay the mop over carefully. Lifting the mop and
flapping it down will scatter water on walls.
14.When mop seems to be full of dirt and out of cleaning solution, rinse the mop in
the cleaning solution, press out until damp, then continue mopping. Change
solution when needed. To continue mopping when the solution is very dirty
only makes the floor dirty.
15.Repeat solution mopping until entire area is completed.
16.Rinse entire area using a clean mop and a bucket of fresh clean water.
17.Follow the same steps in rinsing as in mopping with solution.
15
18.Use the bucket of water to clean off mop between applications. Follow the
same path working backward to exit.
19.Do not flood floor. Check the floor. It should have no streaks, splash marks, or
filmy look.
20.A wet vacuum may be used to pick up large quantities of liquid from floors but
this should be avoided in routine, small-area wet mopping because of the
additional equipment needed.
21.Return tools to storage area. Rinse out mop heads and wring. Empty wet
vacuum and dry. Rinse out buckets and wringers. NEVER leave a mop standing
in a bucket with water.
Safety Precautions
1. Always use wet floor signs. Wet floors are slippery!
2. Never mix different chemicals together. The fumes could be poisonous. Also,
the chemicals might work against each other, not cleaning the floor as well.
3. Be sure the bucket assembly, the wringer, and mop head correspond in size. A
mop that is too large for the press will not wring evenly, leaving some areas too
wet, and others too dry. A mop that is too small can result in bruised knuckles
when the press is operated.
4. Walk cautiously on a wet floor; avoid it if you can because doing so spoils the
work and can result in serious injury due to a slip and fall.
5. Use the palm of the hand to operate the press. Fingers can be cut or bruised if
they are gripping the press and the handle gives too far or the press breaks.
2.7 Spray Buff Floor

Spray buffing is the repairing of worn spots on finished floors by re-applying finish to
worn areas and then buffing using a rotary floor machine.
The finish on floors does not wear evenly in all spots because not all areas have the
same traffic, so a visible wear pattern begins to show up. Reconditioning these wear
areas make the floor look better and reduces the number of times the entire floor
needs to be stripped and finished. It is both a cleaning and a preventive maintenance
technique.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Dust mop
Bucket
Wringer
Cotton mop
High speed floor buffing machine
Spray buff pads
Putty knife
Spray buff solution
16
9. Wet floor signs

10.Plastic bag
11.Dust pan & lobby broom
12.Spray bottle
Preparation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Check cord and cord cap for cracks.

Center buffing pad on drive block.
Put drive block on machine.
Check tank sprayer and attachments, if applicable.
Fill spray bottle with spray buff solution. It is very important to use solution
compatible with your floor finish.
6. Assemble all supplies and move to work area. Make sure all equipment is
clean.
Technique
1. Put out wet floor signs.
2. Clear area of furniture.
3. Inspect the floor to determine what type of floor preparation is required. Floor
must be free of dust and dirt.
4. Prepare the floor. Dust mop and then damp mop if required. Follow procedures
under dust mopping and damp mopping. Remove adhesive materials with
putty knife. For particularly stubborn spots, hand scrubbing may be necessary.
Using a mildly aggressive pad (the center knock-out of the buffing pad will do
nicely), gently work out heavy heel marks and scuffed spots.
5. Plug in spray buffing machine. Place the cord clear of the machine and behind
you, with the attached end over your shoulder.
6. Start at an area furthest from the door and work backwards to avoid stepping
on finished areas.
7. Spray material on the floor, apply evenly, and then buff. Pass over the same
area about 3 times. The first pass should spread out the finish, the second pass
starts shining and drying the finish, and the third pass should blend the finish
into the old finish. Do not spray too large an area at a time. Apply one full
spray for each 2 to 3 linear feet, moving the machine over the sprayed area.
Do not cover more than 5 feet per pass, because the solution must be wet to
hold the dirt in suspension.
8. Do not continue to use a dirt-clogged pad. If the solution dries before it is
buffed, dark circles may show up that are hard to get off. Be careful not to
splash finish on walls or furniture which would have to be cleaned.
9. If pad becomes too full, stop, unplug the machine, and turn the pad over or put
on a new one. Slip used pads into a plastic bag so they will stay moist until
they can be cleaned back in the supply room.
10.Occasionally, a fine powder may be left on the floor when spray buffing is
completed. If so, repeat dust mopping procedure.
11.Replace furniture.
12.Collect equipment and return to supply area for clean up.
13.Clean pads and machine as directed by manufacturer. Store.
17
Safety Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Use wet floor signs.

Be sure cords are in good order.
Never leave cords where they may trip someone.
Do not walk on wet finish; it is slippery.
Always follow manufacturer's specific instructions.
Never leave machine unattended unless the cord is unplugged, properly coiled,
and secured to the handle.
7. Never change pad until machine is unplugged.
2.8 Strip Floor Finish

Proper stripping requires the right equipment, good chemicals, adequate help, and
ample time. Stripping is very labor-intensive and disruptive to many facilities. It
should only be performed when deep-scrubbing and recoating will no longer revive
your floor.

Stripping is the removal of the floor finish by a scrubbing machine and stripping
solution.
Stripping is done to remove old finish and prepare the floor for refinishing, to prevent
deep wear from damaging floors, and to restore appearance.

1. 2 Buckets
2. 2 Wringers
1. 2 Mops
2. Stripping solution
3. Wet vacuum
4. Dust mop
5. Putty knife
6. Dust pan & lobby broom
7. Floor scrubber: stripping pad (black)
8. Wet floor signs
9. Doodle bug and 3M pad
10.Neutralizer
Preparation
1. Mix stripping solution in bucket assembly.
2. In other bucket, mix neutralizer and clean cold water.
3. Take tools and supplies to area.
18
Safety Precautions
1. Use caution when handling solutions and machines.
2. Use mops for specific purposes. IMPORTANT Do not cross contaminate mop
heads.
3. Use warning signs.
4. Watch cords of machinery. Never leave it unattended.
5. Be sure any splattered stripper is wiped off.
6. Do not mix different chemicals together. Improper mixing can cause hazardous
fumes or solutions.
Technique
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Remove all furniture if possible.

Scrape up adhesives (e.g., gum, tar, tape, etc.) with putty knife.
Dust mop entire floor.
Prepare stripping solution in accordance with the manufacturers direction.
Put out wet floor signs.
Apply a liberal amount of stripper solution to the edges. Let it set for five
minutes (do not let it dry on the floor). Using a scraper and/or doodle bug,
completely detail the edges. DO NOT SPLASH WALLS AND BASEBOARDS.
7. Spread on coat of stripping solution with the same technique as for wet
mopping. Use plenty of solution but do not flood the floor.
8. Prepare your machine. Check cords. Be sure switch is off position. Mount pad.
Plug in machine, and scrub floor. Machine may be heeled for scuffs (press hard
on the side of the handle nearest the scuff without changing the angle of the
handle). Cover the area two times. Note: Exercise caution when heeling
machine or floor tile may burn.
9. Scrub any hard to get areas with doodle bug.
10.While still wet, take up stripping solution with wet vacuum if available;
otherwise use mop.
11.Rinse floor thoroughly with clean mop and cold water mixed with neutralizer,
using same procedures as with wet mopping.
12.Repeat until entire floor has been scrubbed and rinsed.
13.Wipe off baseboards and any equipment or furniture that might be splattered.
15.Collect tools and supplies. Return to storage area.
16.Clean equipment. Empty vacuum tank. Clean rotary pads. Dry flat. Clean
mops. Hang cloths and brushes to dry.
2.9 Finish Application Procedures

1. Finish mop
2. Bucket with wringer
3. Plastic bucket liners
19
4. Wet floor signs

5. Floor seal / finish
Preparation
1. Inspect floor to be sure it is completely dry and that ALL solution has been
neutralized.
2. Prepare bucket. Start by using only clean equipment. Place a new plastic liner
in a mop bucket. Pre-rinse finish mop with clean water and wring it out
thoroughly. Pour finish into the bucket.
3. Place wet floor signs at both ends of work area.
4. Prepare mop. Dip your mop into the finish and carefully twist out or wring out
the excess finish.
5. Frame finish area (first coat). Frame a small area to be finished up to the
baseboards approximately 15 feet at a time and wide enough for a comfortable
figure eight swing of the mop. Always work towards your bucket.
6. Fill in using the figure eight motion. Proceed in this fashion until the entire
work area is completed.
7. Refinish (second or more coats). Once the first coat is fully dry (30 minutes
under normal conditions), apply the second coat. This time, create an outline as
in Step 5, but stay 6 inches away from the baseboards. Fill in using the figure
eight motion.
Note: If you use the same mop for applying finish that is used for applying seal, be
sure to rinse thoroughly before refinishing. It is not recommended that you use the
same mop for both.
2.10 Scrub and Recoat

This task is a combination of tasks grouped together. It includes dust mopping the
floor, wet mop - heavy, which also covers black mark removal, and applying two coats
of finish.
This process is intended to restore traffic pattern areas. Finish should only be put
down on a clean floor and only in the traffic pattern, or area of visible wear in the
finish. It should never be placed wall-to-wall.
If very heavy soils exist or dirt is still embedded in the finish after damp mopping, it
may be necessary to scrub the floor first. Finish should never be placed over dirt, or
yellowing and build-up will occur. It is usually best to put on very thin coats of finish.

1. Dust mop
2. Lobby broom and dust pan
3. 2 Buckets
20
4. 2 Wringers
5. Neutral synthetic cleaner
6. Floor machine with scrub pad
7. Neutralizer
8. One cotton mop (for wet mopping)
9. One rayon mop (for applying finish)
10.Doodle bug pad
11.Putty knife
12.4eight" mop spreader for large areas (or suitable size depending on area). For
smaller areas use a bucket, wringer, and rayon mop.
13.Tank sprayer
14.Metal interlock finish
15.Wet floor signs
16.pH tester
Preparation
1. Mix neutral cleaner in bucket.
2. Fill rinse bucket with cold water and neutralizer.
3. Fill tank sprayer with floor finish and pump-up pressure.
NOTICE
Use only the amount needed for the job.
4. Rinse mop spreader in clear water and wring out thoroughly.

5. Take tools and supplies to the work area.
Technique
1. Remove only the furniture necessary to allow easy access to the area in need of
cleaning and re-finishing.
2. Dust mop entire floor using dust mop procedure.
3. Inspect the floor. It must be free from dirt and dust.
4. Put up wet floor signs.
5. Wet mop floor (see: wet mop procedure). If floor has dirt and black marks
embedded into it, the floor must be scrubbed (see: machine scrub-rotary
machine). Never put finish on dirt or black marks.
6. Test pH of the floor and let dry.
7. Apply some finish to spreader mop to moisten it, then spray a fine mist of finish
solution to the floor in a smooth and even back and forth motion. Finish should
be applied to traffic areas only, never wall to wall. Use the mop spreader in
halls and large open areas. Use a rayon mop in smaller, congested areas.
21
8. Use the dust mop to spread metal interlock finish on the floor. Spread as thin a
coat as possible and keep the mop head flat on the floor so that the drier end
strands spread the solution smoothly.
9. Let dry or use floor fans to speed drying.
10.Put second coat of finish on traffic areas if necessary. Let dry thoroughly.
11.Return furniture and wipe any splatters from furniture, baseboards, and
equipment.
12.Return equipment to storeroom. Clean and store.
13.Uncontaminated finish from the sprayer may be saved. Throw away unused
finish from a bucket. Do not mix with stored material.
Safety Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use warning signs.

Be sure the equipment used is clean.
Keep solutions away from electrical outlets.
Do not splash solution on baseboards or walls.
Be especially careful when walking on wet floor finish.
2.11 Refinish Four-Coats (Deep Strip)

This is a combination of tasks grouped together to simplify a complete process. This
task includes stripping the floor using a floor scrubber and applying four coats of floor
finish. Stripping is done to remove old finish and prepare the floor for refinishing. A
metal interlock finish puts a protective coating on soft floors that helps keep gritty dirt
scratches from accumulating. It helps maintain a better look over a longer period of
time and makes it easier to remove dust and dirt that collects.

1. Dust mop
2. Lobby broom and dust pan
3. Buckets
4. Wringers
5. Stripping solution
6. 2 cotton or rayon mops
7. Floor scrubber
8. Brushes or pads (black pad for stripping)
9. Putty knife
10.Doodle bug
11.Neutralizer
12.Wet vacuum
13.4eight" mop spreader for large areas (or suitable size, depending on area). Use
a bucket, wringer and a rayon mop for small areas.
14.Tank sprayer
15.Metal interlock floor finish
22
16.Wet floor signs

17.pH tester
Preparation
1. Mix stripping solution in bucket.
Fill rinse bucket with cold water and
neutralizer.
2. Fill tank sprayer with floor finish. NOTE: Use only the amount needed for the
job.
Technique
1. Remove all furniture, if possible.
2. Dust mop entire floor (using dust mop procedure).
3. Prepare scrubbing machine. Check cord. Be sure switch is off, mount pad.
Plug in.
4. Put out wet floor signs.
5. Spread on coat of stripping solution with the same technique as for wet
mopping. Use plenty of solution but do not flood the floor. DO NOT SPLASH
WALLS AND BASEBOARDS.
6. Using floor machine, strip floor. Machine may be heeled for scuffs (press hard
on the side of the handle nearest the scuff without changing the angle of the
handle). Cover the area two times.
7. Scrub all corners, edges, and hard to get areas with doodle bug.
8. While still wet, take up stripping solution with wet vacuum if available;
otherwise use a mop.
9. Rinse floor thoroughly with clean mop and cold water mixed with neutralizer,
using same procedure as with wet mopping. Check pH of floor.
11.Rinse mop spreader in clear water, wring out thoroughly.
12.Apply some finish to spreader mop to moisten it, then spray a fine mist of finish
solution to the floor in a smooth and even back-and-forth motion. Walk at a
quick pace to prevent the floor finish from drying, using caution on the wet
floor.
13.Use a mop spreader to spread metal interlock solution on floor. Spread as thin a
coat as possible and keep the mop head flat on the floor so that the drier-end
14.When applying floor finish, it is best to "box" the area. Outline the area along
the walls or outer perimeter with the mop and finish. Then, using a thin coat,
fill in the center area.
15.Apply the first coat wall-to-wall and let dry.
16.Apply the second coat of finish (repeat step 13).
NOTICE
#16. This coat should be applied staying about one foot away
from the wall, never wall to wall or a build-up may occur.
23
17.Let dry.
18.Apply third coat of finish (repeat step 15). Stay one foot away from the wall.
19.Let dry.
20.Apply fourth coat of finish (repeat step 15). The final coat should be wall-towall.
21.Let dry.
22.Return furniture and wipe any splatters from furniture, baseboards, or
equipment.
23.Collect tools and supplies and return them to storage area.
24.Throw away unused finish. Do not mix with stored material.
25.Clean equipment.
26.Empty vacuum tank.
27.Clean rotary pads.
28.Dry flat.
29.Clean mops.
30.Hang cloths to dry.
Applying Finish with Wet Mop

In smaller, congested areas (e.g., offices, lobbies or small hallways) it may be
necessary to use a wet mop application of floor finish. To accomplish this, follow the
method for REFINISH FOUR-COATS, with the following changes in techniques 11, 12,
and 13.
1. Condition new mop head by soaking it in water and ringing it out several times
to remove loose fibers.
2. Instead of preparing the finish in the tank sprayer, prepare finish in a clean
bucket with wringer.
3. Place mop in solution, then wring out to a damp consistency. Square the area
by tracing the floor along the wall. Mop with a side-to-side, figure eight
motion, overlapping strokes as you move backwards (see: wet mopping
technique).
4. Spread a very thin coat and keep the mop head on the floor so that the strands
of the mop can apply the solution evenly.
Safety Precautions
1. Use warning signs.
2. Be sure the equipment used is clean.
3. Do not splash solution on baseboards or walls.
4. Be especially careful when walking on wet floor finish.
2.12 Apply Floor Finish

24
This application, commonly known as "waxing," is the applying and polishing of a

finish solution to protect the floor. Avoid using the incorrect term "wax" for floor finish.
The best type of finish is a metal interlocking synthetic solution, which puts a
protective coating on soft floors that helps keep gritty dirt from scratching the floor,
makes it look better, and best of all, makes it easier to remove dust and dirt from the
floor as it collects. Mopping and stripping will need to be done less often. It is usually
best to put on very thin coats of finish over a period of time, and spray-buff them
regularly in between refinishing.

3. Dust mop
4. 4eight" mop spreader (or suitable size depending on area), or rayon mop for
small congested areas
5. Tank sprayer
6. Putty knife
7. Metal interlock floor finish
8. Wet floor signs
9. pH tester
Preparation
1. Rinse mop spreader in clear water, wring out thoroughly.
2. Fill tank sprayer with floor finish and pump-up pressure. NOTE: Use only the
amount needed for the job.
3. Assemble supplies and take to the work area.
Technique
1. Clear area of all movable furniture and other obstructions, and open windows or
set up ventilation fans.
2. Inspect the floor. It must be free from dirt and dust. If necessary, dust mop,
damp mop, scrub, or strip.
3. Check the pH of the floor.
5. Apply some finish to spreader mop to moisten it, then spray a fine mist of finish
solution to the floor in a smooth and even back-and-forth motion. Walk at a
quick pace to prevent the floor finish from drying, using caution on the wet
floor.
6. Use the dust mop to spread metal interlock solution on floor. Spread as thin a
coat as possible and keep the mop head flat on the floor so that the drier-end
7. When applying floor finish, it is best to "box" the area. Outline the area along
the walls or outer perimeter with the mop and finish, then using a thin coat, fill
in the center area.
8. Let dry.
9. Put on extra coat(s) in high traffic areas, if needed, and let dry.
25
10.Return furniture and wipe any splatters from furniture, baseboards, or

equipment.
11.Take equipment back to store room.
12.Clean and store equipment.
13.Throw away unused finish. Do not mix with stored material.
14.Wash or rinse mop head in clear water. Wring out thoroughly.
Safety Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use warning signs.

Be sure the equipment used is clean.
Keep solutions away from electrical outlets.
Do not splash solution on baseboards or walls.
Be especially careful when walking on wet floor finish.
2.13 Machine Scrub Rotary Machine

Machine washing is the use of a rotary machine to remove heavy soil from hard floors
in open areas. A mop is used to place cleaning solution on the floor. The rotary
machine uses brushes or pads to scrub the floor. The cleaning solution is then picked
up from the floor using a wrung-out mop or a wet vac.

1. Floor scrubber rotary machine
2. Brushes or pads (red pad for light scrubbing, black for heavy stripping)
3. 2 Buckets
4. 2 Wringers
5. Cotton mop
7. Dust mop
8. Wet vacuum
9. Doodle bug
10.Lobby broom and dust pan
11.Wet floor signs
Preparation
1. Mix cleaning solution in bucket assembly.
2. Fill wringer bucket assembly with clean, hot water.
Technique
1. Remove all furniture as necessary.
26
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dust mop as required.

Pick up dust and dirt with dust pan and lobby broom.
Prepare scrubbing machine. Check cord. Be sure switch is off. Mount pad.
Put out wet floor signs.
Spread on a coat of cleaning solution with the same technique used for wet
mopping. Use enough solution, but do not flood the floor.
7. Using a floor machine, scrub floors. Machine may be heeled for scuffs (press
hard on the side of the handle nearest the scuff without changing the angle of
the handle).
8. While still wet, take up cleaning solution with wet vacuum or mop.
9. Rinse floor thoroughly with clean mop and hot water using the same procedure.
10.Repeat until entire floor has been scrubbed and rinsed.
11.Use a doodle bug for edges and corners.
13.Scrape up adhesives with putty knife.
15.Collect tools and supplies. Return to storage area.
16.Clean equipment.
17.Empty vacuum tank.
18.Clean rotary pads.
19.Dry flat.
20.Clean mops.
Safety Precautions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use caution when handling solutions and machines.

Use warning signs.
Watch cords of machinery. Never leave the machine unattended.
Do not mix different chemicals together. Improper mixing can cause hazardous
fumes or solutions.
Floor Care Carpet

3.1 General Information
This section provides information on carpet care systems, procedures, and the
equipment required to carry out a carpet care program. The procedures are those
commonly recommended by competent independent authorities. It is impossible to
guarantee that the suggestions and procedures contained in this section will give
satisfactory results in every case. In addition, cleaning materials must be used in
accordance with directions and with all proper precautions and safety practices which
may be applicable.
Proper carpet maintenance is the key to the success of a carpet installation in terms of
its cost to the owner and appearance level. Carpet's in-use cost is determined by
27
carpet life, and carpet life can be significantly reduced if a proper maintenance
system is not followed.
The carpet maintenance program must be planned to handle the four types of soil
carpets are exposed to:
1. Dry dirt, such as sand, dust, ashes, and other loose soil, as well as surface litter
that does not adhere to the fibers and can be removed by vacuuming.
2. Water-soluble and suspended soils, such as mud and non-greasy food stuffs,
spillages which can be removed with water-soluble chemicals.
3. Petroleum-soluble soils, such as grease, tars, asphalt, and airborne materials
which are spilled, tracked, and blown into occupied areas. They adhere
stubbornly to carpet fibers. They must be removed with special detergents and
cleaning agents.
4. Stains and discolorations, such as coffee, ink, blood, rust, urine, paints, etc.,
which must be removed as they occur with special materials and techniques.
It is the sand and grit which are the abrasives that account for the wear in carpet
installations. The water and petroleum-soluble soils and spots cause the deterioration
in the appearance of carpeting.
Fortunately for the housekeeping staff, carpet maintenance programs do not
significantly vary because of type of rug construction or fiber content. The variation of
maintenance programs results from the type and degree of traffic a carpeted area is
receiving, as well as the type of equipment which is available for its maintenance. All
maintenance programs as systems have both routine and recovery cleaning
requirements.
NOTE
Carpets get ugly long before they wear out.
Fiber Identification
By knowing the type of fiber you'll be cleaning or spotting, you can avoid potential
damage. Using the burn test offers simple identification.
Test: Cut a small tuft of carpet fiber. Hold it with tweezers or a paper clip and ignite it.
Observe the flame, odor, and ash. Use the chart below for identification.
FIBER
FLAME
NYLON
Burns
melting
OLEFIN
Burns with melting
slowly
while
POLYESTE
Sputters with melting
R
ODOR
ASH
Celery
Hard, tough bead
Asphalt
Paraffin
Sweet
28
or Hard,
bead
tough,
tan
Hard, tough, black

bead
RAYON
Burns
melting
fast
without
ACRYLIC
Burns fast, white-orange

Charred Meat
color
Irregular, hard crust
WOOL
Burns slowly and sputters Burning Hair
Easily
crumbled,
black bead
Burning Paper
Almost
paper
none,
like
Fiber Characteristics
FIBER
CHARACTERISTICS
NYLON
Nylon is very durable, resilient and soil-resistant. It offers good

colorfastness. Nylon tends to stain easily and dries slowly after
cleaning.
OLEFIN
Olefin is naturally stain, fade- and moisture-resistant and is

extremely colorfast. It cleans easily and dries very quickly
compared to most fibers.
Polyester is naturally stain- and fade-resistant and offers

POLYESTE exceptional softness and color clarity.
Polyester is not as
R
resilient as nylon and yellows with repeated exposure to
petroleum-based spotters.
RAYON
Seldom used carpet fiber since it's hard to dye.
ACRYLIC
Popular fiber in the 1960s since it looks and feels like wool. It
tends to fill (fuzz), so it is seldom used.
WOOL
Wool is a natural fiber that does not offer the same durability
and resilience as nylon. Wool is not exceptionally stain- or soilresistant and should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents.
Always avoid excess moisture when cleaning.
3.2 Routine Cleaning

The frequent routines are intended to pick up dry soil through the use of vacuuming.
Proper and thorough vacuuming is the foundation. Vacuuming methods are fairly
standard, although a fixed frequency is a bit difficult to establish. They depend to a
great extent on the general layout of your building, the type of business it houses, the
color of the carpeting itself, its traffic load, and the type of outside soil commonly
brought in by traffic.
It is possible, however, to classify the different areas of a building and use these
classifications as a general guide for establishing the vacuuming frequencies that will
assure satisfactory results on a continuing basis.
Primary Areas
29
These are the areas which receive the heaviest dirt loads and consequently should be
vacuumed frequently for maximum sanitation and protection.
They include a
building's entranceway, lobbies, the areas in front of elevators, first floor corridors and
offices, food service areas (such as in a restaurant), ground level rooms, and other
highly frequented areas, such as cigar stands, food and drink dispenser areas, and
registration desks. Not only should these areas be vacuumed daily, but during periods
of bad weather, a second or third vacuuming may be desirable.
Secondary Areas
Secondary areas, because of their location, are subject to lighter dirt loads. By the
time they are reached, peoples shoes have been walked off in the primary areas.
These secondary areas which are generally the upper floor of a building or offices
which either are far removed from entranceway or which normally have a minimum of
traffic. Depending again on the type and volume of traffic, color of the carpeting, and
nature of the "native" soil, vacuuming one to three times a week is usually sufficient
to keep these areas clean and protected against wear.
Optional Areas
These are areas that have very little traffic, little or no spillage, or are so far removed
from the entrances that practically no dirt remains on the shoes of people who use
them. These areas should be vacuumed "as needed," but not less than once a month
because they are subject to some dirt, if only oil-laden, airborne dust.
3.3 Recovery Cleaning

A periodic program of recovery cleaning is necessary to remove the water-soluble and
petroleum-based soil from carpets. The presence of this type of soil results in the
reduced appearance level of the carpet, e.g., as a noticeable dullness in color and
color contrast. There are a number of chemical cleaning systems in use at present.
Descriptions of the principal chemical cleaning methods are included in this chapter.
It is always best to test any carpet cleaning procedure on an extra piece of carpet or
an out-of-sight area before using it.
Follow the carpet manufacturer's
recommendations carefully.
3.4 Common Carpet Problems

A number of problems which commonly arise in carpeted areas and possible means of
correction are discussed in this section.
Static Electricity
Static electricity is familiar to all in the mild shock produced when touching a metal
object after walking across a carpet. It's the result of friction and while it is not
harmful, the shock can affect one's attitude and work, and can affect electronic
equipment such as computers. A growing number of commercial carpets contain
30
small amounts of stainless steel fiber which dissipate static electricity and prevent its
buildup. Another method of reducing static electricity is the application of anti-static
agents to the carpet immediately after installation and periodically as needed.
Shedding
Shedding is not a carpet defect, but rather common to all new fabrics. The pile yarn
of carpet contains a certain amount of unavoidable short fibers that work loose during
service. The shedding will gradually decrease over a period of time.
Fuzzing and Pilling

Loop piles made from yarns using staple fibers will fuzz to some degree. This fuzz
normally breaks off or wears away in a relatively short period of time. The fuzz of
long-wearing, staple nylon fiber persists longer. Lint from foreign sources or from the
weaker fibers in the carpet get tangled and cling to the strong, protruding fibers and
form piles. Persistent vacuum cleaning can either prevent this condition or keep it to a
minimum. The remaining piles can be removed without harm to the carpet by clipping
or by brushing. Continuous filament nylon does not shed, fuzz, or pile.
Mildew and Dry Rot

Mildew is an ever-present, spore-forming fungus that appears on the back or face of
carpet of various colors, but most commonly black. Its growth is promoted by a warm,
moist, and confined atmosphere. If not brought under control, it can result in
permanent damage referred to as dry rot. Mildew can be discouraged by providing
adequate ventilation and reducing humidity.
Crushing and Depressions

Pile crushing will occur to some degree and is unavoidable. Regular vacuuming will
minimize crushing. The feet of furniture will compress and cause depressions in the
carpet. Badly crushed areas and depressions can be corrected by steaming. Cover
the area with a damp cloth and hold a hot iron over it without pressing down. Brush
up the pile and repeat if crushing is excessive.
Spouting
After the carpet has been laid, you may notice a tuft protruding above the surface.
This is more common in Wilton fabrics. During weaving, one end of the yarn may have
been pinched between the shots and then worked loose. Do not pull; instead, clip the
section of yarn that rises above the surface.
Shrinkage
The yarns used in constructing the carpet back have the inherent characteristic of
shrinking when subjected to wetting. Rugs and carpets are not guaranteed against
shrinkage. Carpets properly cleaned "on location" should not shrink to any appreciable
31
degree. Shrinkage is caused by saturating the back of the carpet with an excess of
liquid. In "plant cleaning," carpets usually shrink if not held to their original
dimensions during drying. Some professional carpet cleaners control shrinkage
through the use of stretcher bars and a tack strip, plus some labor, and consequently
involve extra costs. Shrinkage is used advantageously by the carpet installers who
frequently pre-wet the back of a carpet when making a wall to wall installation. When
carpet dries, it contracts and tightens the installation. The force generated by the
carpet when shrinking should not pull up the tackles stripping providing it is fastened
securely.
Shading ("Water Marking")

After installation, some carpets appear to change color in certain areas. These areas
are generally irregular in shape and have a blotchy appearance looking very much as
though it was caused by spilled water. When viewed from the opposite direction, the
same area appears lighter. This is not a defect, but rather an inherent characteristic of
cut pile fabrics. Shading is caused by the difference in light reflection between the
side and the cut ends of the tuft; the side ends are lighter in the shade than the cut ends . This
contrast makes it necessary to impart a definite lay (direction) to the pile. Lay is
imparted to the pile by making use of the piles attribute to take a set when steamed
or brushed. If the pile lay is disturbed, shading results. This can occur in traffic areas
and at traffic pivot points where the tufts are pushed in random directions. It can also
be caused by irregularities in the underlay or floor surfaces. Sometimes the shading
can be corrected by continually sweeping in one direction while it is wet. Success in
correcting shading depends upon the severity of the crush and the effort put into
changing the pile direction.
Rust
Rust stains in carpet are usually caused by ferrous metal furniture coming into contact
with wet carpet. The best cure in this case is prevention. Always remove metal
furniture until the carpet is thoroughly dry. Rubber, plastic, aluminum, or other nonferrous material used as spacers under furniture will also help prevent rust-staining.
When stains must be removed, a thorough vacuuming followed by a mild hydrofluoric
or phosphoric acid solution and a neutral detergent should produce complete removal
of the stain. If possible, test the cleaning process before using in a visible area.
3.5 Vacuuming Carpet

Vacuuming carpet is the cleaning of the surfaces of the carpet and down into the fiber
by using a machine that creates a powerful suction to draw up dirt, dust, and debris.
Some vacuum machines also have a built-in brush to help loosen the dirt from the
carpet and lift the pile fibers.
Vacuuming not only improves the appearance of an area, but preserves carpet
appearance and life by removing the dirt and grit that tear up fiber and fabric.
32
Regular vacuuming reduces the frequency of shampooing. Surface dirt is easier to

remove than dirt that has worked down into carpet.
Spot Vacuuming
Vacuum only the areas that are subjected to heavy traffic or where there may be
visible dirt or debris.

1.
2.
3.
4.
Vacuum
Carpet cleaning attachments
Wool duster or lobby broom
Scissors
Preparation
1. Check filter bag.
Technique
1. Carefully take tools to work area.
2. Use the wool duster for tight corners and baseboards, or use the lobby broom to
brush the dirt out far enough for the vacuum to reach.
3. Inspect the carpet for loose strings or strands of fiber. Carefully trim these off
with scissors to prevent further damage.
4. Plug in machine. Check to be sure the cord is not creating a safety hazard in a n
aisle or walkway.
5. FOR UPRIGHT MACHINE: start to vacuum the area farthest from exit door. FOR
TANK-TYPE MACHINE: set the tank in a central location in the room.
6. Work with push-pull strokes. Use an arm's length stroke and move backwards so
that the carpet pile is set on the pull stroke.
7. Use two strokes for each pass; overlap them to prevent missing spots.
8. Move light furniture or obstructions out of the way as you vacuum around them.
9. Replace furniture for an orderly appearance.
10.Take tools back to storage.
11.Empty vacuum bag or tank as frequently as needed; remember that an empty
bag or tank will help create better suction and make your work that much
quicker and easier.
12.Clean machine and attachments.
13.Store.
Safety Precautions
1. Be constantly aware of where cord and hose are to prevent tripping accidents.
2. Never move furniture into a walking area, passageway, or entrance.
3. Move the machine carefully. Do not bump or mar baseboards or furniture.
33
4. Never leave a vacuum machine unattended unless it is unplugged with the cord
properly coiled and secured on the machine.
3.6 Spot Clean Carpet

1. Spot cleaning carpet is the cleaning of soiled surfaces of the carpet and down
into the fiber.
2. Spot cleaning improves the appearance of an area and preserves carpet
appearance and life by removing stains that will set and may spread.

1. Paper or cloth towels
2. Spray bottle
3. Waste container
Preparation
1. Fill spray bottle with cold water or mild detergent solution.
Technique
1. Wet area where spot is located.
2. Blot stain with paper towel. Stain should transfer from carpet to towel. Do not
rub.
3. Repeat process until spot is removed.
4. Collect equipment and return it to storage areas.
5. Clean equipment.
INSTANT EXPERT TIP
In some cases, a stronger carpet spot-removing solution is
needed. Follow manufacturer's instructions when using.
Test the solution on an extra piece of carpet or an out-ofsight area first. An easy blotting method is to step on the
3.7 Bonnet Buff Carpet

Bonnet Buffing is the use of a rotary machine with a cloth pad or bonnet.
This combination of the rotary action with the cleaning bonnet and cleaning solutions
allow for rapid removal of spots, stains, and soil. The speed of the bonnet generates
friction and heat, creating a lifting force that draws soils from the carpet fibers into the
34
bonnet. Bonnet Buffing should not be used to replace extraction methods.

however, an excellent, efficient, and effective process for cleaning traffic areas.
It is,

1. Rotary machine
2. Clean bonnet pads
3. Pad holder
4. Cleaning and rinsing solutions
5. 2 Mop buckets
6. 2 Wringers
7. Heavy duty extension cord (if needed)
8. Spray bottle, trigger type
10.Neutralizer
11.Warning/safety signs
Preparation
1. Mix pre-spotter solution in spray bottle, or in a larger container if more will be
needed.
2. Mix cleaning solution in one bucket assembly.
Follow manufacturer's
instructions.
3. Put neutralizer in rinse water of second bucket assembly.
4. Put wringers on buckets.
5. Prepare the rotary machine. Mount a pad holder, e.g., Velcro fasteners that
attach to the undersides of the plates. Check the cord for cuts or damage.
6. Get several clean cloth bonnets.
Technique
1. Take equipment and materials to assigned area.
2. Spray area to be cleaned with cleaning solution. Allow this solution to work for
5-10 minutes.
3. Put cloth bonnet into the cleansing solution and wring it out.
4. Put wet bonnet under the rotary plate and pad holder.
5. Turn machine on and buff the area previously sprayed with the cleaning
solution.
6. Stop the machine when the bonnet appears soiled. Remove the bonnet and
place it in the bucket of rinse water, then wring the bonnet out.
7. Return bonnet to bucket of cleaning solution, then wring bonnet out.
8. Place bonnet on the underside of rotary machine.
9. Continue this process until carpet fibers are clean.
Helpful Hints
1. Prepare your pre-spotter solution first. Spray the area to be cleaned. While
that is working, prepare your other equipment and solutions.
35
2. Always work ahead with your pre-spotter solution so it can work while you are
bonnet buffing another section.
Safety Precautions
1. Be careful not to spray cleaning or spotter solution on walls, furniture, or
baseboards.
2. Always use warning signs, e.g., "Wet Floor", "Electrical Cords."
3. Never leave a machine unattended. Watch electrical cords.
4. When mixing your solutions, always add the chemical to the water.
3.8 Extract Carpet

Extraction employs the use of an extraction machine. The unit should be made up of
two tanks. One, the Solution Tank, is for the fill water and emulsifier, and the other is
the Recovery Tank, where soiled solution is returned. A hand-held power head with a
hose connected between it and the machine is used to spray cleaning solution into the
carpet fibers and, in turn, vacuums and returns the now-soiled solution to the
Recovery Tank.
Extraction cleaning is the best carpet cleaning process available. Extraction will
remove accumulated soils, residues, oils, and powders that may have crystallized.
This process will also remove the resins from soil retardants and anti-statics, as well as
brighteners that have been previously used.

1. Warning signs
2. Extraction machine with power head
3. Extension cord (if needed)
5. Pre-spotter solution
6. White towel
7. Floor blowers
8. Bucket (optional)
9. Rotary floor machine (optional)
10.Bonnet pads (optional)
Preparation
1. Remove furniture where necessary.
2. Inspect the carpet for problems such as ink, lipstick, paint, etc. These are dyes
and should be worked on prior to cleaning. Use a dry-cleaning agent and a
towel to blot the area being spot cleaned.
36
3. Test the cleaning solution to be used on a small, unnoticeable area. This is

important, as the cleaning agent could cause color bleeding, color loss, or color
change. Apply the cleaner, wait several minutes, and check with a white towel.
If color is noticed in the towel, check for use with an acid based cleaner, as
acids are normally used to set dyes.
4. Prepare the cleaning solution and spray the area to be cleaned. This will aid in
loosening the soil.
5. Mix neutralized solution in a pail or bucket and pour into Solution Tank on
extracting machine. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Technique
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take extractor machine and other materials to assigned area.

Plug machine's electrical cord into outlet.
Place warning/safety signs in the area.
If machine has a thermostat, set to manufacturer's recommendations.
Start extracting in an area that will allow you to work towards the exit without
having to walk or move extractor unit over areas already cleaned.
6. Move the power head at a rate that will allow the spraying and suction actions
to perform at their best.
7. Move the power head with smooth, even strokes, overlapping each pass.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
8. Set up floor blowers to speed up drying time.
9. Continue this process until area assigned is clean.
10.Replace furniture when carpet has completely dried.
Instant Expert Tips

1. Always test cleaning solution on a small area of the carpet before extraction.
This important step may save thousands of dollars of carpeting.
2. For faster drying time, always use floor blowers and, if necessary, use a rotary
machine with a dry cloth bonnet under it. The bonnet will act as a wick, pulling
additional moisture from the carpet fibers and advancing the drying time. A
bucket assembly with a wringer may be needed to wring the bonnet pad out
occasionally.
Safety precautions
1. Always exercise caution when mixing chemical solutions. Follow manufacturer's
instructions carefully.
2. Never leave machine unattended. Watch power cords.
Floor Care Terrazzo & Finished Aggregate

37
This category includes several types of high-gloss finish materials that are maintained
with applied finishes.
The most common example of finished aggregate floor covering is terrazzo. It is long
wearing, durable, glossy, and relatively easy to maintain.
Some Less-Common Aggregate Floors are:

Oxychloride, Magnasite, and Granolith.
These coverings utilize different binders, fillers ,and curing agents; they are, however,
generally maintained and installed the same as a resilient floor. It is always advisable
to obtain care and finishing information from the manufacturer or installer.
Terrazzo is basically a mixture of approximately 30% cement and 70% marble chips.
Epoxy and plastic base materials are sometimes used in conductive and special use
floors.
Care
1. The care of terrazzo is determined by its age, use, and condition.
2. When maintaining new installations it is best to secure specific and complete
maintenance instructions in writing from your flooring contractor or
manufacturer.
3. Although terrazzo and other poured floors are long wearing, relatively easy to
maintain, and often installed in beautiful colors and designs, they are seeing
less use as inexpensively installed and manufactured floors are developed and
marketed.
New Installations (Cement Matrix)

1. New installations should be scrubbed and rendered perfectly clean prior to the
application of penetrating sealer. Apply one or two coats of contractorrecommended sealer.
2. For the first two to three months, damp mop daily and wet scrub at least three
times weekly to bring out the natural luster and aid in the proper curing of your
terrazzo floor.
Routine Care
1. For normal care of terrazzo floors that have been properly maintained, sealed,
and are over three months in age, provide the following care: damp mop using
a neutral synthetic detergent and remove spots and stains immediately. Marble
requires little protection from wear or moisture.
2. If the matrix is of a cement base, it is porous and requires protection from
absorption and wear. Apply penetrating sealer as needed.
Follow
manufacturer's directions closely.
38
Old or Abused Floors (Cement Matrix)

1. The extent of specialized maintenance required will depend on the condition of
the floor. If it has become pitted and uneven or has developed a dull crust-like
surface (sometimes called metal plate or alkali ice), regrinding by a flooring
contractor may be required.
2. If this is impossible, some improvement may be seen by complete stripping and
the application of a surface-type coating.
3. Floors that have dulled over the years but are not pitted should be stripped
several times in succession and rinsed at least three times. Allow at least 24
hours drying time before application of several coats of penetrating sealer.
4. Floors that have had heavy surface-coating applied such as shellac, lacquer, or
epoxy will require special chemical strippers. These products usually contain
strong acids or alkalies which can, in a short time, prove extremely damaging to
a poured cement matrix floor.
5. The use of these products is to be avoided whenever possible; if they must be used,
however, directions should be followed closely and numerous, thorough flood
rinsing and wet vacuuming should be provided. As an added measure, test the
damp floor in several places with litmus or pH paper for evidence of chemical
film or residue.
Precautions
1. Cleaning chemicals containing caustic alkali, acid, metallic salts, or other strong
ingredients should never be used in the maintenance of terrazzo and other
finished aggregate floors.
2. Note: The use of chemicals containing water-soluble inorganic, metallic, or
crystallizing salts will cause dusting, efflorescence, and pitting of the surface.
3. Do not use coarse or abrasive materials for scrubbing or maintenance, as they
will permanently scratch and dull the surface.
4. Do not use oily mop treatments of sweeping compounds. Due to the porous
nature of most matrix materials, adequate protection from spills, stains, and
soils should be provided by the use of a penetrating sealer.
4.2 Dust Mop Floor

Dust mopping is floor dusting. It is used to clean dust, light soil, and light litter from
smooth-finished floor surfaces. It will not remove heavy soil, spills, or stains. Dust
mopping is done to improve the appearance of floors, to prepare floors for deeper
cleaning procedures, and to lengthen the time between more extensive cleaning
procedures. Dust mopping does a better job than push broom sweeping, which
scatters dirt. It is best done after furniture dusting, which may cause dirt and dust to
settle on the floor. Removing the dust and grit also preserves the floor.
39
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Untreated dust mop: Small mop for congested areas, large mop for open areas
Putty knife
Lobby broom
Dust pan
Waste container
Technique
1. Move furniture only if necessary.
2. Use lobby broom for hard to get places, like corners.
3. Brush dust and litter into open area where the mop will pick it up. Flute the mop
before you start.
4. Shake gently so all strands are spread.
5. Rest the handle of the dust mop in your right palm, thumb on top, placing your
left hand an easy distance below your right, with the fingers gently closed to
steady and guide the mop. (Switch hands for lefties).
6. Start floor dusting at the far end of the room and work toward the door, dusting
with an "S" motion.
7. Hold the mop at an angle and move forward with a swinging stroke, back and
forth, covering about an eight' path. At the end of each stroke, change the mop
heads direction by twisting the handle to keep the same edge in front. Always
move toward the leading edge.
8. Avoid lifting the mop and never tap or shake the mop on the floor to free excess
dirt. That will scatter more dirt.
9. Start at the walls and move litter and dirt into the aisles of the return path.
Overlap strokes to prevent dust lines and missed areas.
10.Check floor for gum or other sticking matter and use putty knife to remove.
11.Mop under furniture using a circular stroke to keep the same edge of the mop
head forward.
12.Use a one handled mopping motion in obstructed areas, such as knee-openings
under desks (always move chairs to clean these areas). Be sure to mop close
to the legs of equipment.
13.Make small piles of dust in the return path. Large piles spill out over the sides of
the mop in the return sweep.
14.Sweep up dust pile with lobby broom and dust pan. Carefully empty the dust
pan into waste container to prevent scattering.
15.Clean dust mop by pulling dust and dirt into waste container with gloved hand.
Do not shake.
16.Return any moved furniture.
17.Return tools to storage area ready for use.
18.Replace mop head every other day, or as needed.
Safety Precautions
1. Keep the dust pan and all equipment out of traffic areas where people might
trip on them.
4.3 Damp Mop Floor
40

to remove dirt that dust mopping cannot handle and wet mopping does not require.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bucket
Mop wringer
Cotton or rayon mop
Putty knife
Dust mop
Lobby broom & dust pan
Wet floor signs
Preparation
1. Mix rinse-free solution in bucket. This is a specific type of cleaner.
Technique
operation is not necessary because only a mild rinse-free cleaning solution or
pattern. EXCEPT each time the mop is processed, it is wrung out until just
DAMP, not fully wet.
4. Be careful not to over-wet the floor.
Safety Precautions
1. Damp floors can be slippery. If large areas are being done where any people
may be walking, use wet floor signs.
Floor Care Masonry

41
The masonry floor category includes a variety of types of low gloss materials. They
generally are very durable and require little or no applied finish. These materials
include clay tiles, stone, slate, brick, marble, travertine, and unsealed concrete.
5.2 Clay Tiles and Brick

A clay type product is kiln-baked to the hardness of stone. It is often used in areas
which are subjected to excess moisture or areas that demand ease in maintenance.
Common examples of clay floor coverings are:
Ceramic Tile
Glazed or unglazed tile, generally small in size, often arranged in mosaic patterns. For
floors or walls.
Paver Tile
Unglazed tile similar to ceramic, but larger in size. Particularly suitable for heavy-duty
floors.
Quarry Tile
Unglazed tile with a vitreous or semi-vitreous surface, such that tile can absorb 3% or
less of its weight in moisture. Used often for heavy-duty floors.
Faience Tile
Specially crafted tile which is irregular in surface, color, and texture. Often used in
walls and other vertical installations.
Conductive Tile
A special category in which the tile contains ingredients conductive to electricity,
sufficient to drain static charges from the surface and dissipate into sub-floor. For
operating rooms and other locations where an accidental spark could cause an
explosion.
Care
Provide regular daily maintenance. Use synthetic detergents that are neutral on the
pH scale. Check with manufacturer with regards to the use of penetrating sealers or
finish. Use synthetic pads or nylon grit brushes for complete scrubbing or stripping.
Precautions
42
1. Allow newly laid and grouted tile to dry for approximately ten days prior to use
or cleaning. Do not use coarse abrasives, as they will scratch the tile surface.
Do not use seals or finish on conductive tile. Consult tile manufacturer.
2. Do not use strong alkaline chemicals, as they tend to build up and crystallize.
Repeated use forces the grout and tile to separate.
3. Do not use soaps, as they leave a dull film on the surfaces.
4. If strong chemicals must be used for difficult cleaning, remove immediately
after use and neutralize.
5. Follow with several clear water rinses.
Efflorescence
This is a phenomenon that can plague any unsealed tile installation. Water soaks
through grout or porous tile into the mortar, dissolves soluble salts in the mortar, then
rises again to the surface and evaporates, leaving the soluble salts deposited on the
surface.
A penetrating sealer effectively holds water and other liquids above the surface to
prevent both efflorescence and discoloring stains. Hairline cracks should be patched
in, as they are the common source of water into a mortar bed.
5.3 Stone, Marble, and Travertine

A hard, durable, and long-wearing floor covering that, under normal conditions,
requires little maintenance other than regular daily care.
Care
1. Provide regular sweeping and washing.
2. Use of a special stone- or terrazzo-type penetrating seal and finish is desired by
some; however, you should check with your manufacturer or installer.
Precautions
1. Use NO harsh alkaline or acid chemicals. Use neutral synthetic detergents for
daily maintenance.
2. Avoid abrasives, except in spot or stain removal. Do not use oil-treated
sweeping compounds or treated dust mops.
3. Strip and seal with a penetrating sealer to prevent blooming or dusting if
recommended by the installer or manufacturer.
5.4 Damp Mop Floor

43
to remove dirt that dust mopping cannot handle and wet mopping does not require.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bucket
Mop wringer
Cotton or rayon mop
Putty knife
Dust mop
Lobby broom & dust pan
Wet floor warnings
Preparation
1. Mix rinse-free solution. This is a specific type of cleaner.
Technique
3. Be careful not to over-wet the floor.
Safety Precautions
1. Damp floors can be slippery. If large areas are being done where people may
be walking, use wet floor signs.
5.5 Sweep Floor

Sweeping is the removal of large and heavy dirt and waste from rough floor surfaces
using a broom. It is used to clean light soil and light litter from floor surfaces.

1.
2.
3.
4.
Push broom (of suitable size: 14", 18", 24")

Lobby broom
Dust pan
Putty knife
44
5. Waste container
6. Sweeping compound or oil absorber, if applicable
Technique
1. Take tools and equipment to work area.
2. Begin at the far end of the room and work toward door.
3. Face sideways (across direction of sweeping stroke) and sweep with a right to
left motion. Keep feet parallel to the broom, about a foot apart, with right
slightly ahead of the left. Start to sweep ahead of feet and push a comfortable
distance.
4. Keep right hand low so that the broom rests flat on the floor.
5. Use your right hand to push and let the handle slide through the left. Shift your
weight as you push.
6. Work with even strokes and a steady rhythm.
7. Change hand holds and face the opposite side to prevent tiring.
8. In crowded areas use the longest pull strokes possible.
9. Work with corner of broom at baseboards and corners.
10.Use putty knife to loosen adhesive waste. Do not scratch floor.
11.Use lobby broom in tight spots to brush dirt into open area.
12.Sweep waste into small piles to be picked up with lobby broom and pan.
13.Empty waste carefully into container to prevent scattering.
14.Comb out any dirt or lint that clings to the broom.
15.If necessary, wash broom with warm water and liquid cleaner.
16.Return tools to storage.
17.Reverse the handle each week for even bristle wear.
Safety Precautions
1. Carry the broom with the handle up and down (vertical) to avoid hitting walls or
equipment.
2. Use care to prevent broken handles.
5.6 Floor Drain Care

Floor drain care keeps floor drain traps functioning properly by pouring solution down
drain into trap. Pouring solution into drain traps will prevent sewer gas from escaping
into a room.

1. Container (bucket or pail)
2. At least 1/2 gallon of water or water-based solution.
Technique
45
1. Pour solution down all drains.

2. Clean and store equipment.
Floor Care Stairs

6.1 Sweep Steps
Sweeping steps removes large and heavy dirt and waste from rough floor surfaces
using a lobby broom. It is used to keep stairways safe and free of clutter.

1.
2.
3.
4.
Dust pan
Putty knife
Waste container
Lobby broom
Technique
1. Start at top step of floor and work downward, sweeping each step and the
landing.
2. Use putty knife to scrape up adhesives. Be careful not to scratch floor.
3. Pick up gathered trash with lobby broom and pan. Empty into waste container.
4. Return and clean equipment.
Safety Precautions
1. When sweeping stairs remember that you can fall if due care is not taken. Pay
attention and stay alert.
6.2 Damp Mop Steps

to remove dirt that dust mopping cannot handle and wet mopping does not require .

1. Bucket
46
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mop wringer
Cotton or rayon mop
Putty knife
Wet floor signs
Preparation
1. Mix rinse-free solution in bucket. This is a specific type of cleaner.
2. Damp mopping stairs should be done after sweeping or dust mopping.
Technique
clear water is used. Use the same floor preparation, stroke and cleaning
4. Start at the top step of the floor and working downward, damp mopping each
step and landing (if applicable).
Safety Precautions
1. Damp floors can be slippery. If large areas are being done where people may
be walking, use wet floor signs.
NOTICE
Avoid mopping a floor while there is foot traffic if you are able
to do so. Wet floor signs will not relieve you of liability if
someone falls and is injured. You will lose that case in any
court.
47

Franchise Owner's Guide To Floor Care

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FRANCHISE OWNERS

GUIDE TO FLOOR CARE

The Principal Reasons for Floor Cleaning are:

Floor Care Safety

Floor Cleaning is a Key in Controlling Many Slip and Fall

Slip and Fall Accidents

Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents

2. Contamination control, which involves preventing contamination, choosing the

1.1 Management Systems

any of these factors change, training should be reviewed. Employees should be

1.2 Contamination Control

Choosing the Right Cleaning Method

Wet /Dry Vacuum

Dry Vacuum (Includes Uprights Canisters and Back Packs)

Where the Current Cleaning Methods Result in a Smooth

1.3 Hazard Removal

Cables and Leads

Floor Care Resilient

Vinyl Tile Floor Make-Up (VCT)

Conditions and Materials to Avoid

Rubber Floor Tile Make-Up

Conditions and Materials to Avoid

Linoleum Floor Make-Up

Conditions and Materials to Avoid

2.2 Common Resilient Floor Finish Problems

2.3 Dust Mop Floor

Equipment and Materials

2.4 Damp Mop Floor

Equipment and Materials

Take all equipment and supplies to area.

2.5 Spot Mop Traffic Area

Equipment and Materials

2.6 Wet Mop Floor

2.7 Spray Buff Floor

Equipment and Materials

9. Wet floor signs

Check cord and cord cap for cracks.

Use wet floor signs.

2.8 Strip Floor Finish

Definition and Purpose

Equipment and Materials

Remove all furniture if possible.

2.9 Finish Application Procedures

4. Wet floor signs

2.10 Scrub and Recoat

Equipment and Materials

4. Rinse mop spreader in clear water and wring out thoroughly.

Use warning signs.

2.11 Refinish Four-Coats (Deep Strip)

Equipment and Materials

16.Wet floor signs

Applying Finish with Wet Mop

2.12 Apply Floor Finish

This application, commonly known as "waxing," is the applying and polishing of a

Equipment and Materials

10.Return furniture and wipe any splatters from furniture, baseboards, or

Use warning signs.

2.13 Machine Scrub Rotary Machine

Equipment and Materials

Dust mop as required.

Use caution when handling solutions and machines.

Floor Care Carpet

Burns with melting