Page 2 - 2017-11-CFR Volume 110 - Routine Maintenance for Commercial Flooring - November 2017

Dry Soil Removal: Hard Surface Flooring

Dust mopping removes any dry, particulate soils and can be the
backbone of a routine hard surface maintenance program. It is the
first line of defense on the intrusion of dust, debris and abrasive soils
that can damage flooring and floor finish surfaces. When using a The experts at LGM
dust mop, push the mop over the flooring, never lifting the mop from specialize in consultation, correction
the flooring surface. On turns of the mop, overlap the turn area to and resolution for flooring complaints,
ensure the soils stay in front of the mop as it is pushed across the claims, installation and performance
floor and no soils leak out the sides of the dust mop. issues.
No issue is too big, too small or too far
away for us to handle.
When finishing the dust mopping procedure, place the mop, end first All ads are interactive. Just click on
into a trash can with a liner and carefully brush the accumulated soil the ad to enter their website.
into the trash receptacle. A hand held vacuum cleaner can be used
in place of the brush and trash can method. In no circumstances
should the mop be shaken, either indoors or outdoors. This just
places the soil back on the areas just cleaned up. Any soil accumu-
lation in the stopping point should be swept up or vacuumed from
the floor.

Broom sweeping is better for smaller areas or areas that are uneven
or grouted. Dust mopping is not the most effective method for grout-
ed flooring, including ceramic tile or natural stone tile. Make sure the
bristling on the broom is compatible with the type and smoothness,
or lack thereof, of the flooring surface. A smooth surface will require
a fine sweeping broom, whereas a rough textured surface will re-
quire a more coarse bristling, or a combination of fine and rough
bristling. Soils collected during the process should be picked up with
a dustpan or lobby pan. Vacuuming the soil collection area will give
the best results.

Vacuuming is the most effective way to remove dry, particulate soils,
although not the most efficient from a productivity point of view. A
suction only vacuum machine is probably the most useful as a vacu-
um with a beater brush or bar could cause scratching of the floor,
depending on type. Make sure the floor tool is free from burrs or cuts
that could also scratch softer flooring types. A good filtration system
should be employed to minimize any residual accumulation of col-
lected soils and dust. Use good evaluation processes in making the
proper determination of the correct dry soil removal technique for
each floor encountered.

Page Layout By: Anita S. Drennon
2 Commercial Flooring Report November 2017