6 Floor Cleaning Solutions to Keep Your Floors Looking Brilliantly Shiny.

6 Floor Cleaning And Maintenance Tips

If you've ever had problems while cleaning floors (vinyl composite tile VCT) and don't know a workable solution, use these tips to help you out.  These maintenance tips are general references and additional cleaning and maintenance may be required to keep your floors looking beautiful and dirt-free.  Keep your floors cleaned,waxed and looking brilliantly shiny.

Follow this list to solve common floor cleaning problems and concerns, while cleaning and maintaining your floors. Proper steps to first strip your floors then wax them.

1. It takes several sessions to strip the floor.  First, check to see if you are properly using the correct mixture of stripper and water.  Second, the less often the floor is stripped, there are more coats of finish to remove.  If the floor has not been stripped in more than a year, there may be a lot of coats of wax, it may take a few sessions before all of it is removed.
2. After several coats of finish, there is no shine.  This probably means that you need to lay down a sealer.  our tile is old and/or porous.  Strip the coats of wax and apply two coats of a sealer.  Then, put down the necessary coats of wax.
3. It seems that the finish is worn out in a couple of days.  First, check with your supplier to see if the finish used for the particular floor is the right grade.  Second, you may just need to apply more coats because of the high traffic.  Third, this may be a signal to increase your maintenance procedures like dust mopping and making sure there are walk off mats at all the entrances.
4. A short time after the finish is put in the mop bucket, the finish seems to go bad.  This is probably a sign that the finish is being contaminated.  Try lining the mop bucket with a plastic trash can liner to keep the finish away from any dirt and chemicals that are in the bucket.
5. The floor no longer responds to buffing (burnishing).  The finish has worn down.  The floor needs to be re-coated.  Clean the floor and apply your normal coats of wax (3-5 general).
6. After buffing (burnishing), there are black specks throughout the finish.  The specks are dirt that has been buffed into the finish.  First, check to see if the buffing pad you are using is clean.  If it is not, throw it away and put on a new one.  Second, you might have forgotten to dust mop before burnishing.  Dust mopping will get rid of most of the dirt and dust that can cause a "dirty shine."

                                                       

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GLOSSARY

buffing:  the process of restoring the shine to a floor.   It is also done to remove scuff-marks.  A floor machine or high speed buffing machine along with buffing pads is generally used.
burnishing:  a synonym for buffing.  It usually is used when referring to high speed buffing (high speed burnishing).
floor machine:  a machine with a circular head and a vertical handle.  Different types of nylon pads are attached to the bottom of the head for various jobs.  They are mainly used in stripping and buffing.
homogenize:  a process which makes a liquid more uniform throughout.  The liquid is emulsified so that the different components do not separate.
plasticizer:  a factory finish on new tile that must be removed in order for the floor finish to adhere.
sealer:  an undercoating that is applied before waxing to fill in the tile's pores so the finish does not soak into the tile.
stripping:  the fist process in floor maintenance.  This is the process by which all the finish is removed from the tile using a stripping solution, mop and/or floor machine.

How Much Does it Cost for Stripping and Waxing My Commercial Floors?

In this article, you will find out prices and how much it cost for stripping and waxing, commercial floor cleaning services.  You’ll also find out details why the floor cleaning costs vary.

First, here is a strip and wax, cleaning job using Spartan Chemical Company’s products.

Here are some floor finish remover products by Spartan Chemical Company, you can also use brands by Hillyard and Johnson to name a few good choices for all of your stripping and waxing and floor maintenance needs.   

Green Solutions Floor Finish Remover

Green Solutions Floor Finish Remover is a low odor remover specifically formulated to strip Green Solutions Floor Seal & Finish. Green Solutions Floor Finish Remover is fast acting and pleasant to use. Green Solutions Floor Finish Remover is fragrance free and has low VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels. Use in facilities and confined areas with confidence. An ideal choice for healthcare facilities, retail establishments, schools, administrative type offices and public buildings. No need to schedule floor stripping during "off hours" due to extremely offensive odors.

Floor Finish Strippers and Wax Strippers

Step Down Low Odor Finish Liquidator is an effective floor finish remover designed to quickly penetrate and eliminate heavy finish build-up. The low odor formulation is ideal for use in facilities with confined areas and where strong finish remover odors are problematic. Unlike most traditional floor finish removers, Step Down produces little to no foam for easy pick up and less rinse time.

Laminate Lights EnduraSTRIP

EnduraSTRIP is a powerful water-based compound for quickly and efficiently removing traditional floor finishes. This product typically will accomplish in one application what many finish removers do in two or three, saving hours of labor.

Shineline Emulsifier Plus

High performance speed stripper. Quickly removes heavy build-ups and burnished floor finish. Enhances time and labor saving benefits. Use with ultra high speed floor care systems. May be used with hot or cool water. Mop on. Agitate. Remove remaining solution easily with a mop, wet vac or automatic scrubber. Lightly scented, Shineline Emulsifier Plus is formulated to eliminate strong solvent odors which are particularly offensive to hospital and nursing home patients and personnel. Shineline Emulsifier Plus contains a light fragrance...is pleasant to use. Biodegradable. Phosphate free.

How Much Does it Cost for Stripping and Waxing My Commercial Floors?

 I need my floors stripped and waxed. How much would it cost for these floor-cleaning services?  These questions are frequently asked.  Depending on the type of floors and conditions of your floors, prices could average between 30 and 50 cents per square feet.

Before you guess what price your stripping and waxing quote should be you should first take a look at these variables to help you determine your prices and final costs:

1) Size of the job. Usually, the bigger the cleaning job, the smaller the price per sq ft. If you need a commercial cleaning company to strip and wax the floor in the large building, you can expect lower prices per sq. ft. However if you are looking to strip and wax relatively small area, the prices are usually higher. In addition, commercial cleaning companies have minimum prices, which are in the range of $ 150 - $ 250. Therefore, even if you need to have a floor cleaned only in one small restroom, you may be charged $ 150 - $ 250 for one small cleaning job. Make sure to find out what is the minimum charge before hiring commercial cleaning company.

2) Travel distance. It is preferred to hire local companies if you want to save on stripping and waxing services. Commercial cleaning companies that are further away may count the travel time and fuel expenses into the final price.

3) Preparation time. Preparation for the job takes a lot of time and when estimating the price, commercial cleaning companies consider how much time they need in order to prepare for the job. If the floor that needs to be cleaned is on the first floor it takes less time to bring the equipment there than bringing the equipment to the 9th or 19th floor. In addition, if the cleaners have to strip and wax the hallway that has carpet on the sides, they need to tape off the carpeted area to make sure that no floor cleaning solution ends up on the carpet. This requires additional time and brings the price of floor cleaning services up.

4) Stripping and waxing or scrubbing and recoating? You may receive a lower price from a cleaning contractor, but is he actually going to strip the floor or scrub it? There is a big difference between stripping and waxing, and scrubbing and recoating. When stripping floors, you take all the wax off from the floor to the bare floor and then you have to apply 4-5 coats of wax to it. When scrubbing floors, you remove only the top 1-2 coats of wax from the floor and apply 1-2 coats of floor finish to the floor. Stripping and waxing usually takes at least twice as much time as scrubbing and recoating, so when you receive a much lower price make sure to find out if this price is for stripping and waxing your floors or just scrubbing and recoating them.

5) Moving furniture. If the commercial cleaning company has to move the furniture (tables, chairs, mats etc) before or after the job, the price is usually higher up to 20%. So in order to save money, do all the moving in house.

6) Wax buildup. When there is a lot of old wax on the floor, floor cleaners may have to strip it a few times, therefore additional floor cleaning products and labor have to be used.

7) Stripping and waxing baseboards. Do you want a cleaning company to strip and wax baseboards? If yes, you should know that it is a very time consuming job to do and it is reflected in the price, which becomes higher.

8) Edge work. The more edges in the room, the more time the cleaning company has to spend using doodlebugs and scrapers in order to remove wax edges and corners and prices go up.

9) Number of finish coats. The more coats are put on the floor, the higher the price.

10) Type of floor. Is the floor new or old? It is usually easy to strip the new floor therefore; cleaning prices are lower for stripping new floor. An older floor may have been neglected or may have a lot of wax buildup on it and stripping it will require additional time. The price for stripping an older floor may be higher.

11) Staining of the floor. If there are many stains on the floor like rust, paint or if there are a lot of deep scratches or gum additional time is needed to scrape them off with scrapers. Additional detail cleaning will bring the price up.

12) Fixtures to work around. If there are, many fixtures that are staying in the room (refrigerators, furniture, equipment) during stripping and waxing, the commercial cleaning company will have to spend additional time working around them or moving them and the price may be higher.

13) Type of products used during stripping and waxing. Some cleaning companies may charge you less for floor stripping and waxing services, but it may be only because they use cheap products. But cheap products have a lot of downsides, cheap floor finishes tend to become yellow and wear off much faster. Another company may charge you a little more, but they may be using better products that maintain the appearance of your floor and last longer. So for example, you can pay one company $ 500 for the job, but because of their cheap products, you will have to re-wax in 4 months. Another company may charge you $ 550, but because of good products, you may not have to re-wax for 6 month instead of 4. Using the second company will be more cost efficient for you in the long run. Always find out what floor finishes are used for the job. Spartan, Hillyard and Johnson floor finishes are some great choices for floor finishes, depending on your needs and preferences.

14) Location of janitor closet. During the stripping and waxing job, commercial cleaning companies need to travel from their working area to the janitor closet very often in order to get water, empty wet vacuum etc. Where is the janitor closet located? If it is far from the working area, floor cleaners will spend a lot of time just moving back and forth and the prices may be higher.

15) Number of electric outlets in the floor. If there are a lot of electric outlets in the floor, floor cleaners will need to tape them so the stripping solution/water doesn't get there. It requires additional time and brings the prices up.

16) One time cleaning or service contract. If you are using the cleaning company for just a one-time job, you may expect higher prices. However, if you have a maintenance contract (like buffing the floor once per month of scrubbing/recoating services once a quarter) with a cleaning company you can ask for a discount. In addition, you can expect a discount if you are using a company that already provides commercial cleaning services to your building (example - regular janitorial services 3/5 days per week).

Whether you are shopping around for the best floor cleaning products or planning to do the job yourself, this information should prove to be most valuable as you come closer to your floors being stripped and waxed.  Look for a quality assured company when selecting the right commercial floor cleaning company.

Happy Holidays Stay Aware, Stay Alert, Stay Safe

With the Holiday Season already upon us, AQA encourages you to enjoy this holiday season to its fullest by staying safe and secure. The holiday season is a special time of year, but it is also a time when people become overwhelmed by holiday shopping and planning, and thus more vulnerable to theft, car and home burglary, purse snatching, charity scams, and other holiday crime.

The Los Angeles Police Department Crime Prevention Section has put together a useful and comprehensive list of tips, which if followed, contribute to your safety and security during the holiday season. Please follow the advice below to ensure you and your family stay safe this holiday season!

Safe Driving Tips:

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Caution when Using Automated Teller Machines (ATM):

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Safe Shopping Tips:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Safety for Children:

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

Safety at Home:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Home Safety: Strangers at Your Door?

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Staying Safe when Hosting a Party:

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Staying Safe when Attending a Party:

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
• Know your safe limit.
• Never drink and drive.

From all of us at A Quality Assured Building Services, please stay safe during the Holiday Season!

Quality Assurance and Quality Control a must for every company needing professional cleaning services

You want to maintain a clean and safe working environment, with minimal disruption to your business environment.  Outsourcing to a specialist provides a customized solution suited to your facility and maximizes results.

We all want to work somewhere which is clean, where safety is not a concern and we are well taken care of.  Having a balance between safety, peace of mind and cleaning frequencies is important. Finding the best way to efficiently clean and with minimal damage to the environment is also critical in a workplace.

Ensuring your commercial cleaning company has a quality control process is key, in any cleaning process.  Choose a quality assured company to facilitate you with your cleaning services and building maintenance needs.

Quality Assurance / Control