Right now, many buildings across the country are shut to the public. However, it’s only a matter of time before these facilities reopen again and in doing so, are likely to be busier than ever before. For facility managers and local authorities, this inevitable scenario will undoubtedly induce some anxiety. Part of this concern may involve the thought that cleaning and sanitising floor coverings is laborious and difficult. Here, Garry Bateman, head of technical sales at Forbo Flooring Systems explains why this isn’t the case.
We all know why buildings are shut in the UK right now. Alongside everything else, this difficult period has created a greater concern about how clean certain surfaces, including floor coverings really are, especially in public buildings. Of course, if inadequately managed, floor coverings can become unclean environments where bacteria and viruses can thrive. However, with a few simple steps facility managers and local authorities are able to ensure that this isn’t the case and deliver high-performing, safe indoor environments.
For the most part, resilient and textile floor coverings in public buildings can be cleaned without the need for specialist equipment and expensive cleaning chemicals. Instead, those managing such facilities are best served simply following the cleaning chemicals recommended by the manufacturer of their specific floor covering solution. The generic standard type of detergent recommended within the flooring industry for both resilient and textile floorings is a pH neutral (7-8 pH) based cleaning agent. This strength of product will not be detrimental to the factory surface coatings of resilient floor coverings or adversely affect the integrity of the textile product fibres. In some cases, the same cleaning solution can be used on both resilient and textile floor coverings, further simplifying the cleaning regime of the entire building.
Following these simple steps will help facility managers and local authorities to avoid incurring unnecessary damage to their floors, whilst ensuring a clean and safe environment.
As a leading manufacturer of both resilient and textile floor coverings, Forbo understands the importance of keeping all floor coverings clean. To aide facility managers in the cleaning of their floor coverings, a full collection of step by step, easy to follow cleaning and maintenance instructions for all of Forbo’s floor coverings are freely available to download at www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/downloads.
There are other solutions for those still concerned about the issue. In light of recent developments, some facility managers and local authorities are looking to upgrade existing floor coverings with products that are naturally easier to clean and more hygienic. In fact, during the last few years the rise of solutions, such as Forbo’s Flotex flocked flooring has been one of the defining trends within the sector. As we look to deal with the ever-changing landscape, such hybrid solutions are now more popular than ever.
Forbo’s Flotex flocked flooring offers a significant upgrade on floor covering solutions of the past. With over 70 million fibres per square metre, the innovative textile flooring allows for cleaning of its upright fibres and impermeable PVC backing, right down to the base. Similarly, tough stains and dirt can be removed with standard carpet cleaning processes. Additionally, it has zero phthalates and is the only textile to hold the prestigious Allergy UK Seal of Approval™.
As the nation emerges from this difficult moment, those involved with facilities management can be assured that with the right approach, the task remains relatively simple and need not be expensive. For those who do feel truly challenged about the state of their current floorings, it’s often best to consider a flooring update. In that scenario, working with a flooring expert, such as Forbo is the best solution.
For more information about Forbo’s full cleaning and maintenance advice across it’s portfolio, please visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/cleaningandmaintenance or for more information on Forbo’s Flotex flocked floor coverings, please visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flotex
