Did you know that 80% of dirt is brought into a building within the first 10 steps? Floor matting works as a debris “sponge” and even the best sponge will only hold so much!
Typically, vacuuming and seasonal extraction is enough to maintain a matting system’s effectiveness but once a mat becomes saturated it is no longer able to trap debris. The frequency of maintenance depends on the volume of traffic and type of dirt entering a facility. Your building’s cleaning program should be adjusted with every season, as different cleaning challenges present themselves against the elements and traffic flow.
For example, traffic from street entrances will have higher levels of dirt and moisture than traffic from parking garages. Additionally, a small 24-hour entrance could see more traffic than a larger 8-hour entrance.
Regular care is essential to the effectiveness of your matting program. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your matting clean year-round:
How to Clean Floor Matting
Routine Cleaning
- Equipment – use a dual motor upright vacuum with a beater-bar or brushes with high suction.
- Method – slow deliberate vacuum passes are more effective. A minimum of four passes, forward and back, are recommended for effective soil removal.
Spots and Stains
- The best time to identify stains is during regular vacuuming.
- Remove spills and stains immediately.
- Solid substances should be removed first.
- Liquid spots can be dabbed with white blotting paper; repeat the dabbing until blotting paper no longer moistens.
- If spot is still visible, use a carpet spot remover (use as little as possible) and dab spot simultaneously with wet cloth or sponge.
- Never use commercial stain removers which could penetrate through the backing and damage the flooring surface below.
- Do not walk on the wet spot.
- For more difficult stains, contact your sales representative.
Deep Cleaning
- Equipment – Hot water extraction is the most effective method of removing deep soil. Units with heavy water pressure (psi) and strong suction (water lift) are recommended for best results. Water temperature should not exceed 71° C (160° F).
- Method – When extracting, do not ‘over wet’ the carpet. Extract as much water as possible with dry passes following the final wet pass. Avoid cleaning chemicals which leave residues. Note: Remaining residue can attract soil and create the need for more frequent cleaning.
Monitoring Your Matting
Make sure your mats are in tip top shape with regular monitoring, which should include walk-through inspections. For optimum appearance and protection of your matting, it may be necessary to adjust the frequencies of vacuuming, spot cleaning and extraction. During this inspection look for signs that matting is in good shape for the winter, as there is little safety or soil trapping benefit to using matting that needs replacement.
Quick Mat Replacement
Edgewood’s Quick Ship portfolio is a collection of Edgewood’s quality mats. When you need it fast, Edgewood offers a variety of matting options with a fast turn around on key products. Ideal for just-in-time supply, matting will be ready to ship quickly so that you can get the matting solution you need, whenever you need it.
The weather outside may be frightful, but with the right matting care program you can keep your floors clean and protected. Talk to our Cleaning & Hygiene experts today about a site survey or professional product recommendations for your facility.
*Please contact us if you require a more accessible version of this document and we would be happy to provide it.
