How to Extend the Life of Floor Finish
As a building service contractor, you may be expected to work miracles when it comes to floor care. A vinyl tile floor that is soiled, scuffed, and has years of wax build-up can be difficult to manage. And when the customer is on a tight budget, you need to be able to be able to minimize costs while increasing productivity so you can give the customer what they need and still make a profit. When asked to strip and wax a floor, it's your chance to start with a clean slate.
When working under a tight budget, the first step is to choose a floor finish that is durable and can stand up to foot traffic and daily wear and tear. Don't skimp on floor finish by buying the "cheap stuff" from the local big box store. Find a good quality finish from your local janitorial supplier that is durable, and that resists wear and scuff marks. You'll find that quality finishes may cost a bit more, but have a much longer life and will need fewer buffings and burnishings to keep it looking good.
Next, it's necessary to create a routine floor maintenance program of buffing, burnishing, and scrubbing and recoating. You'll need to base your program on your client's desired level of appearance and budget. To preserve the finish and shine, monthly buffing or burnishing is preferred. Your floor maintenance program should also include an interim scrubbing and recoating when the floors are showing wear and can't be brought back with buffing or burnishing. Typically, if the floor is to be stripped and waxed yearly, then you'll do an interim scrubbing and recoating after 6 months.
Finally, it's important to create a daily floor maintenance program using a neutral pH floor cleaner. This is the key to keeping floors looking good between buffing and burnishing services. Ultimately, this program will help to make the floor finish last longer, saving the customer money.
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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at //www.thejanitorialstore.com.
