With its affordability, sturdiness and sleek design options, concrete has become a popular flooring material inside commercial and high security facilities. While one major advantage of having concrete floors is their ease of maintenance, there are common misconceptions on the proper restoration and maintenance of these floors.

A recent article on CleanLink shares an excellent list of common misconceptions provided by the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Such misconceptions include:

Misconception 1 – Chemicals aren’t required when cleaning concrete floors. Dirt and debris that make any floor dirty can also be found on concrete. Safe cleaning chemicals are used to break these substances down so they can be removed.

Misconception 2 – All concrete walking surfaces are the same. There are two major kinds of concrete walking surfaces: coated surfaces and polished surfaces. Depending on the material of the coating and the mechanical procedure of the polishing, surfaces may be more or less durable or prone to wear and tear. It is vital to consider the kind of surface you have before deciding on a concrete floor maintenance program.

Misconception 3 – The cleaning staff knows how to clean concrete floors. Many cleaning companies may seem like they know the proper materials and processes for concrete floor maintenance, but few have the extensive experience or training. It is imperative that you select a company that can provide the proper care of your concrete floors and have the credentials to back up their claims.

Many manufacturers recommend IICRC certified firms to care for their warrantied products. The IICRC certification cannot be purchased-it is earned through study, experience and the successful completion of formal, written examinations, and maintained by completing continuing education credits.

Misconception 4 – Concrete lasts just as long if it isn’t maintained. Concrete, just like any other surface, requires proper maintenance to maximize its longevity. The quality of the coating along with how the floor is maintained will help determine the longevity of your concrete floors. For surfaces that are mechanically polished the restorative methods used along with the execution of those methods will define how long your concrete floors will last.

Misconception 5 – The amount of soil and the type of soil do not impact how a concrete floor is cleaned. The type and amount of soil, along with the amount of foot traffic will determine the restorative cleaning and frequency that needs to take place on your concrete floors. Concrete floors should be treated no different than any other type of hard floor surface with regards to soil levels.

To read the full CleanLink article click here.

Ultimately, proper restorative care and maintenance is vital for the health and longevity of your concrete floors. A certified and trained concrete floor technician will recommend a proper restoration and maintenance program based on the type of surface and the amount of soil and traffic levels you have.

If you have a question regarding the restoration and maintenance of your concrete floors then please contact us. We are more than happy to help you protect one of the best interior investments inside your facility.

Mister Kleen is a leading provider of contract cleaning services to Commercial and High Security facilities since 1976. Our primary service area is the DC Metro region. We also provide a variety of interior and exterior specialty services.