How to Clean Non-Slip Flooring
Non-slip flooring, like Altro, reduces the risk and dangers of slips and falls as the slip-resistant grains throughout offer excellent traction even when wet.
Nursing homes, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, sports centres, pools and spas are just a selection of facilities that often use non-slip flooring. Due to their watertight, impervious and seamless surface they are perfect for areas that demand hygienic finishes.
Why is non-slip flooring so difficult to clean?
Non-slip flooring increases the safety of any room. Commonly it is placed in high traffic areas and where there is a likelihood of a build-up of water. This combination of high footfall and moisture means it quickly builds up with dirt and grime, even more so when used in wet rooms and locker areas.
If you were to look at non-slip flooring under a microscope it would look like a mountain range, full of lumps, bumps and dips. This variety of 3D textures is how the floor offers such good under foot grip but is also why dirt seems determined to stay on the floor when simply mopping the area. You'll often notice that no matter how much you mop, you'll still see discolouration and dark areas where all the tiny pores have filled with compacted grime.
If you clean non-slip flooring regularly but still find it discoloured, stained and grubby then read on, as we'll show you how to get the best results from your cleaning. The texture of these floors may make it seem hard to clean, but the build-up can be removed if you take the right approach.
How to clean non-slip flooring
There are a few common mistakes when it comes to taking good care of your non-slip flooring, such as using cheap generic solutions or bleach. Most “one solution fits all floor types” treatment products are too mild to cut through layers of grease and grime. Also, some blogs recommend laundry detergent or dishwashing soap but it is best to avoid these also as over time they build up a residue that combines with the grease to create a slippery coating on your flooring, which is the exact thing you’re trying to avoid!
By far the best way to clean this type of flooring is to use a scrubber drier machine for a regular deep clean followed by maintenance mopping. Scrubber drier machines work by picking up the water they’ve already put down thereby lifting the dirty water out of the microscopic crevices. If you rely on just mopping when deep cleaning you're most likely only going to be spreading around dirt.
Once the floor is clean, maintain it by mopping the area thoroughly with a biological cleaning solution. Maintaining daily or weekly using a biological cleaner will help prevent build up and keep flooring slip free and looking great. A product such as Pro 44 Biological Multi-Purpose Cleaner doesn’t contain harsh fumes or chemicals meaning it is safe to use in confined spaces such as toilets and washrooms. Once applied to a surface, the active biological ingredients get straight to work to break-down and remove grime, even in the deepest, microscopic pores of a surface. This way of cleaning also provides the added benefit of residual cleaning, so once applied to a surface, it will remain active, removing contaminates as they appear to make on-going cleaning quicker and easier.
Choosing the right mop is also important when mopping textured floors. Sponge mops will likely disintegrate on the coarse floor. Using a rag mop (or similar) that is soaked while using will help to keep the mop from sticking. Mop lightly over the area and scrub stubborn areas with a sponge or scrubbing brush by hand. Once complete, dry the area with a towel to keep the dirt in the water from resettling into the grooves of the floor.
If you are looking for a scrubber drier to clean non-slip flooring then we recommend checking out the innovative new i-mop. The i-mop is a powerful cordless scrubber dryer with the complete flexibility and control of a flat mop. Perfect for use in tight spaces as well as large areas. For more information, search 'i-mop scrubber dryer'.