Schools see a lot of foot traffic throughout the year, which can negatively impact the look of floors if they are not properly maintained. Although foot traffic significantly subsides in the summer, students, teachers, key personnel and even community members may be utilizing various school spaces for summer courses, planning meetings, sports team practices, club gatherings and community events.
To keep flooring assets protected year round, it's important for custodians and facility managers to consider the following best practices:
Hone the look of hallways, building entrance areas and classrooms. One of the first things people notice upon entering a school is the floors. Whether constructed from vinyl composition tile (VCT), terrazzo or even concrete, floors in areas like atriums, hallways and classrooms will see a lot of wear and tear over time. Consider a professional strength, low-odor stripper that can quickly penetrate built-up layers of finish and sealers. Then, apply a floor finish that features high gloss and durability. When school is in session, a specially formulated floor cleaner can help remove soils and oils without dulling the appearance of the floors.
Get a system in place for gym floors. From athletic games to assemblies to concerts to classes, gymnasiums host a variety of events throughout the week. Thus, finding ways to extend the lifespan of wood floors is key. Invest in time-saving and appearance-enhancing solutions such as water-based finishes, daily cleaners, cleaning pads and abrasion tools. With a smart system approach and regular care, wood floors will be ready for the influx of students once the summer ends.
Deep clean and spot treat carpets. The Carpet and Rug Institute notes that properly maintained carpet can last up to 10 years or longer. Summer months are an ideal time to remove the deep soils from carpets that can impact their appearance. Look for an extraction cleaner that is formulated without optical brighteners to keep carpet color intact. The cleaner should also protect carpets from future soils. Additionally, purchase a spot cleaner that can lift tough stains without leaving a residue behind.
School may be out for the summer, but that doesn't mean floor care deserves a vacation. To help schools better manage their floor care needs, Diversey developed the EduCare line of floor care products. These solutions are specifically designed for use in high-traffic education facilities. To protect wood floors in schools, Diversey also recently launched a wood care program in partnership with Bona US, the world leader in hardwood floor care and maintenance since 1919. Combined, these solutions can help keep floor assets looking their best and reduce the need for costly floor repairs and replacement. Plus, time-saving solutions support busy custodial teams and reduce downtime, allowing schools to keep the facility open to guests throughout summer months.