Four Floor Cleaning Trends to Explore

According to a 2017 article, commercial cleaning is a $78 billion industry, and experts say that it is growing by around 6.6 percent every year. To hone their competitive edge and be seen as an industry expert, professionals must stay on top of the latest technology and trends. To keep your business running well in the coming year, be on the lookout for these practices and technologies:

1. Adding an Interim Cleaning Process for Soft Floors

Traditionally, the process for carpet cleaning has included daily vacuuming paired with deep extraction cleaning when the surface visibly showed dirt, or on a planned schedule, such as quarterly cleaning. However, many experts have discovered that interim cleaning can help make carpets look better longer and extend their life. 

Fast-drying interim cleaning products, paired with spot cleaners, can allow you to gently and quickly clean areas far more frequently. This means that dirt and grime does not stay in the carpet, which decreases the chance of permanent staining. Quick drying times mean that interim cleaning is far more convenient than older processes as well. With some of the newer products on the market, drying times are as little as 30 minutes.

2. New Types of Flooring Decreasing Use of Coatings and Chemicals

New flooring types coming on to the market, such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), generally need fewer coatings and less burnishing to maintain their quality. However, these types of floors also have more of a matte finish. Talk to your customers about what these flooring types mean in everyday use. Business owners and facility managers will have to decide if the trade-off of matte floors versus labor savings is worth it. In many people's minds, a shiny floor is a clean floor. A duller finish may inadvertently communicate a lower level of cleanliness. Because of this, it may not be the right choice for all facilities. 

3. Better, Faster Options for Cleaning Floors

The typical floor finish removal process uses excessive amounts of water and chemicals. It also requires the machine operator to wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and special floor stripping shoes to ensure their safety during operation.

Orbital technologies let you strip floors using only an orbital scrubbing pad and water, essentially sanding down floor finish. As a result, the cleaning chemicals and the excess water needed to remove them are eliminated from the process. Additionally, you can save the time your employees spent suiting up and eliminate several items from your cleaning supply inventory. Adopting orbital technology can save costs on caustic chemicals, protective gear and water while also reducing the risk of injury to employees. 

4. Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Vacuum Cleaners

Cords are one of the most frequently replaced items on a standard vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cords also require the user to unplug and replug the unit while working, consuming large amounts of time. Finally, every stretched out cord in a working area is a potential trip and fall hazard.

Battery vacuums cut the cord completely out of the equation. These lightweight vacuums are also extremely comfortable for users to operate, reducing fatigue and the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Between all of these factors, this is one piece of equipment that provides a great ROI immediately.

Embracing these cleaning trends can help make your operation smoother, safer and more cost efficient. Over time, these efficiencies mean an edge over the competition and greater success throughout the year.