What Does Commercial Floor Cleaning Involve?

From school floor cleaning to factory floor cleaning, cleaning commercial kitchen floors, and more - these different environments all share the common theme of needing routine TLC. 

While it can take time and resources away from other pressing activities, this isn’t something you can afford to overlook. It impacts more than just the appearance of your facility but also its safety, hygiene, and longevity.

So what does commercial floor cleaning involve, and what’s the best way to go about it? It takes a deep understanding of the surface in question, as learning how to clean concrete floors is much different than cleaning commercial tile floors. 

From there it’s a combination of dust and debris removal, deep cleaning, polishing, restoring, sanitizing, and more. It requires a few different types of floor cleaning machines. While there are many moving pieces, it’s well worth the time and effort.

You can make fast work of even the most expansive commercial floor layouts with the right equipment - be it a commercial floor sweeper machine or commercial floor scrubber machine. So, take the next step at SweepScrub - or learn more about cleaning commercial floors below.

What Does Commercial Floor Cleaning Involve?

Let’s not waste any time - what does commercial floor cleaning involve? It all starts with an understanding of the flooring you’re trying to clean.

Understanding Commercial Flooring Types

Like we said from the start, different types of flooring have different cleaning requirements. This is because some surfaces are more sensitive to chemicals or abrasion than others. How aggressive or gentle you can be in cleaning commercial floors is dictated by the material itself:

• Concrete: Durable but prone to stains and cracks if not cleaned regularly. Requires powerful scrubbers and sealants.
• Tile: Common in offices and bathrooms. Need specialized brushes to clean grout and maintain shine.
• Hardwood: Found in upscale spaces and requires gentler cleaners to avoid scratches while preserving its finish.
• Carpets: Used in offices or hotel lobbies. Daily vacuuming and routine deep extraction cleaning for embedded dirt are necessary.
• Rugs: Similar to carpets but often more delicate, requiring softer equipment like carpet extractors.
• Epoxy Floors: Seen in warehouses and garages. Resists stains but needs regular scrubbing to prevent grime build-up.
• Rubber or Sports Flooring: Gyms and recreational areas demand disinfectants and non-abrasive tools to clean sweat and debris.

Effective commercial floor cleaning involves a thorough understanding of the surface you’re cleaning and its characteristics. But what does commercial floor cleaning involve from a procedural perspective?

Key Steps in Commercial Floor Cleaning

Just as you need to account for nuances in flooring, you need to understand that different types of facilities face different messes. 

For example, manufacturing facilities may encounter nothing more than dust and debris, whereas food processing plants or restaurants deal with grease and oil. At any rate, these are the most common steps involved in cleaning commercial floors:

• Debris Removal: Clear loose dirt and dust using sweepers for hard floors or vacuums for carpets. This prevents scratches and improves cleaning efficiency as you move into the next phase.
• Deep Cleaning: Use scrubbers for hard floors to remove embedded grime and sticky residues. Carpets can be cleaned with extractors that remove allergens and debris from fibers.
• Sanitizing and Disinfecting: Eliminate bacteria and germs with steam cleaners or disinfectants paired with scrubbers. This is especially important in healthcare or food service areas.
• Polishing and Restoring: Buffers remove scuffs and imperfections, while burnishers create a glossy finish for high-traffic or upscale areas.
• Drying and Finishing: Use scrubbers with built-in squeegees or air movers to dry floors quickly, reducing slip hazards.
• Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect brushes, pads, and filters to maintain equipment efficiency. Replace worn parts promptly to avoid breakdowns.

There’s a lot that goes into commercial floor cleaning, but the extent to which you’ll need to focus on each aspect will depend on your unique circumstances. It’s worth it, though…

The Benefits of Commercial Floor Cleaning

We know there are probably plenty of other things you could worry about rather than cleaning commercial floors, but this is not something you should take lightly.

After all, first impressions matter in commercial spaces - whether it’s a school, healthcare facility, retail storefront, warehouse, or anything in between. Clean floors convey professionalism and earn the trust of potential customers or patrons.

But the safety side of things is even more pressing. Dirt, spills, and debris increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Failing to invest in commercial floor cleaning can leave you exposed to lawsuits. 

It’s especially important in healthcare and hospitality settings, as commercial floor cleaning eliminates harmful bacteria, allergens, and pathogens that accumulate on floors. 

If for no other reason than to protect your investment as a property owner, you need to make time for regular cleaning. Abrasive dirt and grime can damage surfaces over time, whether it's tile, wood, or carpet. 

The good news is that cleaning commercial floors doesn’t have to be a massive time suck or a logistical headache. That being said, let’s get into the three different ways you can go about cleaning commercial floors.

Three Approaches to Commercial Floor Cleaning: Outsourcing, Renting, or Buying Equipment

The ideal approach to cleaning commercial floors isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some prefer to completely outsource the task altogether and leave it to the professionals so they can focus on what they do best.

Others prefer to control the process and save money in the long run by handling it themselves. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option below.

Outsourcing to Professional Floor Cleaners

Hiring professional cleaning services is a convenient option for businesses that need pristine floors but don’t have the time or bandwidth to deal with this chore. 

The benefits of this approach are obvious. Not only can you and your team remain focused on core business activities, but you also get the assurance that comes with hiring an expert. No need to store or maintain cleaning equipment, either. 

However, outsourcing can quickly become costly over time, especially if regular cleanings are required. You’ll also likely deal with scheduling conflicts and headaches. 

When emergencies pop up and you need a quick clean, you’ll be on your own - or you’ll have to pay a serious premium. Speaking of professional cleaning, though, we have tips on how to start a commercial cleaning business and how to grow your janitorial business in our blog.

Renting Equipment to Clean Commercial Flooring

The middle ground option between buying your own commercial floor cleaning equipment and outsourcing is renting floor scrubbers and other essentials. It makes sense for those with irregular cleaning needs since you can keep costs low.

Rental companies often provide a variety of tools, from sweepers to scrubbers, so you get access to everything you need to get the job done right. Yet, you don’t have to worry about storing or maintaining the equipment. 

But for operations that need cleaning monthly or even more frequently, renting the equipment becomes costly as well. You’d be far better off just investing in your own equipment. You will also deal with scheduling hassles here as well.

Investing in Your Own Equipment and Supplies

Businesses with frequent cleaning needs are far better suited to buying their own equipment and keeping the commercial floor cleaning process in-house. There are a number of reasons why. 

First and foremost, this is the most cost-effective of all three options. Sure, it’s a lot upfront - but the investment can hold you over decades in some cases. 

The control you get when owning the means of operation is another great reason to invest in your own cleaning arsenal. You aren’t tied to anyone else’s schedule. When messes strike, you can get to work right away. You get to maintain strict quality standards, too.

They say if you want a job done right, you need to do it yourself. This couldn’t be more true when it comes to commercial floor cleaning. So, take the first step at SweepScrub today!

Make the Most of Commercial Floor Cleaning With SweepScrub!

SweepScrub is proud to present the best selection of commercial floor cleaning equipment and supplies in North America. 

Whether you’re looking for a commercial walk behind floor scrubber or commercial walk behind floor sweeper, an industrial ride on floor scrubber or industrial ride on floor sweeper, or even a floor sweeper scrubber machine, we’ve got you covered.

When you shop with us you gain access to the industry’s most trusted manufacturers including Tennant, Advance, Clarke, Viper, and many more. Choose from refurbished or new machines based on your budget, and take advantage of our hassle-free financing options.

You can also source the other essentials you need to round out your commercial floor cleaning regimen here - be it a heavy-duty commercial vacuum cleaner or a carpet extractor, floor burnisher machine, detergents, and everything in between. 

You don’t need to stress about how to choose a floor scrubber or sweeper, either. Our world-class customer service team is on standby to answer any questions you may have and guide you in the right direction. 

Whether you need a tennis court cleaning machine or a gym floor scrubber, trust SweepScrub to set you up for success. Shop now or get in touch today to get started with commercial floor cleaning!

Tips on Getting Started With Commercial Floor Cleaning

Whether you’re cleaning warehouse floors or school hallways, we’ll provide you with a few parting tips on getting started with commercial floor cleaning so you can hit the ground running.

Assess Your Cleaning Needs

What type of flooring do you have - hardwood, tile, carpet, or a mix? Consider the size of the area, the volume of foot traffic, and the kinds of messes you typically encounter. From there you can choose the right equipment, detergents, and approach.

Choose the Right Equipment for the Job

Speaking of which, think carefully about what makes the most sense for your flooring material, layout, and scale. A ride-on sweeper is excellent for large warehouse spaces, while a walk-behind scrubber might be more suited for retail environments with tight corridors. 

Be sure to match the brushes, pads, or detergents for your flooring type to avoid damage and maximize results. The last thing you want is to work harder than necessary, or worse, damage the flooring in question.

Train Your Team

Even the best equipment won’t deliver results without proper understanding of how to use a commercial floor scrubber. Provide training for your staff on safe and effective use of the machines, including machine settings, maintenance routines, and troubleshooting.

Establish a Routine Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is key to keeping floors in top condition. Set a regular cleaning schedule based on the level of use and the type of environment. High-traffic areas like lobbies and hallways may need daily attention, while less frequented spaces can be cleaned less more periodically.

Prioritize Safety

Always follow safety protocols during cleaning. Put out wet floor signs (this also protects you from liabilities), and make sure your team wears the right personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling cleaning chemicals. Safety should never be compromised for efficiency.

Start Small and Scale Gradually

Trying to source 3-4 different machines at once can be overwhelming, both logistically and financially. Instead, focus just on the most essential components - like a sweeper, scrubber, or sweeper scrubber. 

You can expand your arsenal over time to stay within budget and avoid overcomplicating things from the get-go. 

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

These are gentler on floors, safer for staff and occupants, and better for our planet as a whole. Opt for these whenever you can. Many manufacturers now offer green-certified options that don’t compromise cleaning power, either!

Partner With a Reliable Supplier

We can’t stress this enough - where you source your equipment and supplies can make or break your entire commercial floor cleaning regimen. 

You need access to reliable, long-lasting equipment and safe detergents. Make sure you’re looking into reviews from past customers to gauge the level of service you’ll get. Think about access to spare parts, brushes, and pads as well.

The good news? Whether you need the best industrial floor sweeper or the best commercial floor scrubber, we’ve got you covered here at SweepScrub. So, get started today as we wrap things up below. 

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Cleaning Commercial Floors

So, what does commercial floor cleaning involve? Hopefully this detailed guide has left you with  a clear understanding of all that goes into this process - and why it’s not something you can afford to overlook.

Whether you choose to outsource the responsibility altogether, rent equipment periodically, or handle it in-house to save money and maintain control over things, all that matters is you’re giving your flooring the care it deserves.

Our blog has additional tips on floor sweeper repair, floor scrubber vs buffer, how to clean a floor scrubber, water damage restoration cost, floor scrubber brushes vs pads, how to start a water restoration business, and more. But at this point, there’s only one thing left to do.

Get in touch with our team here at SweepScrub to discuss your cleaning needs. We’ll help you weigh your options and figure out the best next steps for upgrading your commercial floor cleaning regimen. 

Don’t wait for spotless floors - make them a reality today with our tried-and-true machines and supplies at SweepScrub!