As a Canadian, you understand winter's unique challenges to your floors. The cold temperatures, snow, and salt can wreak havoc on different types of flooring. Choosing the right floor care chemicals is essential to combat these issues effectively - but do you need specific floor care chemicals in the winter? The short answer is yes, but what should you look for and how best to use them? This guide will walk you through the recommended winter floor care chemicals, including environmentally responsible options for facility managers and households.
Understanding Winter Challenges for Floors:
The harsh Canadian winter poses specific challenges for your floors. The cold temperatures can lead to issues like warping and cracking for hardwood floors, while moisture and freezing temperatures can affect the grout of tile floors. Carpets are prone to snow and moisture absorption - leading to mould and mildew!
Slip and fall accidents are preventable and need to be top of mind. The most significant causal factor is the elements being tracked in. To reduce the hazards and keep your floors looking their best, our Swish Floor Care Experts recommend using:
- Specially formulated ice melters that reduce tracking in
- Effective and adequate matting coverage
- Traction enhancement restorers
- Neutral floor cleaner remove film from salt and ice melters
- Quality equipment with regular maintenance, preventing any unnecessary downtime
General Recommendations For Winter Floor Care
We always recommend that you consider the specific surface materials and choose appropriate solutions, following the manufacturer’s directions. If in any doubt, always consult an expert.
Here are some general guidance for winter cleaning:
Reduce Damaging Debris From Entering In the First Place
- Opt for specially formulated ice melts that limit particles that make their way in and are safer for the environment, like Swish Clean & Green® Ice Melter.
- Install and maintain 3-step entrance matting to trap snow, salt, and moisture, minimize the risk of abrasive particles reaching the floors and help maintain a cleaner indoor environment.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. Early detection allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term damage.
- Increase the frequency of sweeping or vacuuming during winter to remove debris and prevent scratches. Use soft-bristle brooms or vacuum attachments suitable for different flooring types.
Opt Winter-Specific Solutions For Better Traction & Neutralize pH:
- Utilize winter-specific cleaners designed for each flooring type. These cleaners, such as Enviro-Solutions® Haze Away and Swish Clean & Green® Winter Wash Neutral Floor Cleaner, are formulated to address winter-related challenges without compromising floor integrity.
- Emphasize slip resistance with cleaners like Swish® Winterinse™ Winter Floor Cleaner or Swish Clean & Green® High Traction Gloss Restorer.
Take Proactive Measures Against Moisture and Cold:
- Act swiftly to clean up spills to prevent moisture penetration. Use a slightly damp cloth for hardwood floors and appropriate cleaning agents for tiles. Avoid excessive water to mitigate the risk of damage.
- Schedule periodic deep cleaning, focusing on high-traffic areas where winter grime accumulates, removing deep-seated dirt and rejuvenating materials.
Leverage Well-Maintained Equipment
- Well-maintained floor scrubbers enhance the effectiveness of winter floor care chemicals by ensuring uniform application, optimal solution distribution, and maximized contact time.
Efficient Carpet & Matting Care:
- Increase the frequency of vacuuming to remove snow and moisture. Act promptly to remove stains caused by winter elements using suitable cleaning agents. Ensure proper extraction, ventilation and drying. Kärcher Puzzi 10/1 Carpet Extractor is an effective mobile carpet extractor for small surface areas, while the Kärcher AB 84 Air Blower quickly dries carpet, hard floors, upholstery, textiles and drapery.
- Use rugs or mats to protect against thermal shock to tiled flooring caused by sudden temperature changes.
Limitations of ‘Non-Winter’ Cleaning Chemicals
Using cleaning chemicals not explicitly formulated for winter can have several limitations, especially when addressing the unique challenges of cold weather conditions.
Here are some potential limitations:
Ineffectiveness Against Salt Residue:
Winter-specific cleaning agents often have formulations tailored to effectively break down and remove salt residues. Using general-purpose cleaners may be less efficient in tackling the specific composition of salt deposits left by de-icing agents.
Lack of Slip Resistance:
Winter-specific cleaners, like Enviro-Solutions® Haze Away, often emphasize slip resistance, addressing the increased risk of slips and falls during winter. General-purpose cleaners may not offer the same level of slip resistance, potentially compromising safety in high-traffic areas.
Inadequate Protection Against Moisture Penetration:
Winter increases exposure to moisture, which can be detrimental to certain flooring materials. Cleaning agents not formulated for winter may not protect against moisture penetration, leading to potential issues like warping, cracking, or mould growth.
Limited Efficiency in Cold Temperatures:
Some cleaning chemicals may lose efficacy in colder temperatures. Many winter-specific cleaners are designed to remain effective even in low temperatures, ensuring they can tackle winter grime and stains effectively.
Potential Residue Buildup:
Using cleaners not formulated for winter may result in residue buildup on floors. Residues can affect the appearance of floors, making them look dull or cloudy. Winter-specific cleaners are designed to leave minimal residue, ensuring a clean and clear finish.
Environmental Considerations:
Winter-specific cleaners often adhere to environmental standards, such as being biodegradable or EcoLogo-certified. Using cleaners without these considerations may contribute to environmental concerns, especially where water runoff can occur.
Mismatched pH Levels:
Winter-specific cleaners are often formulated with specific pH levels suitable for winter care. Using general-purpose cleaners with different pH levels may not provide optimal results and could potentially harm certain flooring materials.
Essential Winter-Proofing Chemicals:
Enviro-Solutions® Haze Away: UL Approved for Slip Resistance
- UL-approved for slip resistance.
- Suitable for hard floors, entrance matting, and carpets.
- A comprehensive solution to winter wear challenges.
Swish Clean & Green® Winter Wash Neutral Floor Cleaner: Concentrated and Biodegradable
- Concentrated for better value.
- Biodegradable and EcoLogo-certified.
- Versatile cleaner for carpet extraction and hard floor cleaning.
Swish® Winterinse™ Winter Floor Cleaner: A Proven High-Performing Restoration
- Effective in restoring beauty to floors.
- Breaks down the bond between the surface and salt to remove film and neutralize alkaline
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, winter-proofing your floors is crucial for both facility managers and households in Canada. Choosing the right winter floor care chemicals and implementing proactive maintenance tips can protect your floors from harsh winter conditions, ensuring they remain beautiful and durable throughout the season.
Contact us today to learn how to get started, reduce premature floor damage and reduce the risk of slip and fall hazards from harsh winter conditions.
