Keeping your Nashville business’s floors at their best during the fall and winter months can be a challenge. This is when increased moisture and debris tracked in by customers can risk damage and even create safety issues. By implementing preventive measures now, you can avoid costly repairs and mishaps later.
Here are some fall flooring maintenance tips to help prevent damage from the mud, salt, rain, and grit that come with Middle Tennessee’s colder, wetter weather.
Clean Your Floors More Frequently
Shiny, well-kept commercial flooring creates a professional first impression for clients and customers while upholding important health and safety protocols for everyone, and protecting your investment as well.
Here are some quick cleaning tips you can implement now:
- Sweep and vacuum daily. Fall means more dirt and grit being tracked inside. Daily cleaning prevents particles from scratching or dulling your surfaces, whether you have commercial hardwood flooring or commercial laminate flooring.
- Mop more often. For hard floors such as vinyl, laminate, and wood, increase your mopping schedule during wet weather. Focus on entryways and high-traffic areas to remove residue before it can cause damage.
- Address spills immediately. Ensure spills are cleaned up as soon as they happen. Quick attention prevents stains, warping, and moisture seepage, which is especially important for wood and laminate surfaces.
Preventive Care – Easy Maintenance Strategies
Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your flooring in top shape through Nashville’s fall season.
Consider placing rugs and mats at all main entrances to catch debris before it spreads. Be sure to vacuum or wash them regularly to keep them effective. In long corridors or retail aisles, you can use runners with rug pads or rug grippers to protect against scuffing and scratching while preventing tripping hazards.
For businesses such as restaurants, hotels, or medical offices that experience a lot of wet weather traffic, set up waterproof mats and trays for umbrellas. This helps contain moisture before it can pool on your floors.
Finally, if you have vinyl flooring installation or vinyl composite tile (VCT), consider applying a protective finish before winter to add an extra barrier against dirt and salt residue. This coating helps extend the life of your floor and keeps it looking clean and polished.
Correct Care for Different Surfaces
Different flooring requires specific types of care to ensure long-term performance.
For hardwood floors, use a microfiber dust mop or a microfiber mop with a wood-safe cleaner. Avoid excess water or steam mops, as they can cause warping. If you notice scratches or dull areas, treat them with a touch-up kit or contact a professional retouching service.
If you have laminate flooring, use a microfiber mop or a vacuum with a hard-floor attachment. You can also use a slightly damp microfiber mop with a commercial cleaner made for this type of surface. Apply the solution to the mop pad, not directly to the floor, and buff dry afterward to prevent streaking. Never use a steam mop on laminate flooring. The high heat and moisture can cause the laminate’s layers to warp, swell, or bubble, resulting in permanent damage.
Clean vinyl flooring with a soft-bristle broom, a vacuum with a hard floor setting, or a damp mop with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, ammonia, and steel wool, which can damage the protective coating.
The Experts at Ozburn-Hessey Are Here to Help
When it comes to commercial flooring companies, Ozburn-Hessey provides the quality craftsmanship and superior services you need and deserve. With decades of experience serving Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region, we understand what works best in our climate and for your business.
Our team installs and maintains every type of flooring, including commercial hardwood flooring, commercial laminate flooring, carpet, cork, rubber, and more. We’ve handled flooring projects for all kinds of companies, corporate offices, and public spaces like churches, music halls, and science facilities, meeting every organization’s unique performance demands and exceeding expectations.
Replacing or maintaining flooring does not need to feel overwhelming. At Ozburn-Hessey, we make the process smooth and stress-free. No matter your choice, our team ensures your floors are as durable as they are beautiful.
Protect your floors this fall and for seasons to come. Contact Ozburn-Hessey today to schedule your fall flooring consultation.