As most in-house cleaning professionals know, floor stripping and refinishing is one of the most time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially dangerous of all cleaning tasks. Not only is the work difficult, it can also be environmentally unhealthy.
While manufacturers have made giant strides in floorcare technology and developing environmentally preferable floorcare products, including strippers, glosses, and finishes, the unfortunate reality is many of these products do not always work as well on all types of floors. Some trial and error may be needed and in some cases, a conventional and less environmentally preferable cleaning product may need to be used.
With all this said, there are some bright spots on the horizon when it comes to floorcare technology that should make the process safer, easier, and definitely greener. We are seeing machines now that use water, energy, and cleaning solutions far more efficiently than equipment introduced just a few years ago. Expect these and others to be on display at this year’s ISSA tradeshow. This equipment also produces less waste, which helps reduce floorcare’s impact on the environment.
Along with this, many manufacturers have streamlined their manufacturing processes. This has also helped them reduce waste and energy, enhancing sustainability. While consumers may not see these streamlined methods, they are a reflection of how our industry is getting more environmentally responsible, not only when performing cleaning but when manufacturing cleaning tools and equipment.
Some other innovations floorcare technology that are in the floorcare equipment pipeline or have already been introduced and are proving their value include the following:
• Square and rectangular floor machines frequently use less water and chemical than conventional machines, and cleaning professionals often say they are easier to use than traditional round floor machines. One of their biggest benefits of these machines is the fact that they can clean right up to corners and walls. This eliminates the need to manually clean these areas.
• Related to this, more manufacturers are now making cylindrical brush floor machines. These also tend to use less water and chemical, and the machines are easy to use. Because they have brushes and not pads, these machines have the ability to reach deeper into grout and pores in the floor to remove soil.
• Expect equipment to become easier to repair and more service-friendly so that users can perform many repairs. Some manufacturers have already introduced equipment that allows some components to be removed, shipped to a manufacturer or distributor for repair, and then re-installed by the operator. This can help reduce downtime.
• Some experts in the industry suggest we will soon be able to locate and connect with floorcare equipment using a smartphone wherever it is in the facility.
• In-house cleaning professionals can expect to see more robotic floorcare equipment on the horizon. It may take a little while, but the technology is advancing so that these machines likely will be serious contenders when it comes to selecting floorcare equipment.
Floors Are Changing Too
We cannot examine the future of floorcare technology without covering changes in the hard-surface-floor-covering industry. More vinyl-type floors are being introduced; however, these floors do not look similar to most vinyl tile floors you have likely seen before. Instead, they mimic closely marble floors, granite and stone floors, and all types of wood floors.
These are LVT floors.
Luxury vinyl tile floors were first introduced for the residential market about 10 years ago. However, in the past few years, they have made a big dent in the commercial floor market. LVT floors are produced using computer technologies. In a nutshell, the computer is fed an image of a marble floor, for instance, and then replicates that on vinyl. While this type of replicating has been tried before, it has never been as accurate as it is with LVT.
In-house cleaning professionals should know that LVT floors also have different floorcare requirements, and for the most part, that is good news. While they can be finished, most LVT floors do not need to be stripped or refinished. The shine is often built in. They likely will need effective mopping or—better yet—cleaning using a gentle auto scrubber. For the most part, LVT floors are tough and durable. The cleaning professional’s job will essentially be to keep them clean.
Finding Out About New Floorcare Technology
I am always happy when I see in-house cleaning professionals attending tradeshows, such as the ISSA show this year in Las Vegas. Very often, just the managers of facilities attend these shows but having the people who will actually be using these machines is crucial. In-house cleaners are then able to actually touch and use the equipment, giving it a test-drive right there on the convention floor.
But conventions are usually just once per year. I always suggest that in-house cleaning pros subscribe to a quality trade publication to get information about and see images of new equipment.
Along with reading trade publications, in-house cleaning professionals should use the Web on a regular basis. If considering a new floor machine with advanced floorcare technology, the purchaser can complete research online and narrow the focus to two or three machines that will best do the job. While I do not necessarily suggest purchasing a machine online without a test-drive, going online allows the customer to perform considerable due diligence before walking into the distributor’s showroom.
Segura & Associates was founded by Ron Segura, who now serves as president of the company. Ron has more than 45 years of experience in all segments of professional cleaning and building operations with 10 of those years spent as manager of janitorial/document services for Walt Disney Pictures and Television. Segura & Associates works with clients, helping them operate their facilities in a healthier, more sustainable, and more efficient manner. Ron Segura can be reached via his website at https://www.seguraassociates.com.
