Keeping Your Commercial Space Sanitized After COVID-19

A new level of anxiety over health and safety have gripped our personal and professional lives in the wake of 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our construction and renovation clients are understandably concerned over how they can responsibly disinfect and maintain the various surfaces found throughout their businesses. 

All of us at CIC are committed to the health and wellness of not only our staff, but our construction clients, and ultimately, their customers. We endeavor to continuously aide our partners long after the job is done, which is why we’re sharing tips for cleaning and sanitizing some of the most popular flooring options found throughout Miami’s commercial and public spaces.

The first, and perhaps most important step in protecting against the spread of germs, is establishing a regular cleaning regimen.

Floating and Glue-Down LVT Maintenance and Sanitization Tips From Construction Experts

LVT is an affordable, aesthetically-pleasing, and fairly low-maintenance flooring option. These aspects have no doubt contributed greatly to its popularity. However, there are several things to keep in mind when maintaining LVT throughout the life of the floor, beginning right from installation:

• First, make sure to remove all loose dust, dirt, grit, and other debris by sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming.
• If any dried adhesive residue is still present, apply mineral spirits by way of a clean white cloth.
• Next, damp mop the floor with a pH-neutral solution.
• If using a rotary machine, avoid brown or black pads, as these will possibly damage the floor. Instead, stick to the equivalent of a 3M red pad.
• Thoroughly rinse the floor with fresh water and allow to dry completely. 
• Remove any hazy residue from the cleaning solution with a wet-dry vacuum or auto scrubber, and repeat the rinsing process as necessary.

 Laminate Maintenance and Sanitization Tips From Construction Experts

Similarly, laminate flooring is near-maintenance free, however, some attention is still necessary—particularly when it comes to mitigating the spread of dangerous pathogens:

• Regularly sweep the floor with a dust mop, microfiber cloth, or soft-bristle broom. IMPORTANT: Do NOT use a power rotary brush, as this will cause damage.
• If the laminate is damp, lightly apply plain water or an appropriate cleaning product to a dry, soft cloth. IMPORTANT: Do NOT apply water or any cleaning product directly to the floor, and immediately wipe the surface dry until no moisture is visible. 
• Never use soap, detergents, wax, polish, varnish or any one-step clean-and-shine products. Additionally, steam cleaners should be avoided, as they force moisture into the flooring.
• Only utilize the proper cleaning solutions. If you have questions, please call us, and we will advise as to the best product for your particular floor.

When it comes to COVID-19 specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers detailed guidelines for business owners concerned with keeping their high-traffic surfaces sanitized and safe. 

Specific guidelines can be found for schools, daycare centers, offices, and other non-medical public spaces. Below are some of the CDC’s recommendations for porous and non-porous surfaces:

Porous Surface Sanitization Tips (Carpet and Soft Flooring):

Porous surfaces can easily belie time between cleaning by showing contamination like dust and dirt. Rugs, carpets, and drapes should be regularly cleaned with the appropriate cleaners. If you are unsure as to the correct solution, please contact the construction experts at CIC. 

Any items that can be laundered should be cleaned with the warmest appropriate water setting per manufacturer recommendations. If your item cannot be laundered, refer to the cleaning products approved by the EPA here.

Non-Porous Surface Sanitization Tips:

Always wear disposable gloves when cleaning and sanitizing hard surfaces, and encourage your cleaning staff to wash their hands often—including immediately after removing their gloves. 

Before disinfecting, be sure to clean the surface using a detergent or soap with water. When selecting the appropriate product, refer to the list of products approved by the EPA here, or contact CIC for suggestions.

Finally, before using any cleaning solution on any type of surface, consult and closely follow any manufacturer instructions. It’s always a good idea to test the disinfectant in an inconspicuous area, just in case.

We are all in this fight together as business owners, construction clients, customers, and citizens of the world. If you have specific questions about how keeping your flooring and other finishes sanitized can protect your business and customers, contact us today.