Choosing the Best Commercial Floor Cleaning Services for Your Industry

Clean floors are essential for maintaining a safe, welcoming, and professional environment in commercial spaces. 

According to Worksafe BC, slips, trips, and falls account for over 20% of workplace injuries, emphasizing the importance of proper floor maintenance. 

Commercial floor cleaning services can provide that work, but what do you really need?

Professional hard floor cleaning services play a critical role in preserving the aesthetics, safety, and longevity of different flooring types. 

Since industries have unique floor care needs and flooring materials vary in their maintenance requirements, selecting the right floor cleaning services is key to keeping floors in top condition.

How to Care for Commercial Flooring?

Commercial floor cleaning involves services that go beyond routine cleaning to ensure that floors remain protected, hygienic, visually appealing, and long-lasting. 

What proper maintenance looks like for commercial floor care services includes:

• Initial Floor Waxing:
  Applying high-quality floor wax during the initial treatment creates a protective layer that enhances the floor’s appearance and guards against daily wear and tear. Essential for reducing long-term damage and simplifying routine cleaning.
• Regular Maintenance:
  Consistent sweeping, mopping, and buffing (not always necessary) help prevent dirt and grime from building up. Using appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques specific to the flooring type ensures that the surface remains clean and free of residue.
• Floor Stripping and Waxing:
  Over time, wax layers can become worn or discoloured. Periodic stripping (usually once a year for most industries) removes old wax and embedded dirt, followed by fresh waxing to restore the floor’s shine and protective coating. 
• Use of Specialized Floor Machines and Cleaning Supplies:
  Professional-grade equipment such as floor scrubbers, burnishers, and buffing machines deliver deeper, more efficient cleaning than standard tools. Using industry-recommended cleaning products ensures compatibility with specific flooring materials, preventing damage while enhancing durability.
• Suggestions for Dirt and Debris Prevention:
  Minimizing dirt and debris accumulation reduces the frequency of deep cleaning and extends the life of floor finishes. Place high-quality floor mats at entrances to capture dirt, establish a regular cleaning schedule, and encourage employees to report spills and messes promptly. Additionally, using protective pads under furniture and limiting heavy equipment movement can help prevent scratches and dents.

Maintaining clean floors can increase flooring lifespan by up to 25%.  To learn more check out our blog on how stripping and waxing saves you money!

Types of Flooring in Offices and Facilities

When selecting a commercial floor cleaning service, it’s essential to consider the type of hard flooring in your space.

Different flooring materials have unique characteristics and maintenance needs, requiring specialized cleaning techniques to preserve their appearance and longevity.

Here are some common types of hard flooring found in offices and facilities:

1. Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) – A popular choice for commercial spaces due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. VCT requires regular stripping, waxing, and buffing to maintain its shine and protect against wear.
2. Ceramic Tile – Found in restrooms, break rooms, and entryways, ceramic tile is easy to clean and highly resistant to moisture. However, grout lines can accumulate dirt and require periodic deep cleaning.
3. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – Known for its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance, LVT mimics the look of wood or stone. It needs regular sweeping and damp mopping with gentle cleaning solutions to maintain its finish.
4. Hardwood Flooring – Common in executive offices and conference rooms, hardwood floors add warmth and elegance. They require gentle cleaning products and periodic refinishing to prevent scratches and maintain their natural beauty.
5. Concrete Flooring – Found in industrial facilities and modern office spaces, concrete is durable and easy to clean. Sealed concrete requires routine sweeping and damp mopping, while polished concrete may need occasional buffing to retain its shine.
6. Linoleum Flooring – An eco-friendly option made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork, linoleum is resilient and long-lasting. It requires regular sweeping and damp mopping with pH-neutral cleaners to maintain its appearance, and occasional polishing helps restore its natural sheen.
7. Laminate Flooring – Designed to replicate wood or stone, laminate is scratch-resistant but sensitive to moisture. It should be cleaned with minimal water and non-abrasive products to prevent damage.

Understanding the specific flooring types in your facility helps ensure you choose a cleaning service equipped with the right tools, products, and expertise to maintain each surface properly.

Speaking to commercial floor cleaning services can also give you a jumpstart on understanding your needs.

Ideal Types of Flooring for Specific Industries

Choosing the right hard flooring is essential for balancing durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs across different industries.

Commercial & Retail

• Retail Stores: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), linoleum (eco-friendly, durable), polished concrete, hardwood (upscale boutiques)
• Shopping Malls: Porcelain tile, polished concrete, terrazzo, VCT (cost-effective, easy maintenance)
• Restaurants & Cafés: Ceramic tile, LVT, linoleum (hygienic, slip-resistant), sealed concrete

Healthcare

• Hospitals & Clinics: Vinyl sheet flooring (seamless for hygiene), linoleum (antibacterial, eco-friendly), rubber flooring (comfort and noise reduction)
• Dental Offices: LVT, rubber flooring, seamless epoxy, linoleum (easy to sanitize)
• Nursing Homes: Vinyl plank, linoleum (soft underfoot, easy to clean), rubber flooring, low-maintenance laminate

Education

• Schools & Universities: VCT (cost-effective, durable), linoleum (eco-friendly, low maintenance), rubber flooring (classrooms and gyms), LVT
• Daycares: Linoleum (natural, hygienic), rubber flooring, LVT (soft and easy to clean)

Industrial & Manufacturing

• Warehouses: Epoxy flooring, polished concrete, sealed concrete, VCT (light industrial areas)
• Factories: Epoxy flooring, polyurethane flooring (chemical resistance), rubber mats for safety
• Food Processing Plants: Epoxy resin flooring (non-porous, easy to sanitize), sealed concrete, linoleum (non-toxic, easy to clean)

Corporate & Office Spaces

• Corporate Offices: Hardwood, LVT, linoleum (durable, natural look), carpet tiles in common areas
• Call Centers: LVT, rubber flooring (reduces noise), linoleum (durable, easy maintenance)

Hospitality

• Hotels: Marble or porcelain tile (lobbies), LVT or linoleum (guest rooms), hardwood in upscale spaces
• Resorts & Spas: Natural stone (spa areas), slip-resistant porcelain tile (wet areas), linoleum or LVT (guest rooms)

Transportation & Public Spaces

• Airports & Train Stations: Terrazzo, polished concrete, porcelain tile, linoleum (durable, easy to clean), VCT (cost-effective, high traffic areas)
• Parking Garages: Epoxy flooring, sealed concrete

Recreation & Fitness

• Gyms & Fitness Centers: Rubber flooring (shock absorption), linoleum (durable, resilient), vinyl plank, epoxy in locker rooms
• Sports Facilities: Hardwood (courts), rubber (weight rooms), synthetic sports flooring

Selecting the right flooring ensures long-term performance, safety, and visual appeal tailored to each industry’s unique demands and maintenance needs.

When speaking to a commercial floor cleaning services company about cleaning, make sure they have experience working on your specific flooring types. They should be able to provide unique insight even if just talking over the phone.

Choosing the Right Floor Cleaning Service for Your Industry

Different industries have distinct floor care needs based on their operational environment and foot traffic levels. 

When selecting a commercial floor cleaning provider, consider the following industry-specific requirements:

• Healthcare: Focus on sanitation, hygiene, and slip-resistant finishes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proper floor cleaning in healthcare facilities helps prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Retail: Maintain aesthetics and durability in high-traffic areas, where 92% of consumers say cleanliness impacts their perception of a store.
• Offices: Ensure clean, polished floors to create a professional atmosphere and boost employee morale.
• Hospitality: Keep floors polished and inviting for guests, as first impressions often influence customer satisfaction.

How Much Does It Cost to Strip and Wax Floors?

The cost of floor stripping and waxing depends on factors such as floor size, material, and service frequency. 

Typical price ranges include:

• Small Areas (up to 1,000 sq. ft.): $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
• Medium Areas (1,000 – 5,000 sq. ft.): $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot.
• Large Areas (over 5,000 sq. ft.): $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot.

Additional costs may apply for heavy stains, moving furniture, or applying extra protective coatings. 

Investing in professional floor care can result in long-term cost savings by reducing the need for premature floor replacements.

DIY vs. Professional Floor Cleaning Services

DIY methods are cost-effective and convenient for daily maintenance, especially in low-traffic areas with non-complex dirt and debris issues. 

It’s important to use the right commercial floor cleaning supplies. 

However, complicated and strenuous tasks like stripping and waxing of floors, deep cleaning grout lines, and polishing hard surfaces require specialized equipment and expertise. 

Improper techniques or products can damage flooring, leading to costly repairs or replacements. 

Using a floor maintenance machine you’re not familiar with can also cause problems:

• You can slip and fall behind an auto scrubber if you’re not careful
• Swing machines can smash into walls or other objects if not kept balanced

Professional floor cleaning services ensure that the correct methods, machines, and supplies are used, maximizing floor longevity and maintaining a high-quality appearance. 

Flooring Maintenance Tips for Offices and Commercial Spaces

A proper floor maintenance plan begins right at the front door where dirt gets in, and requires many factors.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Sweep or dust mop daily to remove dirt and debris that can scratch hard surfaces. Use a damp mop with a neutral pH cleaner to maintain cleanliness without damaging the wax.
• Choose microfiber mops and soft-bristle brooms to prevent scratches. For larger spaces, consider using an automatic floor scrubber to ensure efficient cleaning.
• Place high-quality floor mats at entrances and key traffic zones to capture dirt and moisture before they reach the flooring. Ensure mats are cleaned regularly.
• Promptly clean up spills to prevent staining, warping, or slipping hazards. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the surface.
• Schedule professional floor care services for tasks like stripping and waxing floors, or buffing to restore shine and protect the surface. 

Benefits of Hiring Professional Hard Floor Cleaning Services

Of course, this will cost you much more than if you try to do it yourself. 

For most businesses, it’s not worth the investment unless you already have an in-house janitor. 

Even in some cases, the specialized skills, or the size of the task, is too big for a single onsite custodian. The benefits of outsourcing are pretty obvious: 

• Expertise: Skilled professionals know the best methods for different flooring types.
• High-Quality Supplies: Commercial-grade products ensure superior results.
• Time and Cost Savings: Professional services reduce labour costs and free up staff time, improving operational efficiency.

It’s best to talk to several companies to get a sense of costs, frequency, effectiveness, and how long it will take them to provide basic and more complex commercial floor maintenance services. 

Make Sure Every Step is Headed in the Right Direction

Selecting the right commercial floor cleaning services ensures clean, safe, and visually appealing flooring that meets the unique needs of your industry. 

By choosing a provider experienced with your flooring types and locations, businesses can enhance their space’s aesthetics, extend flooring lifespan, and maintain a welcoming environment. 

Investing in professional floor care is essential for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and professionalism in any commercial setting, ultimately contributing to employee well-being, customer satisfaction, and operational success.

If you have any questions or are interested in a free quote, reach out to Metropolitan about your floors today!