Different types of floors:
When to use which brush or pad for daily cleaning?In this blog, we explore different types of floors commonly found in business and public environments and explain which brush or pad is best suited for cleaning each type.
- Vinyl, PVC and linoleum floors
- Rubber floors
- Epoxy floors
- Epoxy non-slip floors
- Concrete floors
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles
- Ceramic non-slip tiles
- Natural stone floors
- Timber/wooden/parquet floors
Vinyl, PVC and linoleum floors
Vinyl and linoleum floors are popular in many business and public areas due to their durability and low maintenance. Modern vinyl floors are often factory-sealed, reducing the need for a topical sealer.
For cleaning these floors, pads are generally preferred over brushes. Pads excel at removing scuff marks, making them ideal for vinyl and linoleum.
A green Twister diamond pad or a red pad works well for regular cleaning. For more heavily soiled floors, a blue pad can be used. In low-traffic areas, a medium brush may suffice, with periodic deep cleans using red or blue pads.
Rubber floors
Rubber floors are commonly used in gyms and other high-impact areas.
The best option for cleaning rubber floors is a natural hair brush. Natural fibers create less friction and reduce the load on cleaning machines compared to traditional poly brushes, which generate more friction.
If you would like the rubber floor to have or retain a glossy finish, use a green Twister diamond pad.
Epoxy floors
Epoxy floors have a nice smooth finish and are often used in high end settings. They are very sensitive to scratches, making them difficult to maintain. Dirt easily settles in the micropores of the floor.
Use a green Twister diamond pad but be aware that by micro-polishing the floor, Twister creates a mechanically densified surface with increased resistance to dirt and wear. High cleanliness and gloss is maintained over time.
If you don’t want to increase gloss use a red pad.
Epoxy non-slip floors
Epoxy non-slip floors are common in kitchens and other areas where slip resistance is crucial.
For these floors, use a soft or medium brush or a natural hair brush. Avoid hard brushes, as they wear out quickly on aggressive surfaces.
Concrete floors
Concrete floors are commonly found in industrial, commercial, and public spaces, and they can vary from rough to smooth finishes.
For rough-finished concrete floors, use a medium or hard brush. Hard brushes are particularly effective for removing tough residues like dried dough in bakery settings.
For smooth, polished concrete floors, a green Twister diamond pad is the best option. Depending on the level of soil, red or blue pads can also be used.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used in various public and business spaces due to their durability. These tiles can have either a shiny glazed finish or a matte finish.
For shiny glazed tiles, a soft or natural hair brush is recommended to avoid scratching the surface. Brushes are generally good for tiles as they can clean grout lines effectively.
For matte or textured tiles, pads offer a better surface clean. An orange Twister diamond pad is the best choice, with red, blue, or green pads being suitable based on the soil level.
Ceramic non-slip tiles
Ceramic tiles are very hard-wearing and can therefore be scrubbed with both a soft and hard brush. Depending on the relief of the tile, a soft natural hair brush or the medium brush or hard brush can give the best cleaning result.
Natural stone floors
Natural stone floors, such as terrazzo, marble, and limestone, are often found in high-end public and business properties due to their elegant appearance.
To maintain and improve gloss levels, use a green Twister diamond pad. For high traffic areas, use a blue Twister diamond pad or if you want higher gloss use a pink Twister diamond pad.
Timber/wooden/parquet floors
Timber floors, known for their warmth and aesthetic appeal, are often found in offices, hospitality environments, and public buildings.
It’s important to keep in mind that wooden floors to not like water. Only use the i-mop on wooden floors that are protected with a layer of varnish. Use a soft brush or a regular white or red pad.
For the maintenance of wooden floors that have been oiled or waxed, please consult your local i-team partner.
Conclusion
There is no one size fits all. Each floor has its own unique characteristics.
In this blog we have tried to give you a general overview of the best mainstream solutions. If you are still unsure, we would always recommend testing any brush or cleaning solution in a small inconspicuous area first.
Do you need any help with choosing the right brushes and pads for your i-mop? Contact us online and we will get back to you soon.