How to choose a floor cleaner? Safe cleaning methods for different materials.

For restaurants, hotels, or any commercial space, pristine floors are not only crucial for creating a positive first impression, but also essential for ensuring the safety of customers and employees and extending the lifespan of the property. However, the market offers...Floor cleanerThere are many types, from acidic to alkaline, from everyday use to powerful stain removal. Choosing the wrong one can result in poor cleaning or even permanent and irreversible damage to expensive floors.

Incorrect cleaning methods can lead to:

• Asset damageMarble loses its luster, wooden flooring turns black and warped, and tile grout is corroded.
• Safety hazardsSlippery floors can cause guests or employees to fall, leading to unnecessary disputes.
• Waste of costUsing excessive or incorrect cleaning agents not only increases procurement costs but may also lead to high renovation and repair expenses in the future.

As your professional commercial hygiene solutions partner, this article will systematically break down how to choose the safest and most efficient solutions for different flooring materials.Floor cleanerThis ensures your investment is properly protected.

one, Essential knowledge to understand before choosing a floor cleaner: pHvalue

Before discussing any specific flooring material, we must first understand...Floor cleanerThe most important feature—pHvalue)This is a key indicator for determining the purpose and "aggressiveness" of a cleaning product.

• Acidic cleaning agents (pH)Values 1-6)
  • characteristicIt can effectively decompose mineral deposits.
  • Main usesRemoves limescale, rust, cement stains, urine scale, etc. Commonly used in bathrooms, bathtubs, or for stubborn, tangled stains.
  • NoticeIt is highly corrosive and should never be used on natural stones that are sensitive to acid (such as marble and limestone).
• Neutral detergent (pH)Value ≈ 7)
  • characteristicIt is gentle and safe for most materials.
  • Main usesFor daily floor cleaning and maintenance, removing dust, footprints, and general dirt. The top choice for high-frequency daily cleaning in commercial spaces.
  • advantageIt offers the highest level of safety, protecting the original wax or protective layer of the floor and preventing damage.
• Alkaline cleaning agents (pH)Values 8-14)
  • characteristicIt can effectively saponify and break down grease, fat and protein-based dirt.
  • Main uses: Deep cleaning for heavily oiled areas such as kitchens and restaurants.
  • NoticeThe stronger the alkalinity, the stronger the ability to remove oil stains, but the greater the irritation to certain materials (such as some wood floors and linseed oil floors) and human skin.

Professional adviceIn a business environment, it is essential to always have "neutral detergentPerform routine maintenance and strategically use [the appropriate] equipment based on the needs of specific areas (such as the kitchen and bathroom).alkaline"or"acidic"Use cleaning agents for periodic deep cleaning."

two, Precision Cleaning Solutions for Four Major Flooring Materials

Once we understand pH levels, we can match the most suitable cleaning solution for your specific floor material.

1. Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles cleaning

Tiles are the most common material used in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotel lobbies because they are wear-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean.

• Daily cleaning:
  • Recommended Products:Neutral floor cleaner.
  • Cleaning methodsDilute as recommended and clean with a mop or automatic floor scrubber. The neutral formula will not damage the glaze on the tile surface and will maintain its shine.
  • Keyword applicationThis is the most basic.Tile cleaningThe plan is applicable to areas with high daily foot traffic.
• Deep cleaning ((For oily areas outside the kitchen):
  • Recommended Products:Mild alkaline floor cleaner.
  • Cleaning methodsFor accumulated oil stains, a mild alkaline cleaner can quickly break them down, restoring the floor to a dry state. After cleaning, it is recommended to mop the floor again with clean water to remove any residue.
  • Common errorsDo not use strong acid cleaners to scrub the grout lines of tiles. While acids can remove dirt, they can also corrode the cement-based grout, causing it to powder, fall off, and trap dirt even more effectively.

2. Marble and Natural Stone Flooring cleaning

Natural stone flooring such as marble, granite, and limestone is elegant and sophisticated, but it is also extremely delicate and requires careful cleaning.

• Core principle: Absolutely gentle!
  • Recommended Products: Must be usedProfessional neutral marble cleaner.
  • Cleaning methodsStone has natural micropores that absorb liquids. When cleaning, be sure to use a wrung-out "damp" mop, not a dripping "damp" mop. After cleaning, it is best to keep it ventilated to allow it to dry as quickly as possible.
  • Keyword applicationSearchMarble CleanerWhen purchasing, please make sure it is labeled "neutral" and "suitable for stone".
• Fatal error:
  • Do not use any acidic cleaning agents.Lemon juice, vinegar, and any cleaning agents with a pH value below 7 will react with the calcium carbonate in marble, causing the surface to be "etched," lose its luster, and form indelible white spots.
  • Use alkaline cleaning agents with caution.Strong alkalis can also damage the crystal structure of stone, causing it to become dull.
• Professional maintenanceIn addition to daily cleaning, natural stone also needs regular polishing, crystallization treatment, and protective coating to seal micropores and resist pollution.

3. Hardwood & Laminate cleaning

Wooden floors bring warmth to a space, but they are most vulnerable to water.

• Core principle: Control the amount of water!
  • Recommended ProductsDedicatedNeutral wood floor cleaner.
  • Cleaning methods:
    1. Dry first, then wetBefore cleaning, be sure to use a vacuum cleaner or electrostatic dust removal paper to thoroughly remove sand and dust from the surface to avoid scratching the floor when mopping.
    2. Wring out the mopAfter soaking the mop in the diluted cleaning solution, be sure to wring it out thoroughly until it is "damp" but not dripping wet.
    3. Wipe along the grainWiping along the grain of the wood flooring can better clean the gaps.
  • Keyword applicationA goodWood floor cleanerIn addition to being neutral and mild, it usually contains a quick-drying formula and helps maintain the shine of the floor.
• Fatal error:
  • Do not soak in waterNever pour water from a bucket directly onto the floor. Excessive moisture will seep in through the cracks, causing the wood to swell, warp, turn black, or even rot.
  • Avoid using alkaline or strong detergents.This will damage the protective lacquer layer on the surface of the wood floor, causing it to lose its shine and protective properties.

4. Commercial kitchen flooring (Epoxy, Quarry Tiles) — Battlefield against stubborn oil stains

Commercial kitchens are among the most extreme environments in the entire property: high temperatures, humidity, and heavy grease buildup. Floor cleaning here is not only about aesthetics, but also directly related to food safety and employee safety. Common materials include epoxy flooring and non-slip quarterry tiles.

• Core principle: Powerful degreasing, safe and slip-resistant!
  • Recommended Products:Professional-grade alkaline degreasing floor cleaner (Alkaline Degreaser).
  • Cleaning principleThe animal and vegetable oils in the kitchen need to undergo a "saponification reaction" to be removed by water, and only alkaline detergents can effectively trigger this reaction. Neutral detergents are almost ineffective in this regard.
• Cleaning methods:

1. Daily cleaning ((After the market closes each day):

• 1. • First, use a rubber scraper to remove large pieces of food residue.
     • Dilute proportionallyalkaline degreasing cleanerApply evenly to the floor using a mop or floor scrubber.
     • For ceramic tile floors, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub, especially the grout lines where dirt can accumulate.
     • Key stepsRinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and use a squeegee to completely shovel the wastewater into the drain, ensuring no cleaning agent residue remains.

2. Deep cleaning ((Weekly or monthly):

• 1. • Use a higher concentration of degreaser and leave it on the floor for 5-10 minutes (Dwell Time) to fully break down stubborn and carbonized grease.
     • Use a stiff-bristled brush or a low-speed floor scrubber for vigorous scrubbing.
     • Rinsing with hot water will yield better results, and finally, thoroughly dry the floor.

• Fatal error:
  • Used the wrong cleaning agentUsing neutral detergents is like washing an oil pan with water; it won't effectively remove the dirt, and over time, a thick layer of black, sticky grease will build up. Using acidic detergents is completely ineffective and may damage the grout in the ceramic tile.
  • Ignore rinsingCleaning residue can mix with new grease to form a more slippery film, which is a major cause of kitchen slips and falls.
  • Drag but don't refreshFor textured, non-slip floor tiles and grout lines, simply mopping cannot remove deep-seated dirt; mechanical scrubbing is necessary.

three, Cleaning Solution Quick Reference Comparison Table

Professional solutions create long-term value.

Choose the correctFloor cleanerThis is not just about immediate cleanliness, but also a long-term investment in your business assets. A scientific and systematic cleaning solution can provide you with:

• Extend the life of the floorThis can save hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in renovation costs.
• Enhance brand imageTo provide customers with a safe, comfortable and clean environment.
• Optimize operating costsBy using precise dosage and efficient cleaning, we can reduce labor and material costs.

However, we understand that for busy managers, researching and configuring these intricate details is a challenge. Selecting products, training employees, monitoring execution… every step requires expertise.

This is precisely the value of our existence.

We are not onlyFloor cleanerThe supplier is someone who stands behind you.Commercial hygiene solutions expertWe offer more than just a bottle of cleaning solution; we provide a complete service:

• Free site assessmentOur experts will visit your site to assess the flooring material, area, and level of contamination.
• Customized cleaning solutionsWe tailor the highest cost-effective product mix and cleaning process (SOP) to your needs.
• Professional employee trainingInstruct your cleaning team on how to use products and equipment correctly, safely, and efficiently.
• One-stop supplyFrom cleaning products to professional floor scrubbers, mops, and signs, we provide everything you need.

Don't let incorrect cleaning methods silently erode your assets.

Contact us now to schedule an appointment.Free on-site assessment and cleaning solution consultationLet us use our expertise to safeguard your business and create a cleaner, safer, and more valuable business environment.

[Click here now to get your free professional cleaning solution.

Learn more about our products

C33 Multipurpose Antibacterial and Deodorizing Cleaner

FORCE Powerful Kitchen Floor Cleaner