[Adam P]

cleaned hard floor at one of the buildings we clean. first floor went really well and we cleaned this before with a srubbing machine using the black pad and it come up great. second floor looks like we may have damaged it and would like some advice as to what we can do to sort the problem.

i've took some images though they haven't come out so clear as i wanted but i put the best up any way for you to see and hopefully give better advice. there is light scratchy marks on the floor in the pale area. the dark area is where i have wet it and the marks have disappeared which leads me to beleive maybe i need to add some protection or something to it which is missing at the moment?

http://img13.i.us/f/imag0004zl.jpg/

all i did was use a hard floor cleaner chemical diluted as suggested on the bottle, then scrubbed with the black pad, and finally mopped up.


i'll take my proper camera tomorrow to get a better detailed image if people think it's required.

[Griffus]

Picture link not working.

Black pads are meant mainly for stripping. They can also be used for heavy duty scrubbing but could cause damage too certain vinyl's if not used correctly. 

What was the surface?

What chemical did you use? If a stripper then you must reseal.

Incidentally, of the chemical used was high PH did you neutralise as per manufacturer's instruction?

[Adam P]

sorry unsure of the name of the product right now as it's not with me but will check tonight. i've uploaded the image again so hopefully correct this time.

http://www.greencleansolution.co.uk/ciu.jpg

[Phild]

I don't know if it's my old eyes or what but that is an Altro non slip floor covering isn't it? If your unsure just feel the surface and if it's rough and got glinting bits in it (aluminium oxide) it is.

Anyway, if it is, quite often you find that they have been cleaned with bleach and god knows what else as they can be hard to clean on a daily basis. This means that it's full of old residues. Try scrubbing it off again but with just clear water and a softer pad than a black one or even better Rotowash it. You should find that it starts to look better. If your client is still twitching and is talking about replacement or not paying you (I would not normally recommend this) let the floor dry and then try applying a single coat of emulsion polish in an unobtrusive place. It might retain the 'wet-look' and basically disguise the discolouration. Remember if it is Altro it's designed as a non-slip finish so only put one or two thin coats of polish on it so it retains it's abrasive qualities and only if the test area works.

If it's not Altro, let me know and I will ask our floor expert. Best of luck. Phil D

[martin19842]

hi there

if it is altro i wouldnt put any polish on it at all, the reason being because if someone where to slip over you would be instantly liable.

you can scrub and dry the floor but thats about all

regards
martin

[terrazzoman]

err if you need some more advice call me on 0751169647 the floor is not ruined !!!

[Ricky M]

hi there

if it is altro i wouldnt put any polish on it at all, the reason being because if someone where to slip over you would be instantly liable.

you can scrub and dry the floor but thats about all

regards
martin

I agree totally

[Adam P]

thanks all for the help. had someone experience come have a quick look and it turns out it's scuff marks from the chairs which are now visible. going to let the customer know that it looks worse now it's clean and suggest the polish if they want it.

massive weight off my shoulders now as was worried i'd have to replace the whole thing

[Robert Parry]

Hi,

It certainly looks like Altro!

Ultrapac Renovate, scrub using standard speed rotary using brush, suck up slurry using a decent wet and dry, repeat 2 or 3 times if really bad. If client complains that the floor is still not acceptable, inform him that any damage has been caused by improper maintenance.

As phil has stated, previous cleaners have probably tried allsorts before you!

As Martin has mentioned, any sort of polish is a no no.

Very unlikely to cause damage with a black pad, (but you really should know better!), unless, of course the floor was already damaged, such as a loose seam, or tear in the vinyl.

Depending on location and footfall, damp mop with nuetral cleanser daily, scrub as often as needed to keep up the desired appearance.

Regards,

Rob

[dandandan]

I`ve had exact problem on same type of floor in one of my shops,this surface shows every mark from chair legs etc,real pain.i wouldn`t mind risking an emulsion to bring a bit of sheen back to it,i am going to rent a buffer and give it a good clean first,what emulsion is best?thanks dan

[martin19842]

hi dan

you mentioned a problem in one of your shops, is that a shop that you own, or is the shop a client

regards

martin