[Debbie S]

This is my first time writing on this website  
I am just wondering wether there is anyone involved in school cleaning registered and wonder wether i am the only one facing the day to day grind of this thankless task!?
Has anyone got any comments on this subject or on an easy/quick method of cleaning altro (non slip) flooring without having to scrub it every day?
Debbie

[ukmediums]

Hi Ellen

I am a school cleaner although our school only has 35 pupils so its not to bad.

I am currently trying the headteacher with a new idea, all the kids and staff alike take off their shoes on entry to make my job easier.
I wonder if they will pass this rule...........I live in hope

Speak to you again
Simon

[petra]

have you check altro's site, they do give you maintance instructions there, But as mentioned in an eariler post, we use a lemon or pine floor gel, pour into bucket of hot water, mop on leave for a few minutes and mop again, this is the proper method of removing marks from floors, we have tried it on hgv grease and oily boot marks and scuffs and it does work....
Petra

[Mr._One_Step]

The surface of safety flooring is slightly porous because it moves underfoot to increase traction when you walk on it. Its microstructure can quickly become clogged with soil and detergent residue, and also as a result of improper cleaning practices.

Dry dust mop with a clean mop or better still vacuum, this removes more insoluble particulate soil. Always mix your cleaning solution correctly with a measuring beaker and add to cold water. Apply via a clean mop and if the floor has a heavy build up of soil agitate by hand with a deck scrubber, or with mechanical floor cleaning machines such as a low speed rotary fitted with a scrubbing brush, or the contra rotating style brush machines from Duplex, Rotowash etc. Change your mop water regularly and always use clean fresh mops (replace these on a regular basis).

One of the most effective products available in the market place is One Step ‘Dynax’. It is non-residual so you wont get the residue problems as found with some detergent based products.

Regards

Steve

[Debbie S]

Thanks all for such speedy replies,i would whole heartily agree with Simons idea but if it wasn't hard enough to get the kid's to put rubbish in the bin two foot away from it -so we've got no chance with the shoes!!


As to the altro flooring ,yes i do know Altro's suggested method of cleaning but with the time restraints put on the cleaners it is in reality not workable.We have tied numerous different chemicals on the flooring (even one that Marley the suppliers have suggested)-but to no avail,floor still looks patchy/dirty in places and nothing short of scrubbing with a machine will remove it.....may be it's something that we will have to live with ....or maybe my standards are too high?!!!
Debbie

[mr_sheen]

hi Debbie
you should never ever ever seal this type of floor covering.without waring customer that they will loose 30% of the slip resistancy, you could void the manufactures warranty
you should contact the suppliers of the floor and the makers and speak to them direct.
many regards
Mr Sheen

ps so ithink mr carpenter is so so wrong

[Debbie S]

Mr sheen,yep tried that one -rep avoided me !!
Says something about me maybe?!
We will continue to scub the floors every school break and shout at the schools for letting their 'darlings' throw paint and ink all over them!!
Thanks anyway - just thought i would see if there was a massive trade secret that everyone was keeping from me !(don't worry i only have a slight bit of paranioa!!!)
Debbie

[mr_sheen]

hi Debbie
well all i say is abit of old fashioned elbow grease

best regards
Mr sheen

[Mr._One_Step]

Mr Sheen,

I never mentioned in my post about sealing Altro safety flooring! Although it can be sealed with 2 light coats of sealer not finish and as you have said its anti-slip resistance is reduced in this case by only about 10% not 30%.

Most schools I visit with regard to safety floor cleaning problems do have time constraints and this can sometimes lead to the operator becoming lazy. Both dust mops, damp mops are dirty and they never change their water as frequently as they should, so they end up trying to clean with dirty water.

One Step ‘Dynax’ will resolve these cleaning issues. That I can assure you!

Regards

Mr. Carpenter

[mr_sheen]

well if you would like to contact altros they will tell you that it will lose 30% so you need to get your facts right before you post rubbish, this is a cleaning forum

[Debbie S]

Thanks Mr Carpenter,
We do keep all our equipment clean,we do change our water regularly and unfortunately i am tied to using my company's nominated supplier who does not supply the chemical you suggest.

Debbie

[Debbie S]

Thanks Mr Sheen,
I am just tired of everyone asuming that everything is always the cleaners fault.....and that all cleaners are lazy or uneducated! the fact is that at times buildings are designed by architects who have absolutely no idea as to how the people who use the building will treat it..........I mean would you put stainless steel(not matt!) and glass down stairs in a high school?!! or a porous floor covering that stains easily in an art or domestic science room?!!
Debbie

[mr_sheen]

well Debbie they must have there heads up there back sides when they design schools and places like this everyone knows what children are like aint got no respect for anyone or any thing.
got 3 children my self so i should know lol

mr sheen

[petra]

Cleaner are either never noticed or never praised for their hard work, I do not class my cleaning staff as cleaners, they are domestic engineers, the heart and sole of any building.......with out us what would all those thoughless untidy people do. And i may own the company, but I still scrub bogs...

[Debbie S]

hear hear Petra !!
Debbie
Ps
My name is Debbie I registerd wrongly!!

[mr_sheen]

well done girls you tell them, what do we men know about cleaning lol


you can edit your profile and change your name
Mr sheen

[petra]

Now male cleaner's, some of them ain't half good.......

Petra

[Debbie S]

I agree ,sexist i know but i find them very good on floors!!
Not so hot in toilets though
Debbie

[mr_sheen]

well it depends what you do in the toilets and how big they are lol

[petra]

I think some one has left himself very open there..........