ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

What do people want most from their hard floor? Are they seeking a practical, sustainable and low-cost solution, or do they want a high shine for aesthetic reasons? Ann Laffeaty asks companies whether floor choice is a tough decision for the customer – or whether it is a no-brainer.

CHOOSING A FLOOR can be a difficult decision. Businesses first need to consider the impression they wish to make on their customers and on visitors in general.

Do they want to provide a comfortable, home-from-home ambiance, for example? Or do they prefer to create a more business-like appearance? Will an attractive floor keep its aesthetically-pleasing appearance in a high-traffic environment? Or will it quickly become soiled, scratched and damaged due to the number of visitors trampling upon it?

Many people choose a hard floor because they think it will be easier to clean than a carpet, according to Truvox national sales manager Paul Robinson. “However in our experience, it can be just as difficult to clean a hard floor,” he said. “It really depends on the environment, however. In the healthcare sector hard floors might be the most appropriate solution because any spillages can be easily removed, whereas a carpet might be more appropriate in a care home.”

He claims specifiers and architects often put aesthetics ahead of considerations such as hygiene and cleaning when it comes to installing a floor. And they rarely consider factors such as the cleaning method and frequency, he adds. “It is therefore a good idea to choose the right type of multipurpose scrubber-dryer to maintain all types of flooring,” he said.

Most people assume they will be able to keep a hard floor clean with a mop alone, according to Robinson. “However, this method doesn’t really clean - it just takes the dirt for a walk and moves it from one place to another,” he claims.  “And it also spreads bacteria and viruses around the floor and leads to a build-up of soil, particularly at the edges of a room.”

He says some hard floors are easily damaged and are expensive and time-consuming to repair in comparison with carpets. “However, hard flooring can be more hygienic than carpets in some environments such as healthcare because the spillages are easier to remove. It’s a balance between aesthetics and practicality.”

Truvox has noted a major shift away from high-gloss flooring over recent years - particularly in the healthcare and care sectors. “This is because there is a perception that the floor may be wet or slippery in these environments,” adds Robinson. “The time and cost involved in maintaining a high-gloss floor can also be prohibitive and most people now seem to prefer a mid-sheen finish.”

Customers often choose hard floors because they combine aesthetics with practicality, according to Filmop business development manager Paolo Scapinello. “A smooth, non-porous surface will immediately give the impression of hygiene because dirt cannot be lodged within it and is easy to remove from the surface.

“However, it is always a good idea to consider the intended use of the floor and the stresses to which it will be subjected. These factors should be considered alongside aesthetics.”

Hard floors are generally believed to be easier and faster to clean than textiles, according to Scapinello. “Coverings such as carpets, rugs and runners require more effort than smooth surfaces and high traffic can compromise textile floors by wearing them out,” he said. “And customers keen to create an elegant, refined and timeless environment may well prefer the high-gloss finish of a hard floor.”

These types of flooring also offer greater resistance to stress even when subjected to heavy traffic, he claims. “However, frequent cleaning with the appropriate equipment will maximise the durability of the floor and preserve its value over time,” he adds. “And to achieve a high level of hygiene, it is essential to rely on the appropriate cleaning equipment.”

He claims microfibres are the best method of cleaning hard floors because they have a high collection capacity which enables them to effectively remove viruses and bacteria while ensuring high hygienic standards.

The fact hard floors are durable and can withstand more foot traffic than carpeted floors means they are ideal for commercial premises, says Cleanology CEO Dominic Ponniah. “Hard floors are also easier to clean and maintain and stains and spillages are easier to remove from them. Many businesses now give more thought to their environmental impact when choosing their flooring too, and this means materials such as reclaimed wood and bamboo are becoming increasingly popular. And wood is also renowned for creating a warm and natural appearance.”

Hard floors can last for decades if they are well maintained, Ponniah adds. “With carpets, on the other hand, it is not uncommon to have to replace them every five to 10 years.”

The perception of hygiene is another driving factor that convinces many businesses to opt for hard floors he says. “This is particularly the case in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. A high-gloss finish is also favoured by businesses seeking a sleek and more modern look. These types of floors can give the impression of being cleaner, although the customer needs to be aware that dust and scratches are also more likely to show on them.”

However, Ponniah adds it is a myth that hard floors need little or no maintenance. “They may not need the deep cleaning that carpets require, but materials such as wood will need refinishing or sealing to safeguard their appearance and longevity,” he said. “We always recommend hard floors be machine-cleaned quarterly: mopping is only a daily solution.”

According to Ponniah, the right floorcare system will play an important part in preserving a hard floor and this might incorporate pH neutral cleaners, protective sealants and microfibre mops. “The manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and product recommendations should always be followed when cleaning hard flooring.”

Customers often choose a hard floor both for aesthetic reasons and because they feel it will be a practical solution for their facility, says Kärcher trainer Sebastian Nann. “Where there is frequent adherent soiling by substances such as drink stains and food residue or where disinfection is required, a textile floor makes no sense,” he said.

“Aesthetically there are many design options available for both hard floors and textile floor coverings. However, foot warmth and acoustic aspects often play a role in the customer’s decision when installing a specific type of flooring. And in public spaces such as reception areas or shops, a clean impression is crucial.”

He says the use of hard floors is recommended in areas likely to encounter a high footfall or adhesive soiling. And he adds hard floors are also more practical in environments where disinfection is required such as in a hospital, and in areas with high humidity levels such as around swimming pools.

“In most cases a hard floor is easier to clean than a carpet,” he says. “However in terms of maintenance, a parquet floor for example will be much more expensive than textile flooring. The durability of the floor will depend heavily on the quality, cleaning frequency and frequency of use - textile coverings such as needle felt can last up to 20 years, for example.”

He believes some customers might choose a hard floor because they perceive them to be more hygienic. “There are also many reservations about textile floor coverings because of the possible presence of mites, for example,” he said. “What you can say for sure is you can disinfect most hard floors and they will be more hygienic.”

According to Nann, other factors that play an important role in the customer’s floor choice will include slip resistance, current fashion trends and life cycle costs.

“Hard floors need care if their good looks are to be long-lasting,” he said. “Regular and thorough cleaning needs to be an essential part of any maintenance regime. At first sight it might appear as though they are less of a challenge to clean than carpeted floors because it is easier to remove substances such as spilled liquids. But when any type of floor is not cleaned over time, the build-up of dirt layers can cause permanent damage. Regular cleaning will extend the period before a cost-intensive repair or complete change is needed.”