Just what the doctor ordered


When it comes to floorcare, particularly in healthcare and hospital environments, being easy to clean is a basic requirement. But have you ever considered the floor you are working with? Karndean UK have some advice that puts you ahead at the first hurdle, with flooring solutions that will work with you, not against.


Infection control in UK hospitals often makes the headlines and installing easy-to-clean surfaces wherever possible – especially on the floor - can help to reduce bacteria hotspots.


From large scale hospital developments, to small private care homes or day centres, more thought is now being given to installing a floor covering that creates the right atmosphere but that is easy to clean too.


For flooring in areas, such as surgery theatres and x-ray suites, the specification, cleaning and maintenance guidelines have changed very little over the years with an anti-bacterial sheet material being the a popular option. That said, the variety of flooring solutions for other areas of a modern day healthcare establishment has broadened considerably and knowing how these materials should be cleaned can really aid in maintaining hygiene levels.


Carpet is often the favoured choice for patient relaxation or living areas, but fibres and natural materials can harbour damp from spillages and create a breeding ground for bacteria.


Fibrous materials used as floor coverings in a care environment are therefore rapidly becoming a thing of the past and with modern alternatives like high quality luxury vinyl designflooring, specifiers can still create a ‘homely’ atmosphere that is easy to clean.


Other areas in which designflooring is becoming popular are entrance halls, walkways and waiting rooms.


With miles of corridors spanning the length and breadth of larger hospital units, many cleaners are seeing the benefit of having a durable floor covering that can be cleaned and maintained easily.


Cleaning and maintaining designflooring By hand or by using mechanical cleaning apparatus, designflooring can be cleaned easily and effectively. Unlike porous natural materials, designflooring is durable and can be cleaned with 100% biodegradable surfactants.


Furthermore, leading manufactures use PU technology to ensure that there is no need to apply an additional surface treatment following installation.


The recommended cleaning method for designflooring begins with the removal of loose debris with a broom, followed by a damp mop and a liberal application of the manufacturer recommended routine cleaner over a manageable area. Stubborn stains can be removed by spot cleaning using this product or a basic stripper. Once the cleaning solution is wiped off with a clean mop, it can be left to dry.


Many other contract cleaning solutions can be used too, they should be ph neutral and used


HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE 44 | TOMORROW’S CLEANING | The future of our cleaning industry


as directed by the manufacturer. Some mildly alkaline cleaners are also acceptable, but staff should check with the flooring supplier first.


To restore the floor should dulling occur – which is to be expected in high traffic areas – the appearance can be refreshed by using the manufacturer recommended basic stripper solution. This should be left for approximately 10 minutes on the floor before being scrubbed using a mop or the white scrubbing pad fitted to the end of an applicator. When all of the stripper has been cleaned off and no residue remains, a hard sealer can then be applied as a thin and even coat using a clean lint free mop. In 30 minutes, this will dry and a second coat can be applied. This process should be repeated when the floor starts to dull to ensure the designfloor is well protected.


www.karndean-commercial.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70