Efficient floor cleaning in warehouses and workshops

 3 min

Regular cleaning of floors in workshops and warehouses is of central importance, not only to ensure a clean working environment but also to implement important safety and protective measures. Cleanliness is not only a visual factor but also contributes significantly to preventing accidents at work and ensures that floor coverings retain their value in the long term. Particularly in areas where oil or other lubricants are used, the accumulation of impurities such as dust, grease or liquids can lead to considerable slip hazards. These dangers should by no means be underestimated, as around 30 percent of all accidents at work are caused by tripping, slipping or falling.

Soiling on hard or elastic floor coverings can significantly impair walking and stepping safety. Dust deposited on surfaces or traces of oil that make the floor slippery pose particular risks. Professional cleaning is therefore not only a question of hygiene but also one of occupational safety. Regular cleaning also protects the floor from wear and tear. Dirt particles such as sand or dust have an abrasive effect on the surface, which can cause it to become roughened. A roughened floor offers dirt more grip, which shortens cleaning intervals and reduces the service life of the floor covering.

Industrial floors, which are often used in workshops and warehouses, must be able to withstand extreme loads while remaining slip-resistant. These floors are usually made of highly compacted cement screed or other hard-wearing materials that are specially designed to withstand heavy traffic and heavy use. Nevertheless, even these floors are not impervious to chemical influences and soiling. Without the right care and floor cleaning, they can quickly lose their value and functionality.

Different Types of Screed and Their Special Features

Industrial floors often consist of different types of screed, each of which have specific properties and cleaning requirements. Cement screed, one of the most commonly used floors in workshops, consists of a mixture of sand, gravel, cement and water. Although it is extremely robust and can withstand high traffic loads, it is sensitive to acids and strong alkalis. If not cleaned properly, the surface can become roughened, which impairs cleanliness and causes the floor to wear out more quickly.

Calcium sulphate screed, also known as anhydrite screed, is particularly easy to clean due to its hard and dense surface. However, it is sensitive to moisture, which is why long exposure times to water should be avoided during basic cleaning. Magnesium screed, on the other hand, is known for its toughness and durability and is often treated with an impregnation that protects the floor from dirt and dust.

Mastic asphalt screed is characterised by its resistance to water and alkalis and does not create dust. However, it is sensitive to solvents, which must be taken into account when selecting cleaning agents. Each of these types of screed has specific cleaning requirements that must be addressed in order to prevent damage and ensure the longevity of the floors.

Cleaning Methods: From basic Cleaning to Maintenance Care

The right choice of cleaning method depends not only on the type of floor covering, but also on the type of soiling. The so-called two-step method is often used for basic cleaning of heavily soiled industrial floors. This involves working with a scrubbing machine and a cleaning agent that is customised to the floor covering in question. Oil and grease residues in particular can be efficiently removed by wet scrubbing with automatic scrubbing machines.

For regular maintenance cleaning, lighter measures such as the one-step method, in which the cleaning agent is applied in small doses and the floor is immediately vacuumed again, are often sufficient. This method ensures that the floor does not become too wet, which is particularly important for sensitive coverings such as calcium sulphate screed. Special highly alkaline cleaning agents can be used to remove forklift marks or tyre abrasion, but these should not be used on coated floors as they could otherwise be damaged.

The use of scrubber-driers offers many advantages over manual floor cleaning. They enable more thorough and faster cleaning and at the same time help to protect the floor coverings. The use of scrubber-driers with disc brush systems is particularly recommended for smooth, seamless floors such as cement screed or calcium sulphate screed. For structured or rougher floors, on the other hand, roller brush systems are more suitable as they work the dirt out of the recesses in the surface more efficiently.

Source: Alfred Kärcher Vertriebs-GmbH, in the trade journal ‘Technische Logistik’
Photo: industrieblick