Safe, clean floors have always been a top priority for commercial building managers.
Even moreso during a time of global pandemic.
It’s a “really big thing right now,” observes Vic LaRico, Stone Division Account Manager for Mid America Specialty Services (MASS). Clean floors are essential for avoiding the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens, and for avoiding excessive sick days, lost productivity and revenue shortfalls.
That also means floor maintenance products are receiving increased scrutiny. Many traditional cleaners may kill germs on a short-term basis, but then allow microbes to reappear soon after cleaning, LaRico explains.
To meet this challenge, MASS technicians utilize stone floor cleaners and coatings that kill germs and prevent regrowth on treated surfaces. These products also improve traction for a lower slip-and-fall risk. They work well on multiple surfaces including natural stone and terrazzo.
Stop Microbes with Stone Floor Cleaner & Coating
Because germs thrive on surfaces with a pH ranging from about 4.8 to 9.2, neutral cleaners tend to be less effective. The result is a slippery biofilm, which increases the risk of disease transmission as well as slip-and-fall accidents.
Innovative products from Simix®, on the other hand, create an environment where bacteria and viruses are simply unable to survive. The Simix® Multi-Surface Cleaner/Degreaser/Sanitizer has a pH of 11.4 and removes 99.9% of coronavirus. It contains no harmful, toxic chemicals and forms an invisible barrier to keep surfaces cleaner longer.
The Simix® High Shine Ceramic Floor Coating has a pH of 12.3. It creates a permanent high-pH surface and reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus. It makes floors easier to clean and prevents the appearance of harmful biofilm.
Simix® Coatings and Cleaners contain a titanium dioxide formulation called Sustainable Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology (SPOT-ON). This natural compound is safe to use and reacts with light to break down bacteria, viruses, mold, stains and other substances.
According to LaRico, floors treated with Simix® can be maintained with an autoscrubber using a wet application, which prevents germs and debris from becoming airborne. This offers a healthier alternative to dry burnishing, which may increase the risk of infection and aggravate allergies.
Increase Floor Safety with High Traction Finish
Slick floors can lead to accidents, lawsuits and substantial costs. That’s why MASS applies coatings that give you high traction, even on wet floors.
The Simix® High Shine Ceramic Coating boasts a wet dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.436. That’s one of the highest wet DCOF ratings in the industry, LaRico points out, and it satisfies the ANSI standard for high traction on a wet surface.
Boost & Maintain Floor Appearance
While traditional floor waxes and acrylics have to be stripped and reapplied regularly, Simix® coatings never have to be stripped. LaRico suggests simply applying more coating in high traffic areas on an as-needed basis, typically once every 8 to 12 months.
And unlike acrylics which require high-speed buffing to remove scuffs, Simix® contains silica and titanium for a scuff-resistant finish. For best results, autoscrub the floor with Simix® powder and a red pad, alternating with a 3,000-grit diamond abrasive pad. Depending on foot traffic, you’ll want to autoscrub about once a week in low-traffic areas, 3 times a week in high traffic areas and daily for high traffic.
Backed by decades of experience, our stone refinishers will help to restore the beauty of your floors, while preserving a healthy, safe indoor environment.
Contact us to learn more about floor maintenance for your commercial building!
