18
Glossy tips to protect floorings! Basic cleaning and coating of floors.
Glossy tips to protect floorings! Basic cleaning and coating of floors.
Safe from accidents.And infections.
2
To each floor its own cleaning!
Flexible floorings: basic cleaning and care.
There are two major considerations that are critical in floor maintenance programs – good quality of cleaning and floor care. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities, where floor surfaces are often subject to high traffic. Floor coverings such as linoleum, PVC or elastomeric floorings are used because they are durable, slip resistant and easy to maintain.
Initial treatment and ongoing routine maintenance is essential to preserve and protect the flooring. Polyacrylate based coatings, or coatings based on similar polymers, are used to as a protective film against heavy stress and to facilitate the cleaning maintenance program.Due to the continuous pressure for cost savings it is not always viable to use external service providers for floor cleaning and maintenance. However, without routine maintenance there is more likelihood of damage and the resulting increased cost for repairs or replacement flooring.
The following pages provide a summary of the most important basic cleaning and coating measures which have been made available by the IHO (Industrieverband Hygiene und Oberflächenschutz / Industrial Association for Hygiene and Surface Protection) whom we would like to thank sincerely. In addition, the most frequent causes of damage to the protective coatings are highlighted along with recommendations on how to avoid and eliminate them.
Check list
Basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
Problem cases
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6Basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8Maintenance cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10
Floorings
Linoleum – in harmony with nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11PVC – powerful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12Elastomeric flooring – permanent elastic . . . . . . . . p. 13
Distinguishing features
Paper clip test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14Beilstein test and Tesa test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15schülke surface products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16
Should you require further information, please ask for our folders!
1
Surface hygiene:Brilliant protection on all levels.Measures, products, methods
FOL_ Flachendesinfektion_2104_GB_0210.indd 1 15.02.2010 14:29:11 Uhr
Systematic wiping.
The 2-step wet wiping procedure
Diff erent approaches for narrow and wide surfaces
2194
/ I /
03.
09 /
A /
wes
twer
k
narrow surfaces
wide surfaces
Step 5
Excess cleaning agent is absorbed by the second mop with the same wiping technique. The remaining wet � lm dries within a few minutes.
Step 1
The blue bucket of the double rolling bucket system is � lled with accurately dosed cleaning agent (e. g. terralin® protect). The red bucket is � lled to one third with clear water. Later, the dirty water is collected in there. The squeezer is located above the red bucket.
The loosened dirt remaining is wiped up with the mop.
Step 6
Step 7
The used mop and the dirty water are to be appropriately disposed of.The cleaning equipment must be cleaned after use.
In the � rst step, the mop is soaked with the cleaning agent in the blue bucket.
Step 2
Step 4
After the � rst steps, the mop is changed and the used mop is disposed of.
Step 3
The surfaces are wiped with disinfectant by means of over-lapping, loop-like/zigzag wiping movements. Adhering dirt is soaked and loos-ened. At intervals, the mop is rinsed in the red bucket and squeezed out into the same bucket.
Flyer_Wischleitfaden_2194_GB_RZ.indd 1 30.03.2009 13:30:14 Uhr
Technology of cleanliness
Hygiene technology by schülke.
DATV_FOL_Hygienetechnik_2122_10S_GB_ab0609.indd 3 18.02.2010 13:35:12 Uhr
Folder Surface hygiene Mat.-No. 2104 (GB)
Folder Hygiene technology Mat.-No. 2122 (GB)
Flyer Wiping procedure Mat.-No. 2176 (GER)
Mat.-No. 2194 (GB)
Mat.-No. 2196 (TR)
Mat.-No. 2195 (RU)
INDUSTRIEVERBANDHYGIENE UND
OBERFLÄCHENSCHUTZ
3
„Recommendation on basic cleaning and coating of floorings.“Source: IHO - Industrieverband Hygiene und Oberflächenschutz / Industrial Association for Hygiene and Surface Protection
Contents
Check list
Basic cleaning
Following points must be observed imperatively for basic cleaning:
switch off floor heating at least 72 hours prior to start of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
maintain optimal room and surface temperature of 12 to 25 °C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
empty room and take pictures (easier to move the furniture back) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
protect objects which cannot be removed or which are sensitive and patch adjacent surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
use suitable cleaner: Depending on the flooring, and cleaning and care recommendations by the manufacturer, choose a basic cleaner with a pH value of 9 to 14 and apply it according to the manufacturer’s specifications (see label and summary of product characteristics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
use suitable equipment: Depending on the type of flooring, and the cleaning and care recommendations by the manufacturer, use a red, green or brown pad or scrubbing brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
do not use warm water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
apply sufficient basic cleaner solution (at least 250 ml/m²) to the surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
observe contact time of the basic cleaner (at least 10 minutes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
do not allow the basic cleaner solution to dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
make sure the surface is completely moistened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
completely remove any dirt and residues of care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
manually treat marginal areas and areas inaccessible by machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
rinse again with clear, cold water (at least 250 ml/m²) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
observe drying time of the flooring, e.g. linoleum: 24 hours (recommended by leading linoleum manufacturers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
dry film sanitation is only a restoration measure and does not replace wet chemical basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
5
Check list
Coating
Following points must be observed during the coating process:
maintain humidity in the room of 30 to 70 % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
maintain room and surface temperature of 12 to 25 °C, avoid direct solar radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
choose a suitable care product according to requirements and the cleaning and care recommendation by the coating manufacturer. Apply in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications (see label and summary of product characteristics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
do not dilute or mix coating agents, unless a removable two-component system is applied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
do not pour residues back into the canister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
use up open containers within 4 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
use suitable applicator: lint-free, clean, smooth-running wide wipe cover or applicator mop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
amount of care product according to the absorptive capacity of the coating: 1st application 30 – 40 ml/m², further applications 15 – 30 ml/m2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
when coating, pretreatment of max. 10 m2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
when coating work systematically, with overlaps and towards the door.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
work wet on wet; use several people to apply on larger surfaces, if necessary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
do not step on the dry coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
observe drying time between individual applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
avoid draught while the coating is drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
leave for at least 12 hours before accessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
wipeable after 24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
polishable after 12 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
curing of the coating is complete after 14 days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
perform coating measures (along with routine cleaning) as required or at least every 2 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips to avoid and eliminate the most frequent types of damage to coatings.
Appearance Possible causes Correction measure
Heavy wear and tear of the polymer coating after a short period of time.
• No or insufficient dirt trap zones.
• Extended intervals between cleaning.
• Insufficient coating.
• Abrasive materials or unsuitable cleaning solutions used for regular cleaning.
• Ensure sufficient dirt trap zones.
• Adjust frequency of cleaning.
• Align number of applications of the care product film with the absorptive capacity and condition of the flooring.
• Use cleaning solutions and equipment according to their intended use.
Others:
• Use of wipe care products ensures regular application of care substances.
• In the event of extensive wear and tear, repeat the initial treatment/coating process then continue with routine cleaning.
• In the event of wear and tear on small areas of the surface, first clean thoroughly, then match the affected area with the correct care products (e.g. cleaner) or level by means of dry application of coating.
• Polishing strengthens the coating and increases its durability
Yellowish marks from contact with dark coloured rubber materials e.g. decontamination mats with rubber lamination, wheels etc.
• Absorption into the flooring. • No removal possible through standard cleaning. Irreversible damage often possible.
Preventive measures:
• Use equipment with light coloured rubber, lay protective covering over floor.
Build up of odour with linoleum floorings (e.g. smell of fish).
• Formation of linseed oil soaps after use of alkaline cleaners.
• Underfloor precoat, adhesives, warmth and moisture.
• Basic cleaning and coating (possible primer) of the flooring.
• To remove odour nuisance caused by coatings on the floor-ing, wipe with clear water and air well over several weeks.
General
6
Conductive polymer dispersions.The figure shows an example of howto build up an ESD* coating. * electrostatic discharge
primer
conducting layer
ESD overcoating
underfloor
conduction band
Appearance Possible causes Correction measure
Colourings on elastomeric floorings.
• Use of highly alkaline cleaners, mostly over a longer period of time, or basic cleaner solutions with a pH value > 10.
• No solution to problem available, as damage to the flooring is irreversible.
• Use neutral cleaners as far as possible.
• Do not use maintenance cleaners with a concentrate pH value > 9 and basic cleaner with a pH value > 10.
Bleaching (saponification) of the flooring e.g. with linoleum.
• Use of alkaline maintenance cleaners (e.g. soft soap) or basic cleaners with a pH value > 10.
• Patches of fading due to age.
• No solution to the problem available, as damage to the flooring is irreversible.
• Do not use cleaners with a concentrate pH value > 9 (alkaline cleaners).
• Patches of fading due to age are not removable by cleaning measures. Disappears at daylight exposure.
Stains on the coating surface after basic cleaning and drying (e.g. glossy spots, particularly at the edges).
• Incomplete removal of old care product layers.
• Dried spots during basic cleaning.
• Repeat basic cleaning on the affected flooring spots and wipe sufficiently with clear water.
• Observe contact time of the basic cleaner and avoid drying; increase application concentration, if necessary.
• Treat the edge areas (post-treatment) manually.
Damage to elastic floorings, e.g. scratches, burns, dents.
• Unevenness of the underfloor appears on the flooring surface. This leads to selective over-load e.g. through wrong control of machines or use of unsuitable pads or brushes.
• Avoid use of aggressive brushes or pads.
• If machines are used, post-treat especially in edge and corner areas manually.
• Selective pressure loads, particularly on gymnasium floorings. Overfilled tanks on machines can cause cracks and dents.
• If high-speed machines are used, avoid burnt-in spots, i.e starting of the machine through lightly tilting.
• In case of visible elevations through improper laying of the flooring, avoid treating for a longer period of time.
• The manufacturer’s technical and care instructions must be observed.
Routine cleaning
7
Tips to avoid and eliminate the most frequent types of damage to coatings.
Appearance Possible causes Correction measure
Coating pits. • Application amount too high.
• Unsuitable cover
• Poor application technique.
• Too much formation of foam during application.
• Adjust amount of application to the absorptive capacity of the flooring.
• Select suitable applicator.
• Improve application technique.
• Do not squeeze out the application cover above the flooring surface.
Non-adherent coatings. Coatings that peel off by simply stepping on the surfaces, or that dissolve after the first cleaning.
• Incorrect concentration of the cleaners or care products.
• Often, the floorings have not been sufficiently rinsed with clear water after basic cleaning. Alkalis and tensides remain, renewed partial solution with next cleaning, potential to form films is damaged, coatings do not adhere.
• The flooring is not suitable for a coating.
• Always wipe sufficiently with clear water and dry afterwards.
• The individual drying times of the respective flooring must be observed (linoleum 12 to 24 h).
Chalky marks on the coating e.g. after routine cleaning of linoleum.
• Insufficient drying time after initial cleaning when the floor has been laid, or after routine cleaning.
• Cork and wood flour are exposed after mechanical treatment of the flooring.
• Draught.
• Depending on humidity.
• Depending on the season (warm season).
• Routine cleaning with a suitable cleaner and renewed initial treatment using the recommended polymer dispersion.
• Ensure complete saturation of the flooring. After routine cleaning, wipe again with clear water. When there is insuffi-cient drying time, the residual moisture and chemistry can be removed by moving across the surface with a slowly moving single-disk machine and a white (if applicable, also red) pad.
• The dusty residues must be removed with a wet cloth.
• Avoid draught.
• Implement a longer drying time according to humidity or season.
Small pools of cleaning solution due to dents in the coating.
Moistening problems due to:
• Cleaner residues.
• Product-related residues on the flooring.
• Properties typical to the flooring.
• Routine cleaning with a suitable cleaner and according wipe technique to completely remove to completely remove residues from the flooring surface.
• Refer to manufacturer’s care recommendation.
Sticky coating after initial treat-ment with a polymer dispersion, along with streaks and small pools of cleaning solution.
• Too thick and uneven film application.
• Too much cleaning solution used.
• Adjust amount of application to the absorption capacity of the flooring. Avoid formation of foam.
• Poured out amount should allow uniform and systematic spreading.
• Basic cleaning with a suitable cleaner and renewed initial treatment with the recommend polymer dispersion using a suitable applicator.
• If the effect is not strong enough, levelling is possible in the course of dry care film sanitation, if required.
Coating
8
Appearance Possible causes Correction measure
Streaks and stickiness. • Underdosage or overdosage of cleaners/wipe care products.
• Unsuitable, e.g. old wipe covers.
• Insufficient dirt removal e.g. with one-step procedures or in case of misuse of equipment.
• Not all surfaces were moistened during spray-cleaning.
• If cleaning machines are used, the dirty water which is not absorbed can develop streaks on the flooring while drying.
• Repeated wiping or interim machine cleaning with water or suitable cleaner (s&m cleaning additive).
• Reference to FRT* recommendation regarding „cleaning textiles“. [*Europäische Forschungsgemeinschaft für Reinigungs-
und Hygienetechnologie e.V. / European Research Society for Cleaning
and Hygiene Technology, reg. soc.]
• Adjust cleaning procedure to level of impurities, e.g. multi-step procedure, shortening of the cleaning intervals, training of cleaning staff, use of machines, basic cleaning, if required.
• In case of continuous application of spray-cleaning, a wet cleaning should be performed periodically over the whole surface.
• Reduce feed speed.
• Inspect suction lips.
• Move machine across overlapping areas.
Heel streaks, rubber abrasion. • Stepping on the surface. • High-speed polishing.
Goal: Compacting of the surface.
• Spray-cleaning.
Polymer coating turns whitish or sticky during maintenance cleaning and soils more easily.
• Whitish: Use of disinfectants containing lots of alcohol, e.g. hand disinfectants or polymer dispersions which are not alcohol-resistant.
• Sticky: Quaternary based ammonium disinfectants which are either present in too large doses or which were applied too wet in a single-step procedure.
• Basic cleaning and use disinfectant-resistant coating.
• Switching to a two-step procedure.
• If necessary, interim cleaning with 3 to 5 s&m cleaning additive by means of a single-disk machine and green pad.
Maintenance cleaning
9
Tips to avoid and eliminate the most frequent types of damage to coatings.
Appearance Possible causes Correction measure
Stains, impurities or damage to the coating in office spaces.
• Caused in transit from the factory (production) to the offices.
• Drag-in and carry-over of coarse dirt and other adherent impurities under shoes.
• Consult the client to adjust the frequency of cleaning accordingly.
• Interim cleaning with s&m cleaning additive.
• Additional installation of decontamination zones (dirt trap zones) or locks.
Stains, colourings, damage in nursing homes, dialysis etc.
• Due to spilt disinfectants, dialysis agents and urine.
• Due to castors on beds and small side cupboards.
• If possible, remove spilt liquids immediately.
• Upon agreement with the floor manufacturer, apply suitable resistant coatings.
• Exchange castors according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Stains in the middle of the room (no explanation).
Stains near furniture, skirting boards, doors etc.- Caused by beneath floating
cleaning solution.
• Mostly due to filling and dosing of cleaners or coating agents.
• The cloths and mops used to absorb dirt stay too long on the surface.
• Mainly caused by incompletely removed cleaners. Dirt water often leaks under furniture or boards later on, dries and damages the flooring or the coating.
• Generally, filling and dosing should be performed away from the surfaces to be treated or suitable dosing and fil-ling aids should be used.
• Do not place used cleaning cloths on the floor, but store them temporarily in appropriate leak-proof containers.
• Use only small amounts of the cleaning agent at inaccessible sites or avoid penetration at these sites by protecting them with covers.
Stains on PVC floorings (partially no explanation). Substances of related cloth types migrate in the flooring, e.g. bitumen, shoe cream, felt streaks, rubber etc.
• Migration: Solvents, softeners, anti-ageing agents and colourings migrate into the flooring according to the principle of mutual exchange.
• Damage can be irreversible.
Preventive measures:
• Apply suitable coating upon consultation with the flooring manufacturer.
Stains
This recommendation complies with the guidance given by leading cleaner manufacturers. It does not claim to be complete and does not represent any basis to make a warranty claim.
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Linoleum – in harmony with nature.
Elastic, durable and generally coatable.
Linoleum is made of the oil from the linseed plant. The base, which is applied after heating onto a substrate made of jute, consists of natural resin, bonding agents (wood flour = resistance; cork flour = elasticity), limestone powered, fillers as well as colouring pigments.
Afterwards, the linoleum is cooled down and dried until it shows the required resistance. Linoleum has low flammability, is durable, has an antistatic effect and reacts only in case of continuous exposure to moisture.
Important to the cleaning (process) Positive Negative
Coarse, microporous surface and thus susceptible to dirt.
Resistant to tracks which are caused by burning-in of sports shoes, for example.
Sensitive to alkalis(pH > 10).
Long drying times: Moisture is absorbed and stored due to the content of cork and wood flour.
Insensitive to cigarette embers.Sensitive to acids
(pH < 4).
The surface structure is additionally roughened because of heavy mechanic stress (e.g. while cleaning),
which exposes cork and wood. This results in increased absorption of moisture and thus
in more difficult cleaning.
Antistatic, electrostatic charging is avoided by natural moisture
regulation of the floor.
Long drying time(24 h).
Regarding alkalis, the flooring can saponify at a pH value > 9; i.e. free linseed oil components react with
the alkalis. The damage to the flooring is irreparable (yellow-brown staining)
Chlorine-free flooring.Sensitive to abrasive pads
and brushes.
Made of natural materials; warm underfoot.
In mint condition, odour nuisance due to inherent odour.
Linoleum is coatable and available in differenttypes. Simple linoleum floorings have a thinner use-surface compared with cork linoleum.
Bonding floorings with an underlayer made of ‘corkment’ or foam are rare.
Characteristics and Properties
Simple linoleum Cork linoleum (corkment) Bonding linoleum
underlayer
linoleum layer cork linoleum
jute tissue jute tissue
linoleum layer
jute tissue
Different types of linoleum
11
PVC – powerful.
Elastic, very abrasion-resistant and generally coatable.
PVC is a plastic whose main component is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Furthermore it consists of fillers, pigments (colourings), stabilisers and softeners. The latter are added during the production process as PVC is originally hard and thus not flexible, which would prevent it from being further processed to floorings.
PVC floors distinguish themselves by high durabili-ty and production at a reasonable price. However, their market share decreased over the past years in favour of more environmentally friendly floors. PVC hardly absorbs any water, is generally coatable and resistant to acids, lyes, alcohols, oil and benzine.
PVC floors are available as so-called substrate-free PVC floorings which again differ in their homog-enous or heterogeneous properties: floorings are homogenous if they consist of one or several layers with the same composition; whereas floorings are heterogeneous if they consist of at least two layers with different compositions. In contrast, PVC floorings on substrates are floorings which consist of the PVS use-surface
combined with an elastic underlayer made of jute felt, polyester, foam or cork. PVC floors are availa-ble in different colours, patterns and structures. In this context, structured floors (e.g. floors with inter-spersed granulate) are particularly nonslip. PVC has low flammability and can be highly electrostatical-ly conductive. Therefore, this flooring is often laid in spaces with high electrostatic stress due to elec-tronic devices, such as in operating theatres.
Important to cleaning Positive Negative
Like all other plastics, PVC is sensitive to solvents.Insensitive to abrasive
brushes and pads.
In case of fire, cancerogenic gases (furans and dioxins) as well as corrosive hydrochloride acid
gases (hydrogen chloride gas) develop.
Largely insensitive to alkalis. In individual cases, an undiluted basic cleaner can cause stains.
Insensitive to alkalis.Sensitive to solvent-containing
impurities such as road tar.
Sensitive to cigarette ember and burning-in through shoes. Shoe and heel streaks can be
removed with care product without any problems if a coating was applied before.
Short drying times (0.5 h) after basic cleaning.
Irreparable damage through burning-in (e.g. cigarette embers, strong heat through
friction): Plastic melts at the upper side.Tendency to electrostatic charging.
Migration: substances can migrate into the PVC due to influence by related materials. Migrated impurities
(e.g. rubber abrasion, shoe cream, ballpoint pens and felt streaks) cannot be removed anymore.
Insensitive to acids to a limited extent.
Colour solutions, such as coloured skin disinfectants can cause stains (in this case, we recommend desderman® pure which
is free of colouring and perfume).
Characteristics and Properties
middle layer
PVC layerPVC layer
substrate
Homogeneous flooring Heterogenous flooring
Different types of PVC
12
Elastomeric flooring – permanent elastic.
The natural one which does not require any coating measures!
The main component of elastomeric floorings is rubber or natural rubber to which sulphur, waxes, silicates, paraffin (anti-ageing agents) as well as fillers and colourings are added.By using different synthetic rubbers, it is possible to produce for almost any purpose suitable elas-tomeric floorings featuring high walking comfort, non slip (with structure types) and impact sound insulation.
Elastomeric floorings have an antistatic and insulating effect, have low flammability, save time and costs: as this flooring does not have any coating, any other necessary coating measures are not applicable. Moreover, these floorings are resistant to short exposures to solvents, diluted acids, lyes, oils and fats.
Important to cleaning Positive Negative
If coating is desired:NEVER pour coating agents directly onto
the surface, because this can cause stains. Always apply coating with a mop!
Non-porous, smooth surface (in contrast to other elastic floorings).
No coating necessary.Sensitive to acids
(pH < 4).
Short drying times (approx. 3 h) after basic cleaning, as no water is stored.
Non slip.Sensitive to alkalis
(pH > 10).
Scratches through mechanic damage with sharp objects.
Insensitive to tracks through burning-in of sports shoes.
Partly sensitive to UV radiation.
Long-term exposure through strong alkalis (pH value 11 – 14) leads to permanent
discolorations.
No burning-in through glowing cigarettes, as rubber cannot melt.
Sensitive to solvents, sensitive to skin disinfectants.
Sensitive to abrasive pads and brushes.
Cannot be polished with high-speed machines.
Characteristics and Properties
elastomer layer
elastomer layer naps
substrate
Homogeneous, smooth flooring Homogeneous nap flooring Heterogenous flooring
Elastomeric floorings are divided into the following types: • homogeneous • heterogeneous (possible substrate can be made of plastic foam, for example) • smooth and • structured floorings (naps)
Different rubber floorings
13
Surfaces viewed in detail.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Linoleum flooring The end of the paper clip penetrates easily. A carbonised piercing site (without bulge) develops without the surface of the flooring melting. The carbonised edge of the piercing site is hardly palpable. Smell of burnt hair or paper.
PVC flooring Very easy penetrating of the hot paper clip. The surface of the flooring melts, a carbonised piercing site with bulge develops from whose still hot residues filaments can be peeled off. The residues at the paper clip burn sootingly, the flame turns briefly green (see also Beilstein test).
Polyolefin flooring (an alternative to PVC in some areas) Very easy penetrating of the hot paper clip. The surface of the flooring melts, a carbonised piercing site with bulge develops from whose still hot residues filaments can be peeled off. The residues burn flickeringly and soot only slightly. Smell of burnt candle wax.
Elastomeric flooring Hardly any penetration of the hot paper clip into the flooring whose surface does not melt. A small hole develops at the piercing site without bulge and is hardly palpable. Typical smell of burnt rubber.
Polyurethane (PUR) flooringHardly any penetration of the hot paper clip into the flooring whose surface does not melt. Only a small, slightly carbonised hole develops at the piercing site without bulge and is hardly palpable. Pungent smell.
Elastic floorings, e.g. PVC and linoleum, are very similar in ap-pearance which makes it difficult to tell them apart visually. However, each type of flooring has its own specific properties which are extremely important to surface treatment (initial treatment or basic cleaning). Incorrect cleaners can cause irreparable damage to floorings.
For this reason, written cleaning and care instructions by the floor manufacturer must be strictly observed. If unsure about the type of flooring, or if there are no instructions available – often the case with older floorings, there are simple tests (other than visual identification) which can be carried out to quickly determine which flooring it is.
For the evaluation, the following reactions can be used ... • Behaviour of the flooring type when being pierced with the hot paper clip; • Smell when being pierced; • Appearance of the site after contact with the hot paper clip, • Behaviour of the flooring residues on the metal paper clip in
the gas flame.
... by means of which the type of flooring can be determined: • PVC and polyolefins deform when heated; they become soft and melt. • Elastomers do not melt due to their cross-linked structure. • Waxes and linoleum cement (component of the finished linoleum) do remain dimensionally stable when exposed to heat, but the organic components can carbonize visibly.
Comparison of different piercing sites of the paper clip test
A needle, or even better: a bent-up paper clip made of coppered wire is heated using a gas lighter (Fig. 1) and then pierced into the flooring at a site that does not stand out
(Fig. 2). After a slow removal (Fig. 3), it can be determined which kind of flooring is dealt with.
General differentiation of elastic floorings.
Paper clip test
14
Beilstein test and Tesa test.
schülke provides what floors require!
Modern cleaners and disinfectants by schülke can be largely applied to all types of floorings. However, please also observe the manufacturer’s specifications. Should you have any further queries, our sales team or Customer Care Department will be more than happy to help:
Schülke & Mayr GmbHD-22840 Norderstedt, Germany | Phone: +49-40-521 00-666 | e-mail: [email protected]
Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7 Fig. 9Fig. 8 Fig. 10
Identify PVC, proper care and coating: this test helps! A hot copper wire that has ceased glowing is used to remove a small amount of material from the flooring to be tested and to hold it into a Bunsen burner flame (not bright). If the substance to be tested contains any elementary halogens,
such as chlorine, the flame turns green – a reaction which is only triggered by PVC. The test is mostly carried out in a laboratory, but can alternatively also be performed on-site using the flame of a gas lighter.
By means of this test, non-obvious defects can be detected in a coating and, moreover, proper execution can be tested. The Tesa test - also called adhesive tape method – serves to visually check the adhesion of the coating to floorings. In order to obtain reliable results, the test should not be carried out until 3 days after the last coating measure.
Execution: Patch a standard commercial adhesive tape onto the floorings to be tested and rub it onto the floor. Afterwards, slowly remove the adhesive tape at an angle as acute as possible. If the coating sticks to the adhesive tape, the coating is non-adherent. This is best visible on a dark underlay.
The first helps to definitely identify PVC,the second detects defects in the coating.
Comparison of the results of the Beilstein test
Beilstein test
Tesa test
15
Powerful products for high stress!
schülke surface disinfectants are first choice products regarding care and maintenance of elastic floorings:
16
Please note: 1. Apply schülke surface disinfectants at the specified concentration only. 2. On structured floorings, a higher application concentrations of the stock solution of perform® can require second wiping.3. Use disinfectant safely. Always read label and product information before use.
We provide recommendation on the use or application of our products only to the best of our knowledge and in good faith; They do not represent any guarantees, nor assumption of an obligation to meet claims regarding effectiveness unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing. Our usual terms and conditions apply.
schülkeproduct
s&m® Pflegeadditiv
s&m® Reinigungs-
additiv
antifect® FF
antifect® AF (N)
pursept® AF
terralin® PAA
terralin® protect perform®
Type
of fl
oori
ng
PVC
Linoleum
Rubber
Long-lasting protection.Easy application.
17
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2349 | III | 09.14 | A | westwerkThis product information is not automatically updated.
Schülke & Mayr GmbH22840 Norderstedt | GermanyPhone | Fax +49 - 40 521 00 - 0 | -318www.schuelke.com
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