As the vibrant colours of fall roll in, so do challenges for your commercial floors. Leaves, dirt, and moisture can easily be tracked indoors by employees, clients, and customers, causing not only a mess but also long-term damage to your flooring.
Whether your commercial facility features tile, carpet, hardwood, or vinyl flooring, taking proactive steps before and during the fall can help extend the life of your commercial floors, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent slipping hazards.
Here’s how to protect your commercial flooring throughout the fall season:
1. Invest in A High-Quality Mat System
The entrance is the main area where autumn debris gets tracked in. A proper matting system can trap up to 80% of dirt and moisture before it enters your building.
Use a 3-part mat system:
- Scraper Mats outside to remove larger debris (leaves, mud)
- Wiper/Scraper Mats inside to trap moisture and finer dirt
- Drying Mats further to reduce remaining wetness
Make sure mats are cleaned regularly to stay effective—dirty mats only add to the problem.
2. Increase Cleaning Frequency
Fall weather brings more foot traffic, rain, and wind-blown debris. This means your regular floor cleaning schedule may no longer be enough.
Increase vacuuming and sweeping in high-traffic areas to keep dirt from embedding deeply into surfaces. Damp mop or auto-scrub hard flooring more frequently to remove moisture that could lead to staining, slipping, or mould growth.
3. Use Floor-Safe Cleaning Products
With more frequent cleaning, it’s crucial to use the right products for your floor type. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade finishes or leave floors slippery.
For example:
- Use pH-neutral cleaners for vinyl and tile
- Use low-moisture carpet cleaning methods to prevent mould
- Choose cleaners that leave no residue, especially on polished floors
4. Protect Floor Finishes
Fall debris—like sand, salt, and leaf particles—acts like sandpaper underfoot. Over time, this erodes the finish on hard floors, making them dull and more vulnerable to staining and scratching.
Consider applying or reapplying protective floor finish or sealant during the fall. This creates a barrier against grime and moisture, while also making cleaning easier.
5. Train Staff on Quick Spot Cleaning
Spills, wet footprints, and clumps of leaves can create safety hazards if not addressed immediately. Make sure your staff knows how to:
- Clean wet spots effectively
- Use caution signage for slippery areas
- Replace or reposition mats as needed
A proactive team can prevent small messes from becoming big problems.
Protect Your Floors All Season Long
Fall brings beauty—but also extra challenges. With the right preventative measures, you can protect your commercial flooring from the seasonal surge of leaves, dirt, and moisture. A clean, well-maintained floor not only looks professional—it also keeps everyone safer and helps your business avoid costly repairs.
Need help setting up a fall commercial floor care plan for your business? Our expert cleaning team is just a call away. Contact Clean Green Solutions for quality, reliable floor maintenance.