All information on this page is copied material from Gulvfakta, which is a technical reference material, Source: Gulvfakta

5.2.0.1 Introduction
This chapter includes:
• Introduction
• Planning floor cleaning
• Cleaning of textile coverings
Cleaning resilient floor coverings:
• Linoleum floors
• Cork clinoleum floors
• Cork floors
• Vinyl floors
• Rubber floors
Cleaning wooden floors:
• Oil-treated wooden floors
• Varnished wooden floors
• Lye-treated wooden floors
• Cleaning laminate floors
• Cleaning asphalt floors with a glossy surface
• Cleaning of hard plastic floors
• Cleaning of other joint-free floors
In this section, the choice of floor covering is described only from a cleaning point of view.

Many floor covering descriptions end with a note that the flooring contractor must submit cleaning and maintenance instructions to the client. However, cleaning and maintenance should be clarified already in the design phase. For example, within the food industry there may be a need to clean the floors with hot water rinsing (for hygienic reasons). As you know from cleaning wooden terraces , not all floor coverings can withstand this type of cleaning. Cleaning should therefore already be considered when choosing the floor and it should be the designer who prepares cleaning and maintenance instructions, e.g. by referring to this section in the Flooring Industry's Floor Facts or the coating supplier's current cleaning instructions. When referring to Gulvbranchen's Gulvfakta, relevant link addresses must be specified. Depending on the economy, the use of the floor, load, personnel and the available cleaning machines, the cleaning methods are diverse. The flooring industry has chosen to use the coating suppliers' cleaning instructions as the basis for the advice in this chapter. Therefore, the cleaning of each individual coating type is described separately. To practice cleaning, there are a number of care products and cleaning machines. The educational institutions that train cleaning staff must take it upon themselves to find the most suitable cleaning agents and machines. In this section, alternative cleaning and treatment methods will also be explained. In terms of operational economics, the optimal choice of floor covering and cleaning and maintenance methods is of great importance. The flooring industry has developed a tool for calculating the floor's total economy, according to the cradle-to-grave principle. The tool is available on the Flooring Industry's website, use this link.

5.2.0.2 Planning floor cleaning
When determining the cleaning procedure for a floor, the following factors are important to consider:
1. hygiene requirements
2. the floor covering material
3. dirt types
and on the basis of these are determined
1. cleaning and maintenance methods and frequencies
2. cleaning and care products
3. use of machines and tools.

Hygiene requirements
Within the healthcare system, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry including commercial kitchens, there are often very specific and high requirements for the hygiene standard, with resulting requirements for cleaning methods and material selection.
Floor covering material
The term "floor covering material" is understood here as everything that can be affected by the upcoming cleaning operation, e.g. type of covering, type of material and surface treatment. The possibilities for cleaning depend to a large extent on the coating, especially on whether it is a textile coating or not. In addition, the material plays a large role, for example, in resistance to chemicals, including cleaning agents - and static electricity. Surface treatment applied during use also plays a role, e.g. whether polish is used or not. The coating surface can be treated in different ways from the factory. Linoleum can be treated with a self-glossing emulsion, and vinyl can have a polyurethane surface.
Types of dirt
The floor covering and dirt impact must be compatible - i.e. the type of dirt expected must not damage the floor covering. As an example of "not compatible", it can be mentioned that dirt in the form of particles can cause great wear and tear on some floor coverings, and that spillage of dyes in e.g. copy rooms can cause permanent stains on the floor.
Cleaning agent/care product
The intended cleaning agent must be effective against the current types of dirt, and at the same time it must not damage the floor covering. For example, a strong alkaline agent is effective against many fats, but at the same time it can have a destructive effect on the floor covering surface.
Cleaning machines and tools
The machines and tools that are available for floor cleaning must not damage the surface of the floor, e.g. through hard mechanical impact. Another example is that flammable solvents cannot be used in electric cleaning machines due to the risk of ignition. Agents that attack gaskets/hoses cannot be used in cleaning machines, as this entails a risk of leaks with the resulting leakage of the agent onto the floor. Suitable agents, methods and machines/tools are mentioned under the individual floor covering products.

5.2.0.3 Mat systems
Mat systems are dirt prevention measures.
To reduce the need for cleaning, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of effective mat systems at entrance areas etc. So that dirt coming from outside is removed before it reaches the actual floor covering. The most effective mat systems are made as a combination of scraper grates and "dirt mats". To get a proper effect from mat arrangements, they must be so large that at least 4 - 5 steps are taken on them. Similarly, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of mat arrangements for traffic from workshops, canteens and the like, where there is dirt that can be difficult to remove from the floor.

5.2.0.4 Cleaning of textile coverings
The choice of cleaning method must be coordinated with the specific type of carpet and in accordance with the recommendations of the carpet supplier. It is important to know the materials in the carpet and in some cases in the carpet's underlay when choosing a cleaning method. It is also important to clarify whether the purpose of the cleaning is primarily hygiene, appearance and/or durability.

Carpets are maintained in the following ways:
Vacuuming: Removes loose dirt particles and dust
Cleaning: Removes stubborn dirt
Stain removal: Removes stains in limited areas

Vacuuming
Vacuuming is the most used method for removing dust and loose dirt. A vacuum cleaner's efficiency is not only a question of suction power, but equally a question of the design of the nozzle in relation to the type of carpet. Effective vacuuming can be achieved with a nozzle with rotating brushes. Some carpet types with wool/natural fibers must not be vacuumed with a brush nozzle. A smooth mouthpiece is recommended here instead. Any excess fluff from new carpets is continuously removed with a smooth nozzle.
Cleaning
Removal of stubborn dirt can be done with the following cleaning methods:
Dry cleaning
Cleaning with a dry cleaner has the advantage that you can walk on the carpet while the cleaning is in progress.
Wet cleaning
The most widely used method is the extraction method. It is carried out mechanically by adding cleaning solution to the carpet, followed by rinsing and soaking with clean water. In some cases, machines can combine the extraction method with mechanical processing of the carpet surface for more effective dirt removal.
Stain removal
Fast response to stains increases the possibility of a good result. Always work the stain from the outer edge towards the centre. Most stains can be removed with water, but in some cases it will be necessary to use an approved carpet stain remover.
Preventive measures
In order to reduce the impact of dirt, an effective mat zone can already be planned in the design phase to stop the entrainment of dirt. It can be dirt from outdoor areas, between kitchen and restaurant, between factory and offices and in lifts. This will protect the carpeting and reduce maintenance costs. The mat zone from outdoor areas should start with a scraping mat to initially stop the entrainment of coarse particles. After this, a dirt mat will retain moisture and smaller particles. The most effective mat zone should have a length of at least 5 meters. Vacuum the mats daily with a rotating brush nozzle and ensure that these are cleaned at regular intervals to maintain maximum absorption of moisture and dirt.
Cleaning program for carpets
When reviewing the carpet areas, a cleaning plan is drawn up, where needs and intervals for the effort are determined. The need for carpet cleaning depends on how much traffic there is on the carpet. The traffic can be divided into 3 groups, and based on these, an indicative proposal for the cleaning program can be made.

This cleaning program is intended as a guide. If special conditions and requests are to be accommodated, the cleaning program must be adapted.

5.2.0.5 Cleaning of elastic floor coverings
Dirt prevention measures
To reduce the need for cleaning, dirt prevention measures can be carried out. In particular, it must be recommended that good entrance areas are established, where dirt from the outside is removed using a combination of scraper grates and "dirt mats". To get a proper effect from mat arrangements, they must be so large that at least 4 - 5 steps are taken on them. Similarly, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of mat arrangements for traffic from workshops, canteens and the like, where there is dirt that can be difficult to remove from semi-hard floor coverings.
Electrically conductive coatings
Floor coverings with electrically conductive properties must not be cleaned with cleaning or care products that prevent or change the conduction from the floor surface.

Methods, machines and equipment
Methods for cleaning semi-hard floor coverings can be divided as follows:
• Dust removal, which aims to remove dust and all loose dirt particles,
• Intermediate cleaning, which aims to remove persistent, superficial dirt,
• Basic cleaning, which aims to remove all dirt, as well as possibly also a protective layer, e.g. in the form of polish,
• Application of polish which aims to establish a protective surface film.
Easy cleaning (vacuum cleaning)
Vacuuming is effective in removing dust and smaller, loose dirt particles. Vacuum cleaners are available in a wide range, ranging from small household vacuum cleaners to industrial vacuum cleaners. Only in a few, preferably larger office buildings, are central vacuum systems installed in the basement, from which pipes are run to all floors with an appropriate number of connections. In this way, vacuuming can be carried out without bringing a vacuum cleaner.
Mopping
Properly performed with the right type of mop, the method is satisfactory for cleaning in both hygienic and economic terms. Working with a mop on rough or uneven surfaces is inappropriate.

There are 3 main types of mops:
1. With contact surface of cotton yarn,
2. With contact surface of foam rubber/nylon and
3. With contact surface that is charged statically.

The former is generally impregnated with dust binding agents and can optionally be supplemented with a piece of gauze or paper fabric which is also impregnated. The latter is only used in connection with impregnated gauze or paper fabric. The mops are available in different widths, e.g. 60, 90 or 120 cm, corresponding to the paths that are cleaned when the mop is moved across the floor. Ideally, as far as possible, mopping should be done in a movement pattern so that the mop is not lifted from the floor in the room in question and so that the dust collects on and at the front edge of the mop. There are self-propelled mops in the form of an electric vehicle, fitted with cotton yarn type mops. Such vehicles provide high efficiency, but can only be used on large, open areas.

Easy cleaning (damp wash)
Performed as floor washing with the difference that the floor surface is only treated damp with a wring or pressed cloth or mop, and not as in floor washing; wet with subsequent drying. If detergent/care agent is used, the dosage must be lower than when washing, as there is a risk of building up a dirty care film on the floor surface.
Intermediate cleaning (washing)
Floor washing has traditionally been done with a floor scrubber and floor cloth. Today, there are other options in the form of swabs with cotton threads or sponge. The mop/sponge can be twisted or pressed into a device, simply by pressing a handle or pedal. In this way, the cleaning staff avoid getting their hands in the dirty water and achieve better working positions. The best result is achieved by using separate containers for clean wash water and dirty wash water.
Basic cleaning (scrubbing)
Basic cleaning is done by scrubbing with a machine. The most widely used machine is the single disc machine, equipped either with a scrubbing brush or a nylon disc, intended for scrubbing. The machine can be equipped with a tank for the current cleaning agent. By activating a handle, the cleaning agent from the tank can be dosed in an appropriate amount onto the floor surface. On larger areas, self-propelled scrubbers can be used, which both scrub and suck up the dirty water in one operation.
Polish treatment
Many floor coverings can be treated with a polish, which can make the floor covering easier to clean, give the floor covering a shine or protect the floor. This is particularly an advantage with older and worn floor coverings, which are so porous and rough that dirt is absorbed and bound to the surface of the floor covering. With prior thorough cleaning and subsequent polishing treatment, a "sealing" of the surface is achieved (filling the pores of the floor covering). Polish must be applied in even, thin layers in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For certain types of polish, the gloss can be increased by subsequent polishing. Polishing is done with a floor machine with polishing disc or polishing brush, as the instructions from the supplier of the polishing machine must be followed.

A distinction is made between 4 different rotational speeds when polishing:
150 - 300 rpm. - Low speed
300 - 800 rpm. - High Speed
800 - 1,500 rpm. - Super High Speed
1,500 - 3,000 rpm. - Ultra High Speed
The choice of rotation speed is of great importance for achieving gloss. The higher the rotation speed, the higher the gloss

PUR Polish
There are a number of polyurethane based polish products to "refresh" old and worn linoleum surfaces. The products can be used on most surfaces and give a "fresh" look. Be aware that the linoleum factory-made surface is removed and that the linoleum manufacturer's warranty disappears

Cleaning program for semi-hard floor coverings
The need for cleaning semi-hard floor coverings depends on the traffic to which the covering is exposed. The traffic can be divided into the 3 groups shown below, after which corresponding indicative cleaning program proposals can be used as described.

This cleaning program is intended as a guide for selecting and determining procedures that can satisfy the need for floor care. If special circumstances and wishes are to be accommodated, the procedure must be changed and adapted.

Cleaning of linoleum floors
For the sake of cleaning, it is recommended that the linoleum covering is carried out with wire-fused joints with the fusible wire specified by the linoleum manufacturer.
Before commissioning
Linoleum is treated by the factory with a self-glossing emulsion that protects the surface during the construction period, facilitates future cleaning and minimizes cleaning costs. The self-glossing emulsion is an integral part of the coating and therefore normally does not have to be removed. If the coating has been soiled/scratched during the construction period, it must be scrubbed with a soft brush or scouring pad with detergent added. The coating is then washed according to the linoleum supplier's instructions so that a protective film is once again established on the surface. If there are conditions that make it necessary to remove the self-glossing emulsion, the linoleum supplier's instructions must be followed.
Ongoing cleaning
Cleaning can be done by vacuuming with a brush nozzle (to avoid scratching the surface), sweeping or dry mopping, and subsequent washing with lukewarm water with a detergent/care agent that leaves a protective film on the surface. For linoleum, cleaning agents with a pH value above 9 in the working solution must not be used. Alkaline agents (brown soap, soda, lye, scouring powder and the like) must not be used, as they attack the linoleum coating.
Basic cleaning
When the continuous cleaning no longer gives a satisfactory result, the protective film applied during the continuous cleaning is removed with a basic cleaning agent. The floor is then washed with clean, lukewarm water. When the floor is completely dry, it is washed again with water with detergent/care agent added, or a protective film can be applied with one or two treatments with an emulsion wax. Cleaning cork clinoleum floors
Before commissioning
Corklinoleum comes with a factory finish without wax. It is therefore recommended that the surface be washed before use with a detergent/care agent with a dosage that is higher than that recommended for regular cleaning.
Ongoing cleaning
Cleaning can be done by dry mopping, sweeping or by vacuuming. If necessary, wash the floor with detergent/care agent without wax. The solution to be used must have a pH value of 8.5 - 8.7.
Basic cleaning
When the ongoing cleaning no longer gives a satisfactory result, the floor is scrubbed with a brush and lukewarm water with basic cleaning agent added. The solution to be used must have a pH value of 6.5 - 7.5. A nylon disc should not be used, as this causes a change in the surface of the cork clinoleum. Afterwards, wash with clean water and remove all traces of soap. Any marks from rubber heels are removed with mineral spirits or kerosene. For cork clinoleum, soda, lye, ammonia water, scouring powder or other strongly alkaline agents must not be used, as they attack the coating surface. Floor polish must not be used either.
Cleaning cork floors
The procedure below is for cork floors with vinyl wear.
Before commissioning
Cork floors require no special treatment before use. If building cleaning is required, it must be carried out at the earliest one day after application.
Ongoing cleaning
Ongoing cleaning is carried out by vacuuming or mopping. When mopping/vacuuming no longer gives a satisfactory result, wash with a hard-wrung cloth (moist drying). The washing water must have added universal cleaning agent with a pH value of 7-8 in a working solution. If mechanical cleaning is used, a machine must be used that cleans and absorbs the washing water in one operation.
Basic cleaning
When continuous cleaning no longer gives a satisfactory result, washing is carried out with a hard-wrung cloth followed by drying. A universal basic cleaner is used, with a pH value of 7 - 8 in the working solution. If mechanical cleaning is used, a round with fine, soft brushes must be used. The washing water must be sucked up in the same work process. The amount of water must be minimized and the floor must be carefully wiped after washing. If the surface is matte, it can be treated with polish. A polish that can be removed without special means must be used.
Stain removal
Stains caused by rubber heels can be removed with turpentine or kerosene. Do not use acetone or other solvents. Any glue stains can be removed with alcohol, as the current glue supplier should be contacted. Brown soap, soap shavings or cleaning agents with abrasives must not be used. Cork tiles are sensitive to water effects. There is a risk of edge lifting and discoloration when using too much water or not wiping.
Cleaning vinyl floors
For reasons of cleaning, the vinyl coating must be done with welded joints with a welding wire specified by the vinyl manufacturer.
Before commissioning
In the event of soiling during the construction period, the coating can be scrubbed with a fiber pad or a soft brush if necessary. with the use of lukewarm water with added universal detergent. In case of moderate soiling during the construction period, the coating can be cleaned by basic cleaning. Basic cleaning is described below. Cleaning with water must not be carried out before the glue used has hardened.
Ongoing cleaning
Ongoing cleaning of vinyl is done by vacuuming with a brush nozzle (to avoid scratching the surface), sweeping or dry mopping. When washing the floor, the instructions listed below for different types of vinyl must be followed. Ongoing cleaning must be done as needed - see schedule at the beginning of this section.
All stains must be removed immediately!
Some stains, e.g. from alcohol pens, pens, shoe polish, ketchup, crayons, dirty oils and fats, tar, asphalt and rubber wheels, can penetrate the vinyl coating and leave permanent marks. With immediate action, such stains can be removed with basic cleaner or oil remover and subsequent rinsing with clean water.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous vinyls
The floor is washed with water with added universal cleaner or detergent/care agent that leaves a protective film after washing. If the floor is heavily stressed, it can be polished. Before polishing, the coating must be thoroughly cleaned. The polish is applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. The polish treatment leaves a protective layer that facilitates cleaning and protects the floor surface. In water-stressed areas, e.g. shower sinks, washing areas etc., remove any limescale deposits with a limescale-removing cleaning agent. The floor is then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Polished vinyls and vinyls with a polyurethane surface can be cleaned with a cleaning agent that does not leave a protective film. This minimizes the occurrence of visible walkways.
Non-slip vinyls
Non-slip vinyl must be cleaned with water mixed with universal cleaner. The cleaning agent must not change the non-slip properties of the coating. After washing, the floor must be rinsed with clean water. In water-stressed areas, e.g. shower sinks, washing areas etc., remove any limescale deposits with a limescale-removing cleaning agent. The floor is then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
Quartz vinyl tiles
Quartz vinyl tiles are washed with water added with a detergent/care agent that leaves a protective film on the floor surface. Quartz vinyl tiles can also be polished, as described under homogeneous/heterogeneous vinyls.
Basic cleaning
When the continuous cleaning no longer gives a satisfactory result, the protective film applied during the continuous cleaning or the polishing treatment must be removed during basic cleaning. Basic cleaning must be carried out with a basic cleaning agent used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The floor is then washed with clean, lukewarm water.

Cleaning of rubber floors
Before commissioning, Rubber coverings are delivered from the factory treated with a protective emulsion. The emulsion and possibly dirt from the construction period is removed by sweeping with a soft broom or vacuuming with a brush nozzle followed by washing with lukewarm water (max 50°C) with basic cleaning agent added. Cleaning must not be carried out before the glue has hardened. Distribution of basic cleaner can be done with a machine, cloth or sponge. If the coating has become heavily soiled during the construction period, it can be scrubbed. Scrubbing is done mechanically with soft/semi-rigid brushes or scrubbing pads without abrasives. After scrubbing, rinse the coating with clean water.

The rubber floor can then be finished using the following methods:
A thin, even layer of polish is applied to the rubber floor with a lint-free cloth or sponge, after which the surface must dry for 20 - 30 minutes. Another layer of polish is then applied, but applied "perpendicularly" to the first layer. The rubber floor is treated with a washing/care agent which leaves a protective film after washing. The detergent/care agent is applied after basic cleaning with a machine with a sprayer, cloth or sponge according to the manufacturer's instructions. The applied detergent/care agent is then dried with a hard-wrung cloth.
Ongoing cleaning
The floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches in the floor surface are avoided. Ongoing cleaning is carried out as needed, see schedule at the beginning of this section. If the floor has been polished, wash it with universal cleaner. Detergent is removed by thorough drying.
If the floor has been treated with detergent/care product, this treatment is continued, as described under section 2 above.
ATTENTION! Brown soap and soap shavings are not suitable for rubber floors.
Basic cleaning
When the continuous cleaning no longer gives satisfactory results, the polish or the protective film formed during the continuous cleaning must be removed by basic cleaning. Basic cleaning is carried out by washing with water added with a basic cleaning agent. After applying basic cleaner, scrub for polish etc. is loose, then wash with clean water. For scrubbing, use soft/semi-rigid brushes or scouring pads without abrasives. Basic cleaning agent is applied with a machine, cloth or sponge, after which it is removed by rinsing with clean water and subsequent drying with a hard-wrung cloth, sponge or water suction. After this, the rubber floor must be finished, as stated under "before putting into use", section 1 or 2.

5.2.0.6 Cleaning of wooden floors

Cleaning wooden floors depends on whether the wooden floor has been treated or not. Untreated wooden floors require more cleaning and maintenance than treated wooden floors.
Dirt prevention measures
To reduce the need for cleaning, dirt prevention measures can be carried out. In particular, it must be recommended that good entrance areas are established, where dirt from the outside is removed using a combination of scraper grates and "dirt mats". To get a proper effect from mat arrangements, they must be so large that at least 4 - 5 steps are taken on them. Similarly, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of mat arrangements for traffic from workshops, canteens and the like, where there is dirt that can be difficult to remove from the wooden floor.
Oiled wooden floors
Oil-treated wooden floors must be cleaned periodically to maintain a good visual impression and satisfactory cleaning quality. The required cleaning effort depends on the floor's intensity of use and dirt load. Cleaning must be organized according to the type of oil treatment that has been carried out.

The following can be used as cleaning tools:
• Mop stand with untreated or oiled mop cloths.
• Vacuum cleaner with brush nozzle.
• Floor scrub/cloth, flat mop etc.
• Floor washing machine (combination or rotor cleaner).

1. Oil treatment carried out with hardening oil
The floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches on the surface are avoided. If necessary, use a yellow oilcloth to refresh the oil treatment. When vacuuming/sweeping/yellow oil cloth no longer gives satisfactory results, wash off with a hard-wrung cloth followed by polishing. Hardening oil must be used for polishing. The washing water must have the care agent specified by the oil supplier added to it. Regardless of the wooden floor's impregnation with oil, wooden floors are sensitive to water effects. When wet drying/washing, a moderate amount of water must therefore be used, followed by thorough drying.

2. Oil treatment done with non-hardening oil
The floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches on the surface are avoided. If necessary, use a yellow oilcloth to refresh the oil treatment. When vacuuming/sweeping/yellow oil cloth no longer gives satisfactory results, wash off with a hard-wrung cloth followed by polishing. Non-hardening oil must be used for polishing. The washing water must have the care agent specified by the oil supplier added to it. Regardless of the wooden floor's impregnation with oil, wooden floors are sensitive to water effects. When wet drying/washing, a moderate amount of water must therefore be used, followed by thorough drying.

Overall impression
The overall impression of a properly oiled wooden floor must be:
"Uniform silky matt/glossy surface. Scratches from furniture without protection on furniture legs (felt shoes) and from footwear may occur after use".
Maintenance of oiled wooden floors
Maintenance of oiled wooden floors aims to repair worn, scratched and dull parts of the floor. The need for maintenance depends on the floor's intensity of use and dirt load. It is important to maintain with wooden floor oil when needed. It can be from daily to once every two years. Over time, there will be a maintenance interval for the current premises.

Tools
Application: Manual or mechanical (single disc machine or rotor cleaner).
Drying: Manual or (best) machine (dry cloth on single disc machine).
Intermediate sanding: Sanding net, sanding disc on single disc machine.
After proper maintenance with wooden floor oil, the wooden floor appears with a reasonably uniform surface, without edges but with some gloss difference between treated and untreated areas. Oil-soaked materials must be removed after use and discarded or stored properly. Oil-soaked rags must be destroyed or stored properly to avoid self-ignition.
Lacquered wooden floors
The floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches on the surface are avoided. When vacuuming/sweeping no longer gives a satisfactory result, wash with a hard-wrung cloth followed by drying. The washing water must have added universal detergent, dosed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of the wooden floor's varnish, wooden floors are sensitive to water effects. When damp drying/washing, a moderate amount of water must therefore be used, followed by thorough drying.
Lime-treated wooden floors
The floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches on the surface are avoided. When vacuuming/sweeping no longer gives a satisfactory result, wash with a hard-wrung cloth followed by drying. The washing water must have detergent added, dosed according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the floor is treated with soap and/or pipe cleaners, it is an advantage to add a soap to the wash water that closes the wood's pores. Regardless of the wooden floor's lye treatment, wooden floors are sensitive to water effects. When damp drying/washing, a moderate amount of water must therefore be used, followed by thorough drying.

5.2.0.7 Cleaning of laminate floors
Dirt prevention measures
To reduce the need for cleaning, dirt prevention measures can be carried out. In particular, it must be recommended that good entrance areas are established, where dirt from the outside is removed using a combination of scraper grates and "dirt mats". To get a proper effect from mat arrangements, they must be so large that at least 4 - 5 steps are taken on them. Similarly, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of mat arrangements for traffic from workshops, canteens and the like, where there is dirt that can be difficult to remove from the laminate floor. The laminate floor is swept with a soft broom or vacuumed with a brush nozzle with soft bristles so that scratches on the surface are avoided. When vacuuming/sweeping no longer gives a satisfactory result, wash with a hard-wrung cloth followed by drying. The washing water must have added universal detergent, dosed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Brown soap, soap shavings, wax, polish or abrasive cleaners must not be used.

Laminate floors are sensitive to major water impacts. When damp drying/washing, a moderate amount of water must therefore be used, followed by thorough drying. If too much water is used and there is no subsequent drying, there is a risk of deformation of the laminate floor. Wet cleaning methods must not be used on laminate floors. Stains are most easily removed if it is done immediately after they are detected. Stains can usually be removed with an all-purpose cleaner. Stains from asphalt, rubber, lipstick and shoe polish etc. removed with household alcohol, acetone or similar. Dry with a hard-wrung cloth followed by thorough drying. The wax and chewing gum must dry completely, after which it can be carefully scraped off.

5.2.0.8 Cleaning of hard plastic floors
Correct cleaning of hard plastic floors is important to maintain the floor's good qualities in the long run, incorrect or insufficient cleaning can cause damage to the floor. The need for cleaning should already be considered in the design phase. The starting point must be the use of the floors and the resulting need for cleaning. Thermoplastic floors used in the healthcare sector will often require daily washing with disinfectant cleaning agents, in the food sector hot water rinsing is often used, while the cleaning of floors used in ordinary office premises can often be done with a dry mop and occasionally mechanical or manual floor washing. If there are problems with the cleaning of the floors, it often pays to analyze the way the floors are used. Small changes in the influences the floors are exposed to can often change the cleaning needs dramatically. An example: Heavy traffic on rubber wheels (such as trucks, pallet stackers, etc.) tends to deposit black lines on the floors, which almost burn into place. Such streaks can be extremely difficult to remove with ordinary cleaning, but the problem can be prevented by switching to white/bright tyres. Always consult the suppliers when drawing up the operation and maintenance plans for the floors, they can advise on cleaning based on the cleaning needs and the selected product.

Methods, machines and equipment
Methods for cleaning hard plastic floors can be divided as follows:
• Light cleaning - dust removal, which aims to remove dust and all loose dirt particles,
• Intermediate cleaning, which aims to remove persistent, superficial dirt,
• Basic cleaning, which aims to remove all dirt, as well as possibly also a protective layer, e.g. in the form of polish,
• Application of polish which aims to establish a protective surface film.

Easy cleaning
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is an effective method for removing dust and smaller, loose dirt particles. Vacuum cleaners are available in a wide range, ranging from small household vacuum cleaners to industrial vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaner should be equipped with HEPA filters.
Mopping
Properly performed with the right type of mop, the method is satisfactory for cleaning in both hygienic and economic terms. Working with mops on rough or uneven surfaces is inappropriate.

There are 3 main types of mops:
• With contact surface made of cotton yarn,
• With contact surface of foam rubber/nylon
• With contact surface that is charged statically.
The former is generally impregnated with dust binding agents and can optionally be supplemented with a piece of gauze or paper fabric which is also impregnated. The latter is only used in connection with impregnated gauze or paper fabric.

The mops are available in different widths, e.g. 60, 90 or 120 cm, corresponding to the paths that are cleaned when the mop is moved across the floor. Ideally, as far as possible, mopping should be done in a movement pattern so that the mop is not lifted from the floor in the room in question and so that the dust collects on and at the front edge of the mop. There are self-propelled mops in the form of an electric vehicle, fitted with cotton yarn type mops. Such vehicles provide high efficiency, but can only be used on large, open areas.
Damp floor cleaning
Floor washing with a hard-wrung cloth or hard-pressed mop is referred to as damp floor washing. The floor cloth must be so dry that subsequent drying is unnecessary. The dosage of detergent/care agent must be lower than when washing, as there is a risk of building up a dirty care film on the floor surface.

Intermediate cleaning
Floor washing machine - manual
Floor washing has traditionally been done with a floor scrubber and floor cloth. Today, there are other options in the form of swabs with cotton threads or sponge. The mop/sponge can be twisted or pressed into a device, simply by pressing a handle or pedal. In this way, the cleaning staff avoid getting their hands in the dirty water and achieve better working positions. The cleaning agents should also be adjusted according to need and in general you should not use stronger cleaning agents than necessary. Detergents with a pH value of approx. 7 are the most gentle on the floors. You should not use strongly alkaline cleaning agents such as potassium hydroxide (caustic soda) etc. Cleaners based on this type of product tend to dull the surface of hard plastic floors. The best result is achieved by using the so-called "2-bucket" system, with separate containers for clean wash water and dirty wash water.
Floor washing - machine
On larger areas, floor washing can advantageously be done mechanically (possibly with self-propelled machines). The cleaning machines typically have a tank with water and a dosing system for the cleaning agent and one or more scrubbing brushes that process the floor surface. The best machines are designed to scrub and suck up the dirty water in one operation.
Basic cleaning (scrubbing)
Basic cleaning is typically carried out by machine and follows the principles described under floor washing - by machine, but stronger cleaning agents are often used
Polish treatment
Polishing of hard plastic floors is used almost exclusively on polyurethane floors. Polish must be applied in even, thin layers in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Certain types of polish must be polished after laying.
Electrically conductive coatings
Floor coverings with electrically conductive properties must not be cleaned with cleaning or care products that prevent or change the conduction from the floor surface.

5.2.0.9 Cleaning asphalt floors
Dirt prevention measures
To reduce the need for cleaning, dirt prevention measures can be carried out. In particular, it must be recommended that good entrance areas are established, where dirt from the outside is removed using a combination of scraper grates and "dirt mats". To get a proper effect from mat arrangements, they must be so large that at least 4 - 5 steps are taken on them. Similarly, dirt prevention measures can be carried out in the form of mat arrangements for traffic from workshops, canteens and the like, where there is dirt that can be difficult to remove from the asphalt floor.
Polish treatment
The asphalt floor must be polished before use. The purpose of the polish treatment is to protect the surface so that contamination is avoided, to make the coating easier to clean and to give the floor a shine. Before the polish treatment, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned according to the supplier's instructions.
Ongoing cleaning
Ongoing cleaning is done by vacuuming with a brush nozzle to avoid scratching the surface, sweeping or dry mopping. Possibly. can subsequently be washed with lukewarm water with added universal detergent.
Basic cleaning
When the continuous cleaning no longer gives a satisfactory result, the protective film applied during the continuous cleaning is removed during basic cleaning. Basic cleaning is carried out by washing with water with added basic cleaning agent. The floor is then washed with clean, lukewarm water. When the floor is completely dry, wash it again with water and a salt-based universal cleaner. A protective film is then applied with 1 or 2 treatments with emulsion wax.