The Process of Stripping and Waxing Commercial Floors

 

Regardless of the type of business, commercial floors can quickly accumulate dust, grime, scratches, cracks, and other damage due to foot traffic. Neglected floors can be off-putting. Therefore, a scheduling stripping and waxing regularly can help protect the flooring and improve its appearance.

Stripping the floor involves removing layers of old floor wax and sealants before applying a new wax coating. The new protective wax creates a barrier between the floor surface and shoes and furniture scuffing, moisture, and other damage. Floor types that benefit from this process include acrylic, linoleum, epoxy, and vinyl composition tiles (VCT) floors.

Standard stripping-and-waxing treatment requires a stripping tool and solution, floor wax, mop, buckets and wringer, floor pads, auto scrubber, and a low-speed floor buffer. Experts recommend a 20-inch buffereasyse of use, handling, and manageable weight. A "Wet Floor" caution sign may be required for busy locations such as offices.

The first step is to dust-mop the floor before removing the old wax and sealant layers. Mix the stripping solution in a bucket per the instructions. Fill a second bucket or auto scrubber with cold water, and install the floor pads. For the best results, sectionalize the floor, depending on the stripping tool used. Next, apply the stripping solution to the floor section, and wait five to 10 minutes for it to dissolve the old wax and sealant. Move to the next section and repeat the process till the whole floor is covered.

Strip the area with the floor pads attached to the pad driver of the auto scrubber for several passes until the section is cleared. Move to the next section and repeat. Corners and crevices require an edging tool. Lastly, mop the spent stripping solution and wet-clean using cold water.

The stripping procedure takes longer than waxing, though the total time usually depends on the layers of wax applied previously. After stripping, seal using a sealing solution that permeates the flooring's pores, scratches, and shallow cracks and prepare the surface for waxing and finishing. Cleaning experts recommend applying two coats of sealant to cover the imperfections.

After the sealing solution dries, apply the wax. Professionals recommend three to five coats of high-quality wax for the best results. Mix the wax per the label instructions and put it on the floor using a clean applier mop. Allow it to dry before subsequent layers are added.

The final stage is finishing and buffing. Apply a finishing solution to help the wax settle on the floor. This reduces the chances of scratches and dirt buildup and promotes a smooth finish. Once the solution dries, buff the floor to remove dust and bring out a lustered finish. Buff when the gloss dulls during the period before the next stripping and waxing.

The stripping and waxing frequency depends on the level of wear from human traffic, objects, and weather elements. For regular foot traffic, you should strip and wax the floor annually. Consider stripping and waxing every six months for heavy traffic in places like learning institutions, shopping malls, and public transit facilities.

Choosing the Right Pressure Washer for Algae Removal

 

Algae grow on hot, humid surfaces, and a swimming pool area provides the environment for algae to thrive. The slimy green microorganism is unsightly and can be an injury hazard. While some DIY methods, such as hot water and vinegar, work for minor algae infestation, extensive and stubborn algae growth requires thorough and effective elimination techniques, like using a pressure washer. Fed by water through a garden hose, pressure washers use a vacuum or pump to send the water out through a high-pressure nozzle.

Consider the water pressure and flow when selecting the pressure washer for algae. The two crucial metrics of power washers are gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI). GPM determines the surface area covered by the water flow and rinsing power, while PSI indicates the water pressure. The two account for the pressure washer’s cleaning unit (CU) performance.

Dirt comes off easily under 50 PSI, but this does not work for algae removal, especially when lodged in cracks. Surface algae stains require about 1,000 PSI to remove, while stubborn growth calls for between 1,400 and 3,000 PSI. A residential pressure washer typically provides a maximum of 3,000 PSI, while a commercial version peaks at about 4,000. Do note that pressures over 3,000 PSI, typically used to remove rust, will strip a pool deck’s paint or dislodge sealants.

Selecting the pressure washer for algae by the GPM is trickier, but hinges on the area and the cleaning speed. A residential pressure machine with a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute requires more time for the same area of algae growth than a commercial version, which ranges between 6 and 9 gallons per minute. Experts suggest choosing the power washer based on GPM over PSI, as too much pressure can make the machine harder to handle and cause damage.

Considering the proximity to the pool water, the cleaning solution type and delivery mode both matter. While the pressurized water dislodges algae by itself, and does so better than a standard garden hose or broom, an additive such as commercial algae cleaning solution does ease the cleaning process and reduces the chances of recurring growth.

As for the type of machine, experts recommend a downstream injector pressure washer instead of the built-in soap tank type. The former first pressurizes the water, picks the soap, cleaning detergent, or bleach using a vacuum effect, then delivers the mixture to the nozzle. The built-in soap tank mixes the water and detergent first, then passes the solution through a pump and then to the nozzle. This working principle can result in pump damage from household cleaning solutions, even mild soap. Most washers have a “no bleach” caution on their bodywork.

The spray water nozzle on a pressure washer determines suitability for different applications. The types, identified using a nozzle number consisting of four or five digits, guide the user on the application. The first two digits indicate the nozzle spray angle in degrees. The four standard nozzle measures are 0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees. Experts recommend the 25-degree type for removing algae growth from the pool deck.

PCRF Fundraising Success in 2022 and 2023

 The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) was established in 1982 to help children with cancer increase their chances of survival. Since then, PCRF has invested over $43 million in pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment. The money that the foundation receives funds research usually within 12 months. The PCRF’s grant-making process includes the expertise of subject-matter experts, who review and score applications and choose the most promising ones.

The research funded through the PCRF might take years before researchers have a successful breakthrough, sometimes up to 20 years. According to the PCRF, more funds translate into more opportunities to fund ground-breaking research, which is why the organization is so aggressive about raising funding to fight childhood cancers.

In November 2022, PCRF announced its fundraising partnership with V Foundation for Cancer Research called Dribble for Victory over Cancer, which raised more than $300,000 in 2022. UCLA Hall of Famer and NBA player John Vallely founded the Dribble for Victory over Cancer in 2008, one that increases funding for cancer through sports.

This fundraising effort involved community members, students, and college basketball players convening at five universities. During the events, they met basketball coaches and players from other schools, took an on-campus course, and raised money for funding research to treat childhood cancers. These meetings were also a chance to honor pediatric cancer patients and their families, who served as honorary captains.

Some schools that participated in 2022 were Duke University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC State University, St. John’s University, and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA raised $150,000 for this cause at their event held on October 13, 2022. During the UCLA event, the UCLA athletics and women’s/men’s basketball teams partnered with PCRF, the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and V Foundation. Since its participation 15 years ago, UCLA has raised $2 million for cancer research through Dribble for Victory over Cancer.

In 2023, the PCRF received $400,000, money raised at the “A Culinary & Musical Experience” event at the Ranch at Laguna Resort in Laguna Beach, California. Michael and Joanna Irwin co-hosted the event in honor of their child, who passed away at eight months from childhood cancer.

Those in attendance enjoyed cocktails and a five-course meal paired with the appropriate wines. While attendees dined, they also listened to musical entertainment featuring music from Tim Reynolds, Lee Rocker (Stray Cats), Carneyval, and Josh & Matt Jenkins, among other acts.

The fundraising event raised awareness regarding how little funding goes toward research for pediatric cancers. According to the PCRF February 2023 press release, pediatric cancer research receives only a fraction of the funding allocated to researching adult cancers. The federal government, for instance, invests less than $3 per child each year in cancer research. Most funding comes from families, society, and philanthropic events such as “A Culinary & Musical Experience.”

Finally, at the end of March 2023, PCRF held its 25th Annual Reaching for the Cure run/walk event in Irvine, California, involving 2,600 runners and walkers. In 2023, the foundation raised over $600,000 at this event to fund scientific research in the next 12 months. The participation levels at the event motivated the foundation to continue its efforts to raise more money to fund more research.

Outside of fundraising events, the PCRF accepts donations from the public through individual donations of money and assets, corporate giving, and estate planning. For more information on giving to the PCRF, please visit www.pcrf-kids.org/contribute-cure/.

An Overview of Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning for Businesses

 Most businesses hire a facility cleaning company to keep their workspace clean and presentable. Employing a cleaning service safeguards the well-being of employees and allows the business to maintain a professional image when receiving clients and visitors.

Cleaning services for businesses can be divided into two major categories: janitorial and commercial cleaning. Janitorial cleaning encompasses daily cleaning services, which include cleaning the bathrooms and refilling supplies, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting, cleaning the windows, restocking the pantry, and disposing of trash. For office buildings, it may also involve sanitizing areas such as waiting rooms, conference rooms, and kitchens.

On the other hand, commercial cleaning services include specialized services done quarterly or yearly. These specialized services include deep carpet cleaning, exterior window cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and power washing. They require special supplies and equipment, such as industrial vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, specific floor polishers, and steam machines for sanitation and sterilization.

Commercial and janitorial cleaning companies provide their services to businesses in office buildings, schools, health care facilities, restaurants, and hospitality structures. Each of these businesses has specific facilities that require tailored services. Therefore, hiring a cleaning company that caters to your business type and is equipped with the right tools and technologies is important.

Cleaning companies must comply with safety and health standards imposed by company leadership and at a state level. Furthermore, they may need to train their staff to perform specific tasks or use certain equipment, and they may be required to possess specific certifications.

For instance, office buildings generally require basic cleaning services provided by most commercial cleaning companies. Health care structures, on the other hand, must employ companies with trained professionals and specific equipment and hospital-approved certifications, including through the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Cleaning companies operating in the hospitality industry must also comply with increasingly high standards. Structures such as restaurants, casinos, and event venues must ensure their preparation and service areas are cleaned and sanitized to pass health inspections. Furthermore, a clean working environment limits the risk of cross-contamination, which happens when contaminants from surfaces reach the food. For these reasons, restaurants should choose a company with certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Lastly, it is worth noting that businesses nowadays must pay even greater attention to keeping their work areas clean to limit the spread of infectious diseases. Since the start of COVID-19, businesses have been asked to comply with increasingly stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance for businesses such as offices, gyms, and community centers with regulations on when they must clean, sanitize, and disinfect surfaces.

In conclusion, businesses require janitorial and commercial cleaning services tailored to their specific business type and requirements. They may hire a company that provides both janitorial and specialized commercial cleaning, or contract different providers for specific tasks. Lastly, they must comply with protocols and regulations that can differ based on the business type.