How To Clean Non-Slip Flooring

Why Non-Slip Flooring Is Difficult to Clean

Almost all slips happen when floors are dirty (for example when contaminated with oil, food debris and dust). The very feature that makes non-slip flooring so effective – its ability to provide grip and prevent falls – is also the reason why it can be such a nightmare to clean. Traditional smooth flooring allows for easy sweeping and mopping, but non-slip surfaces are often textured or have tiny crevices designed to increase traction. These crevices are great at providing grip but are equally adept at trapping dirt, grime, grease, and other debris.

When you attempt to clean non-slip flooring using standard mopping techniques, you might find it almost impossible to remove all the dirt. Instead of lifting the grime off the floor, you might just end up spreading it around or worse, pushing it deeper into the crevices where it becomes even more difficult to remove. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially in high-traffic areas where the build-up of dirt can occur quickly. But don’t lose hope – there are effective strategies to clean non-slip flooring, ensuring it remains as safe and hygienic as possible.

Using Supermarket Cleaner

One of the first instincts when faced with a dirty floor is to reach for a generic surface cleaner or bleach from the supermarket. These products are easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and promise to tackle various types of dirt and grime. However, when it comes to non-slip flooring, these cleaners often fall short. The reason is simple: they are generally too mild to cut through the build-up of grease, dirt, and other contaminants that become embedded in textured surfaces.

Supermarket cleaners are formulated for general-purpose cleaning on smooth surfaces, where they can effectively break down dirt without needing to penetrate deeply into crevices. On non-slip flooring, they might manage to clean the surface dirt, but they will struggle to remove grime that has settled into the texture of the flooring. As a result, after cleaning, the floor may look superficially cleaner, but the embedded dirt remains, reducing the effectiveness of the non-slip surface over time.

Many people in an attempt to achieve better results resort to using dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent. These products are designed to cut through grease and are much more potent than standard floor cleaners. At first, it might seem like a clever solution—after all, if these detergents can clean dishes or clothes so effectively, surely they can handle a floor? While they might appear to work initially, there’s a significant drawback. These products are not designed to be used on flooring, especially non-slip surfaces. They leave behind a residue that doesn’t just sit on the surface but can also seep into the textured crevices. Over time, this residue can accumulate and create a dangerous slippery coating, negating the very purpose of your non-slip floor.

Choosing the Right Type of Mop

The type of cleaning product you use is crucial, but equally important is the type of mop you choose. Not all mops are created equal, and when it comes to cleaning non-slip flooring, the choice of mop can make a significant difference in your cleaning efforts.

Traditional sponge mops, for instance, are commonly found in households and are popular for their ability to absorb large amounts of water. However, when used on textured non-slip flooring, sponge mops can quickly become problematic. The rough surface of the floor can cause the sponge to break apart, leaving little bits of it behind as you clean. Not only does this make the floor dirtier than when you started, but it also creates more work as you now have to clean up the pieces of sponge as well. Sponge mops are also not effective at getting into the crevices and lifting out dirt – they tend to just glide over the surface, leaving the deeper grime untouched.

In contrast, a rag mop or microfibre mop is a much better choice for non-slip flooring. These mops are designed with durability in mind, and the material is better suited to handling the rough texture of non-slip surfaces. A microfibre mop has tiny fibres that can reach into the crevices and grab onto dirt, effectively lifting it off the floor rather than just moving it around. 

By using the right mop, you can significantly reduce the time and effort it takes to clean non-slip flooring and achieve a much more thorough clean. Read more on our comparison of scrubber dryer vs mops here.

Using a Scrubber Drier Machine

While using the right cleaning products and mop can make a world of difference, there is no denying that the most effective way to clean non-slip flooring is by using a scrubber drier machine. These machines are specifically designed to handle the challenges posed by non-slip surfaces and can make what seems like an impossible task much more manageable.

A scrubber drier machine, like our Kärcher BR 35/12 C BP Battery Compact Scrubber Dryer for example, works by combining the actions of scrubbing and drying in one efficient process. First, it wets the floor with water, sometimes mixed with a suitable cleaning solution. The machine then uses powerful brushes to scrub the surface, ensuring that the bristles reach into every nook and cranny of the textured flooring. This scrubbing action dislodges dirt, grease, and grime from the crevices, lifting it away from the surface. Finally, the machine vacuums up the dirty water, leaving the floor not only clean but also dry and ready to use almost immediately.

Scrubber drier machines come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for both small and large areas. For commercial spaces like airports, supermarkets, and hotels, investing in a larger ride-on scrubber drier like our Kärcher B 90 R model can save time and labour costs, while ensuring that the floors remain clean and safe for customers and staff alike. In smaller areas, a walk-behind scrubber drier such as our Kärcher BD 38/12 C might be more appropriate, offering the same cleaning power in a more compact form.

One of the major advantages of using a scrubber drier machine is that it can be incorporated into a regular cleaning schedule, keeping your non-slip floors in great condition. Rather than waiting until the floor is visibly dirty, regular use of a scrubber drier can prevent the build-up of grime, making each cleaning session quicker and more effective. This not only maintains the bright appearance of your flooring but also ensures that it continues to provide the non-slip protection that it was designed for, keeping everyone safe.

Ready to keep your non-slip flooring spic and span?

Investing in the right type of mop and considering the use of a scrubber drier machine can make the process much more efficient and effective. Remember, while non-slip flooring reduces the risk of slips and falls, proper maintenance is key to ensuring that it continues to do so. A well-maintained floor not only looks better but also supports a safer environment for everyone who walks on it.

Whatever your needs or budget, at Kärcher Hire, we have everything you clean and maintain your non-slip flooring. Browse our entire collection of commercial cleaning machines for hire online or call 0345 222 8000 for tailored advice. 

We offer various hire periods, from short 2-day leases through to long-term 5+ year rentals. Not to mention excellent servicing and breakdown support, and next-day UK delivery from just £40. 

Contact us now to learn more.