Before cleaning different floor types, it is important to understand the needs for best results. With so many different options out there, it can be tricky to know which is best for which floor. We have gathered some examples from the I-mop range, although you will find these materials are common across different brands.
Vinyl and Lino
Typically, modern vinyl flooring is finished with a sealing at the factory, meaning you have several options when it comes to removing scuff marks and keeping floors clear. We suggest using a pad, rather than a brush because a pad is more likely to remove scuff marks.
From the I-mop range we suggest using the green twisted pad, and then the red pad for everyday cleaning. For severe scuff marks, the blue heavy duty pad will work best.
For a low traffic area, a standard medium blue brush will work best and is complemented by the red or blue pad for a deeper clean.
In the video, you can see the range of pads varies from white to black. White is known as a polishing pad, while red and blue are used for general cleaning. Green and black are reserved for stripping floors. Twisted pads are designed with diamonds fitted to the surface, making them ideal for robust cleaning and polishing, up to six times as long as traditional pads.
Concrete Floors
Concrete floors can attract dirt, grease and scuffs which can be difficult to remove. For concrete floors, with rough surfaces, try a medium blue brush, along with a hard red brush fitted to the floor cleaning machine.
For smooth, polished floors, try the green twisted pad. Depending on how stubborn the marks are, you may be able to get results from the red and blue pads. A hard brush is perfect for lifting dried up material that is stuck to the concrete.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
For shiny, glazed tiles, try a medium blue brush, as they clean grout lines and make a great all-rounder. For tiles that have a flat, matte finish, or a slight texture, try a pad. In this case, pads will provide a superior clean compared to brushes. Try switching between pads to get an effective clean between the grout lines.
Natural stone floors
For floors like terrazzo, marble or limestone, try using a green twisted pad as it helps clean and maintain, and can even improve gloss levels of stone floors. If you are cleaning floors that don’t see a lot of foot traffic, use a medium brush or red pad for regular cleaning and maintenance.
Epoxy non-slip floors
Epoxy non-slip floors are one of the most common you will find in commercial spaces, such as hospitality areas. Use a soft blue brush, or a medium blue brush for your floor scrubber. Just keep in mind that rough floor surfaces can wear down the harder brushes.
Timber flooring
For high-gloss timber floors, we suggest a soft light-blue brush or ever a white polish brush. For timber floors that have more of a flat, matte finish, try a medium blue brush.
Rubber flooring
For rubber floors that are commonly found in places like gyms, try a natural fibre brush, as it creates far less friction than a typical poly brush. By reducing the amount of friction between a device and the floor, it helps to minimise stress on the floor and machine, which helps ensure the longevity of both.
When in doubt
If you are unsure which brush or pad to use on a certain floor, we suggest testing the one you think will work best in a small inconspicuous area first.
