If you own a green business that utilizes environmentally friendly electrical systems and office equipment, then you should consider a green option when you seek out a floor replacement. A commercial flooring business can install floors for you, but make sure that this business offers cork as an option. Cork is one of the most environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing flooring materials you can choose. The material is renewable and chemicals are not needed to produce the floors. You do need to make sure that your flooring looks beautiful for as long as possible though, and the information below can help you with this.
Keep Your Office Dry
Commercial flooring installation experts will make sure that the cork flooring that is placed in your office contains a protective coating of polyurethane. The coating is often quite thin though, so that the outer surface of the cork does not become hard or coarse.
If you have a lot of people walking around your office, then the protective seal on your cork may wear away much more quickly than it should. In most cases, the sealant will last 5 to 10 years, and the same installers who secure your floor can add a new sealant after the five year wear period is up. If you start to see some wear within a year or two though, then you need to make sure that moisture does not seep into the flooring material.
Purchase a Dehumidifier
One of the easiest ways to make sure that moisture is reduced in your office is to set up a dehumidifier. You need to find the right device though, to make sure that enough moisture is removed from the space to keep mold and mildew from forming on your floor. In most cases, dehumidifiers are rated based on how many pints of water they can remove in one day. If your office space is relatively large, then make sure to buy a product that can remove between about 22 and 38 pints of water.
Once you buy the device, make sure to place it centrally in your office space so that air circulates freely once the moisture is removed.
Use the Right Cleaners
Your flooring installers will likely tell you that you should not use strong chemicals on your cork flooring. This is best, because cork is made up of organic cellular tissues that are surrounded by open pockets of air. Chemical agents like bleach, ammonia, and other strong cleaners can destroy the tissues and destroy the cork material. To help you avoid damage, professionals will ask you to either sweep or vacuum you flooring every few days to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that can build across the surface.
You will need to wash your floors on occasion, and special cork or wood floor cleaners may be suggested. If you do not use chemicals in your green office, then this may not be the best option to retain the cleanliness and beauty of your flooring material.
Wash With Vinegar
You can use a natural material to clean your floors, and vinegar is one of your best options. Add about one-quarter of a cup of white vinegar to a one gallon bucket of water. Get a mop ready and make sure that you wring it out completely once you stick it in the vinegar solution. Move the mop gently across your floor to remove dirt and debris.
When you are done, use a microfiber cloth or a soft cotton rag to soak up leftover water. If you see any stains or messes on the floor that remain, then sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the area. Use a wet cloth to gently scrub at the stain. Use water to rinse the area afterwards and use your microfiber cloth to dry the cork.
If you have a green office building, then cork floors are both a stylish and environmentally friendly option for your work space. You must retain the beauty of the floors once installation is complete. This means removing moisture from your office and using vinegar to clean.
Share14 October 2014
