The moment someone walks through the door, the floor tells them a story. Whether it’s dull vinyl at reception or dusty grout in the staff kitchen, floor presentation carries powerful cues about how a business operates and what it values.
First impressions aside, floors also set the tone for safety and hygiene. From slip resistance to microbial management, poorly maintained flooring can lead to WHS risks, heavy cleaning loads and an uncomfortable experience for staff and visitors alike. And in high-traffic environments like aged care, hospitality or retail, that impact compounds fast.
“Too many sites rely on a ‘set and forget’ approach,” says Carpet Cleaners Association of Victoria president Sharyn Schultz. “Floors in high-traffic areas need more frequent attention, but inconsistent or improper schedules are a key mistake. Add the wrong chemicals or equipment into the mix and you’re not just risking wear, you’re voiding warranties.”
Cleaning teams are often brought in reactively, once there’s visible wear, staining or tenant complaints. By then, the damage is often more than cosmetic.
A logic to the lustre
Matching the right method to the material is crucial. Aggressive scrubbers can compromise polyurethane coatings, while the wrong chemical mix may dull polished surfaces. And with new flooring products constantly entering the market, even experienced professionals benefit from supplier guidance and up-to-date technical knowledge.
“Proper maintenance should follow AS/NZS 3733-based schedules and consider the specific floor type, the traffic level and the cleaning equipment on hand,” Schultz explains. “That includes using entrance matting to reduce soil ingress and ensuring staff are trained in correct methods and products.”
Flooring is one of the few surfaces that must endure constant friction, weight and environmental exposure and still look clean. Maintenance planning needs to consider everything from seasonal traffic to substrate type and airflow.
“Cleaning products need to match the floor type and environment,” Schultz says. “You’re looking at pH levels, slip resistance, surface compatibility and even the turnaround time needed in busy spaces. And increasingly, there’s also a push for low-VOC and biodegradable products that support both safety and sustainability.”
Getting it right means more than appearances. It protects warranty conditions, extends the floor’s lifespan and avoids unnecessary replacement, a huge win in both environmental and budget terms.
That long-term mindset is also driving uptake of new technologies in floor care. Schultz points to innovations like encapsulation cleaning, which reduces moisture and downtime, as well as autonomous scrubbers and chemical-free systems like electrolysed water. “These tools are improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact,” she says. “And they support better long-term outcomes across the board.”
In a time when workspaces are expected to be healthy, adaptable and well-presented, clean floors are no longer just a finishing touch. They’re part of the infrastructure of wellbeing. And that starts with a proactive approach: good design, clear handover communication and a well-informed cleaning strategy.
“Floor maintenance isn’t just about keeping up appearances,” Schultz says. “It’s a key part of asset protection, workplace safety and indoor environmental quality. With the right tools and trained professionals, facility managers can create environments that feel as good as they look, clear floors, clear minds.”
