Solutions to Common Floor Problems
Refer to the table below for common issues related to floor care and what you can do to solve them.
Problem: Poor Gloss
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Insufficient number of coats |
Scrub and re-coat
|
| Coats too thin |
Apply medium coats
|
| Wrong buffing pads used |
Follow supplier instructions
|
| Too much sand and grit |
Use proper matting and check dust mopping procedures,
scrub and re-coat
|
| Floor not rinsed or neutralized before finishing |
Strip, seal and re-finish
|
| Cleaner not neutral |
Test pH and use approved neutral detergent
|
| Dirty finish mop used |
Strip, seal and re-finish
|
| Tiles worn |
Apply additional coats, use more sealer
|
| Floor was not dry before re-coating |
Buff or burnish, strip, seal and re-finish
|
| Cleaner not diluted properly |
Check dilution rates
|
| Soap residue on floor |
Rinse with clear water, use neutral detergent
|
Problem: Discoloured Floor Finish
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Pads dirty |
Scrub and re-coat, always use clean pads
|
| Mops or water dirty |
Scrub and re-coat, use clean solution and change
frequently
|
| Improper dust mopping |
Always dust mop thoroughly before damp mopping
|
| Colour from cotton mop left on floor |
Pre-soak cotton mops or use synthetic mops
|
| Cleaning chemical mixed incorrectly |
Follow instructions on product label
|
| Re-coating done over soil |
Scrub and re-coat, ensuring surface is clean before
re-coating
|
| Floor finish contaminated |
Strip and re-finish, dispose of unused finish
|
Problem: Finish Powdering
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Floor not properly rinsed |
Strip, rinse and re-finish
|
| Two finishes incompatible |
Do not apply hard finish over soft
|
| Not enough drying time between coats |
Scrub and re-coat
|
| Fan used to dry finish too quickly |
Point fans towards ceiling
|
| Finish not bonding to floor |
Strip and re-coat, use approved sealer
|
| Incorrect burnishing on finish |
Use finish designed for burnishing
|
| Finish applied too thin |
Use medium coats
|
| Wrong or dirty pads being used |
Always use clean approved pads
|
| Bleach or acid residue in mop |
Use only neutral detergent
|
| Sand and grit not removed |
Use proper matting and dust mop
|
| Stripper mop being used to damp mop |
Use clean mop with neutral detergent
|
| Factory seal not removed prior to finishing |
Strip, neutralize and re-coat
|
Problem: Scuffing and Scratching
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Soil and sand not removed |
Use proper matting and increase dust mopping
|
| Wrong cleaner or dilution |
Use only neutral detergent according to directions
|
| Incompatible finish / system |
Use the right finish for the right application
|
| Wrong pads being used |
Use approved pads
|
Problem: Streaky or Uneven Finish
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Factory seal not removed prior to finishing |
Strip, neutralize and re-coat
|
| Finish not bonding to floor |
Strip and re-coat, use approved sealer
|
| Fan used to dry finish too quickly |
Point fans towards ceiling
|
| Finish may have been frozen |
Scrub and re-coat, use fresh product
|
| Floor not neutralized |
Strip, neutralize and re-finish
|
| Two finishes incompatible |
Do not apply hard finish over soft
|
| Not enough drying time between coats |
Scrub and re-coat
|
| Floor finish contaminated |
Strip and re-finish
|
| Floor not neutralized |
Strip, neutralize and re-finish
|
Problem: Slippery Floor
| Possible Cause |
Solution |
|---|
| Foreign material on floor (i.e. furniture polish, glass
cleaner) |
Scrub and re-coat, use only approved products,
be careful of over spray
|
| Ice melter on floor |
Wash with clear water and neutralizer, use proper
matting
|
| Burnishing dust on floor |
Dust mop after burnishing
|
| Soil and sand on floor |
Use proper matting, increase dust mopping
|
| Improperly treated dust mop |
Follow instructions on label
|
| Incompatible finishes |
Never apply hard finish over soft, scrub and re-coat
|
| Bleach or acids being used on floor |
Use only neutral detergent, scrub and re-coat
|
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