How to Clean Industrial Floors?

Sanitized and poorly managed Industrial flooring is a safety hazard. In fact, it often affects worker morale and even leads to costly repairs down the line.  That’s why industrial floor cleaning is crucial.

In 2022, 3 in 10 (29.9%) non-fatal workplace accidents that occurred in the EU took place on industrial sites. Even more alarming, over a quarter (27.4%) of fatal accidents were caused by loss of control over machines, tools, or handling equipment, often exacerbated by poor floor conditions, such as spills or debris build-up.

Between heavy foot traffic, constant machinery movement, spills, dust, and stubborn grease build-up, keeping them clean isn’t easy.

And, let’s be honest, using standard cleaning methods often feels like fighting an uphill battle. Floors remain slippery, stains persist, and downtime from deep cleaning can disrupt your operations.

Hence, having the right cleaning strategy in place isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In this guide, we will break down how to clean industrial floors effectively, safely, and without unnecessary disruption. Hopefully, after reading this, you can keep your facility spotless and running smoothly.

Industrial Floor Cleaning: All You Need to Know

What are the Different Methods of Industrial Floor Cleaning?

When it comes to industrial floor cleaning, the approach you choose has a direct impact on cleanliness, safety, and even the longevity of your flooring.

Two of the most commonly used methods in commercial and industrial settings are the one-step method and the two-step method.

Understanding the difference between them can help you select the proper process and act more aligned with the facility’s specific conditions.

One Step Methods

 The one-step method refers to scrubbing and removing loosened dirt or dust in a single pass using a mop, auto-scrubber, or sprayer.

When to use this method?

  • Soil levels are low to moderate
  • Time is limited, such as in high-traffic zones or 24/7 operations
  • You need to quickly reduce microbial presence without a full, deep, clean

Two Step Methods

The primary step involves applying the complete facility floor using a cleaning agent and, in the next step sucking the dirt-filled solution from the floor using a cleaning tool.

When to Use this Method?

  • High-risk areas, like food processing, pharmaceutical, or healthcare facilities
  • Heavily soiled or greasy floors
  • Environments with strict hygiene regulations

How to Deep Clean an Industrial Floor?

Deep cleaning of industrial floors exceeds the general care and regular cleaning. It demands extra care to remove embedded dirt, oil, and hazardous residues.

This is more like coming back to the clean floor [look clean] and inspecting its imperfections that go unnoticed every day.

Our CCS cleaning service team adheres to professional standards when it comes to industrial floor deep cleaning. We actually follow two steps:

  • Step 1: We remove the dry debris and loose dust first using an industrial-grade floor sweeper or vacuum cleaner. At this stage, we often try to cover up dust, oil, metal shavings, chemical residue, and sticky buildup, which are inevitable on industrial floors.
  • Step 2: After the initial cleaning, we proceed to the second step of the cleaning process, which involves thoroughly cleaning the floor, addressing stains, and applying disinfectant solutions.

If we further break down the logic, we can show you why our technique works

This two-step deep cleaning process helps:

  • Extend the lifespan of industrial flooring
  • Reduce slip and fall risks
  • Support workplace hygiene and compliance
  • Prepare surfaces for sealing or coating if needed

How to Remove the Light Soiling?

Light soiling refers to the lingering surface-level dust on industrial or commercial-grade flooring. Every day, dirt, footprints, smudges, and mild residues accumulate on the flooring.

While it may seem like regular hassles, it’s not! You are not removing the light soli regularly, this can be big trouble. It can even lead to wear and dull finishes of the floor over time.

Here are some proven tips to remove this light soiling:

Start with the Preparation

Set aside all obstacles from the flooring area. It will help you clean seamlessly without any disruption.  Organize the storage and put the signage to be extra careful. Once it’s done, always start with the dry clean preparation.

Dry Mop, Sweep, and Vacuum

Use a microfiber dust mop, electrostatic pad, or soft-bristle floor sweeper to capture fine particles. For textured or anti-slip floors,  choose industrial-grade vacuum cleaners. It removes trapped debris that sweeping may leave behind.

Keep Cleaning Solution Ready

Choose a ready-to-use neutral pH floor cleaner and select a degreaser and floor sanitizer that is safe, as per the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines. Pour it into the sprayer or onto the appropriate surface so that you can use it easily.

Also, ensure the facility is well-ventilated, especially when using chemicals in a high-risk zone.

Damp Flooring or Auto Scrubbing

Use a well-wrung microfiber mop or an industrial auto scrubber to apply the cleaning solution evenly over the entire area. Now, wait for some time and let it sit.

Scrub the Floor

Use the appropriate mop, brush, and scrubbing pad, and slowly run the auto scrubber thoroughly. Ensure it does not scratch the floor or damage the texture. Adjust the setting annually and notice the edge and corner. Leave no stone unturned, and make sure to pass the machine all over the passage.

Vacuum Clean

Now, use a dry and wet vacuum cleaner to extract the extra moisture. Once again, damp-mop the entire area and wait until the flooring is completely dry.

Inspection

Light soil removal should restore the floor’s clean, uniform look. If dull patches remain, repeat the process with a slightly longer dwell time.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Industrial Floor Clean

In high-traffic environments, floor cleanliness has a direct impact on operations and worker well-being.  Regular and thorough industrial floor cleaning ensures compliance with the standard.

Enhance Safety

Regular cleaning removes the oils, spills, and dust that grease the flooring, which pose serious slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Better Productivity

Regular floor cleaning improves tidiness as you remove clutter regularly from the floor, which may cause delays or disruptions in movement.

Regulatory Compliance

Consistent cleaning ensures your industrial floor condition complies with regulatory compliance and obligations.

Improved Employee Morale

Workers feel safe when they have a sanitary work environment every day, which boosts their morale.

Extend Floor Lifespan

Regular cleaning eliminates the risk of discoloration, cracking, and delamination of industrial floors from harmful spills and buildup.

Related Post: Difference Between Industrial and Commercial Cleaning

Which Equipment Should Be Used for Industrial Floor Cleaning?

Floor Scrubbers Dryers

Industrial floor scrubber dryers suit the deep cleaning requirements; they feature rotating brushes or pads to agitate and lift dirt, while built-in squeegees and suction systems dry the surface instantly.

It’s perfect for:

  • Deep cleaning in larger areas
  • Applying water-saving techniques
  • Minimizing drying time
  • Industrial Vacuum cleaners

These heavy-duty vacuum machines can extract fine dust, dry debris, and hazardous particles. Its high-capacity HEPA filtration excels in both wet and dry functionalities.

It’s perfect for:

  • Maintains air quality in sensitive environments
  • Prevents buildup of conductive or flammable dust in manufacturing sites
  • Excellent for pre-cleaning before wet methods

Floor Sweepers

Sweepers use rotating side and main brushes to collect dust and debris into a hopper. Available in manual, walk-behind, or ride-on models, it helps minimize dirt and dust in vast outdoor and indoor areas of industrial facilities.

It’s perfect for:

  • Faster and more effective than manual sweeping
  • Ideal for daily maintenance
  • Reduces airborne dust before mopping or scrubbing

Pressure Washers

High-pressure water jets blast away dirt, grease, mold, and contaminants. Available in cold or hot water models, this pressure washer machine is ideal for quickly eliminating stubborn or deeply embedded stains.

It’s perfect for:

  • Penetrates deep into porous surfaces
  • Ideal for degreasing industrial driveways or outdoor walkways
  • It can be paired with detergents for extra cleaning power

How to Clean an Industrial Floor Made from Screed?

Screed flooring is standard in industrial facilities and commercial settings. This concrete material is a layer of material, typically a mix of cement,  sand, water, and sometimes additives. The screed layer is applied over a concrete subfloor to create a smooth, level surface.

It’s used either as a final floor finish or as a base layer for installing other types of flooring, such as tiles, vinyl, epoxy, or wood.

Magnesium Screed (CA)

Many industrial floors are made of magnesium screed due to its strength and excellent abrasion resistance. When cleaning this type of floor, use a vacuum cleaner or a broom regularly. Use a dry or damp technique, as this type of flooring is moisture-sensitive.

Calcium Screed (CT)

Calcium Screed is made of gypsum, additives, and water. Use dry vacuuming or soft sweeping daily to prevent particle abrasion. If sealed or coated, you may damp mop with a neutral or mildly alkaline floor cleaner, but avoid soaking the floor. If unsealed, avoid water-based cleaning entirely to prevent surface degradation.

Mastic Asphalt Screed (AS)

Mastic asphalt screed is composed of bitumen, fine aggregates like limestone or sand, and mineral fillers. The heavy-duty Mastic Asphalt Screed flooring is commonly seen in chemical storage facilities.

Use high-pressure washers or scrubber dryers for deep cleaning or alkaline degreasers or solvent-based cleaners to remove oil, fuel, and chemical stains. This can also withstand steam cleaning in hygiene-critical zones (such as food or pharmaceutical areas). Apply a protective wax or sealant to exposed working surfaces to maintain their appearance.

Wrapping Up

Industrial floor cleaning can be performed regularly, weekly, or monthly, but it’s not a routine task. At CCS Cleaning, we understand this deeply.

Our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and service excellence means our clients benefit from cleaner, safer, and more resilient environments. It never compromises compliance or productivity.

Backed by highly trained teams and our environmentally friendly cleaning practices, we offer a forward-thinking approach to floor care that sets new standards in the industry.

With us, you get cleaner floors, safer workplaces, and long-lasting results—all while helping the environment.

Do you need a quick strategic plan with a free quote for industrial floor cleaning practices tailored to your specific needs? Contact us now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Use commercial-grade cleaners, such as degreasers or neutral pH solutions, depending on the type of soil and floor. For tools, use floor scrubbers, sweepers, or pressure washers. Always check the cleaner’s compatibility with your flooring material. 

Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt. Then, mop or scrub the floor using a soft-bristle brush and a mild, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they can damage the coating. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry. 

Schedule cleaning during low-traffic hours .Use quick-drying equipment like scrubber dryers. Keep your machines well-maintained, charge batteries in advance, and train staff to use them efficiently to avoid breakdowns or delays. 

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