Indoor air quality is a crucial concern for facility managers, especially considering that more than 30% of Americans suffer from allergies. Common allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold can accumulate on various indoor surfaces, including flooring. While ventilation and filtration systems are typically prioritized for improving air quality, flooring can also significantly impact allergen build-up.
Different types of flooring have varying levels of allergen retention:
- Tile and stone floors are also easy to maintain but require attention to grout lines.
- Vinyl floors are a good option, but some types have higher maintenance requirements and their appearance will deteriorate over time if not maintained.
- Carpet has been seen as a less desirable option for allergy sufferers due to its ability to trap allergens. However, there are now hybrid, textile-based flooring options that offer both comfort and cleanability.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential in keeping allergen levels low:
- Vacuuming, mopping, and steam cleaning can be effective in removing allergens from different types of flooring.
- Entryway mats can help reduce allergens brought into the building.
- Using gentle, low-VOC cleaning products and avoiding room fragrances can benefit those with sensitive airways.
Nx2 creates cleaning programs that succeed by carefully considering the type of flooring and implementing proper cleaning routines. Using the many years of management experience in maintaining clean environments, Nx2 has all of the knowledge and experience to design a program that will be beneficial for both us and our customers not only for the first year of the contract but many years after. Most of our customers have been with us for over five years, speaking to the efficacy of our cleaning programs.