Floor Innovations

Wet & Dry Extraction Systems:

Both wet and dry extraction systems are commonly recommended when carpet and upholstery are soiled, chemically-stained and dust-laden. While each method has its unique advantages, Floor Innovations is fully prepared and equipped to employ either system based on a client's needs and preferences.

What follows, then, is a brief outline of some of the advantages of both wet and dry systems in order to help Facility Managers decide which options makes the most sense for them.

The benefits of wet extraction are the following:

1. Eliminates acute soiling from deep within the textile's fibers.
2. Although the drying time may be longer than that of 'dry extraction', Floor Innovations' technicians use industrial-grade equipment to shorten this window.
3. Wet extraction is often the preferred means in restorative cases.

The benefits of dry extraction are the following:

1. It is a simple system that does not requirement powerful machinery and extensive water resources. In fact, it results in 90% reduction in water usage.
2. There are also considerable energy savings from not having to heat water in commercial applications.
3. Textiles can be put back in service after a short time.

We can help you decide which option is best suited for your facility!

What are some ways to keep concrete clean?

Since dry soil, contaminants and moisture are routinely tracked into the facility by foot traffic, door matting and entryway systems can help protect concrete surfaces as well as other interior finishes in your facility.

Periodic sealing of plain concrete proves effective against surface abrasions, water intrusion, dust accumulation and even UV issues. Additionally, dust mopping, vacuuming, auto-scrubbing as well as non-chemical polishing are all reliable solutions for restoring plain concrete.

When maintaining decorative concrete dressings, more technical procedures -- including the use of chemical sealants and deep diamond polishing -- may need to be considered. As a general rule of thumb, regular revision and maintenance of concrete composites will typically counter problems before they arise.

Elegance & Durability: Treatment Tips for Marble

When treating marble, we recommend chemical polishing to promote its intrinsically smooth quality. This process benefits marble's calcium-based crystalline structure while removing stains, densifying the stone and eliminating moisture retention. However, servicing marble with only chemical polishing methods can result in the surface becoming more susceptible to scuffs, scratches and discoloring over time, similar to the build-up of wax.

This is why we recommend complementing the chemical polishing of marble with mechanical grinding and honing. Honing gives the stone greater clarity and helps remove any unevenness and imperfections while reducing the glossiness of the surface. Applying a penetrating sealer as part of a standard and safe chemical treatment will prevent the incremental build up of moisture that otherwise will deteriorate the surface over time.

Caring For Your Chilewich:

Chilewich was designed to be a hybrid of carpet and hard surface flooring with its unique 'woven' structure and multi-level appearance. Unfortunately, from a durability and maintenance standpoint, Chilewich has many of the same drawbacks as both carpet and hard surface flooring: dirt and stains can be difficult to remove from the 'woven' structure, it can scratch and become damaged, and many custodial providers don't know proper maintenance techniques. Compounding the problem, Chilewich is often installed in parts of a facility with very high-staining potential like kitchens, entryways, and other spill-prone spots. A beautiful section of Chilewich flooring can rapidly deteriorate and minimize the return on investment.

As the popularity of Chilewich flooring has increased, Floor Innovations has developed best practices and maintenance techniques which can remove embedded soil and stains and restore a clean appearance. And, after the appearance has been restored, we work with the nightly custodial provider to teach proper maintenance techniques and help them sustain the appearance as long as possible.