HF & MDB urethane floors are hard, impervious, non-absorbent and non-dusting. This ensures not only their durability, but ease of cleaning when a suitable cleaning program is used. The cleaning and maintenance of an HF or MD/B urethane floor must be considered an integral part of an overall hygiene program, covering all parts of a food processing plant. HF & MD urethane floors have proved to be both cleanable and sanitizable with regard to micro-organisms.
HF Urethane Floors are applied as a one-pass system; these floors are the “work horse” of our product line, and are designed for maximum durability. These floors may have either a light or aggressive sand texture. The sand finish is only temporary, which gives the floor temporary non-slip, until the floor “wears-in”. Once the floor “wears-in”, the large stone aggregate within the floor provides a permanent non-slip surface, which cannot wear off.
MDB Urethane Floors are designed for high aesthetics; these are applied in two layers: the base layer, which has a layer of broadcasted sand; and a lockcoat of sealer, which seals/locks the sand, and provides a more cleanable texture. This system provides a slip-resistant surface, along with a glossy, stain-resistant finish.
Full cure for heavy traffic on polyurethane floors is normally 24 hours at 70 deg F. The lower the room temperature, the longer the cure time. If faster curing is required (For HF one pass system only), it may be gently sprayed down with warm (not hot) water after the initial set (tack free).
Use of non-marking lift truck tires (white) are highly recommended, in order to prevent black tire marks, embedded into the new floor. Black tire marks may be removed with a good cleaner; however they require a great deal of cleaning to remove, once embedded into the finish.
Immediately following new floor installation. HF & MDB urethane floors may be subjected to types of usage, which is very different from those expected during normal service, such as:
A period of 48 hours may be required at lower temperatures (below 70 degrees F) before full service is permitted.
Prior to 7 days, floors should NOT be cleaned with aggressive chemicals. After this period HF (one pass) flooring may be cleaned with caustic alkalis and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents.
MDB flooring, after 7 days, may be cleaned with standard dilute industrial detergent cleaners and sanitizers.
Specialized floor cleaning equipment is a widely available, as is a variety of cleaning chemicals and bactericides/sterilants used with it. Your choice of a HF or MDB urethane floor does not restrict your choice of cleaning regime, equipment or chemicals. If surface has ground-in stains/marks: first, apply cleaning chemicals to floor; allow to “soak in” emulsify and lift the “soil” from the floor. Next, scrub with soft to medium nylon/polypropylene bristle brush (manual or machine).
Floor Cleaning Equipment:
When selecting equipment consider the following criteria:
Most cleaning-equipment manufacturers have specialized knowledge, and offer practical demonstrations of equipment. You are advised to consult them. The list below is not exhaustive but it’s provided as a guide. (Similar equipment from other manufacturers may be equally suitable). Advance/Nilfisk, Hoover, Ecolab, Electrolux Equipment Supplies, Tomcat Equipment Co.
Including bactericides: the variety of cleaning chemicals and bactericides/sterilants available is extensive, and making the appropriate selections can be confusing. The correct choice of chemicals is important and you are strongly advised to seek specialist advice. The following companies will be able to offer advice on the selection of appropriate cleaning chemicals in relation to “soil” types including the removal of unsightly rubber tire marking. The listing is by no means complete and consultation with other reputable suppliers is recommended. Ecolab, Zep, Delta. Specialty heavy duty cleaners are also available from EP Floors Corp.
Even the most meticulously-cleaned HF & MDB urethane floor may suffer damage to its integrity by some unforeseen incident in the workplace, which could result in a consequential risk of bacteriological build-up in cracks etc. If this situation arises, the damaged HF and MDB Urethane floor should be repaired without delay. You may consult our technical support department, which has the in-depth knowledge of the remedial techniques that will restore your HF or MDB urethane floor to its original condition.
*We also stock repair kits, if needed, which may be used to easily perform minor repairs.
Safety Note: No matter how aggressive the texture of your floor, if it is not cleaned properly, it can present a slip hazard. Emulsifying and rinsing your floor properly will reduce the risk of a slip and fall incident.
For a quotation, or more information, including the color availability, technical properties, or other properties of any of our systems, please contact the technical support team at our office.
