Falling and slippery floors are obviously close companions. If you’re one of those that install floors that are characteristically slippery, then you must always be watchful in order not to end up falling accidentally.
Slip-and-fall accidents are common incidents that usually lead to fractures, sprains, traumatic brain injuries, etc., resulting in permanent disability or, in a worse situation, death. They can also be costly aside from the health hazard they could cause. Even though modern floors (luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile) look great and easy to clean, they feature a top surface that is smooth and slippery.
Since there is a higher tendency to slip after cleaning, you must learn some precautionary measures to prevent slippery accidents. These include keeping the floors dry, using a dry mop after cleaning and polishing, cleaning the floor properly, using appropriate cleaner and polish, using a compatible degreasing agent, and using suitable mats.
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Causes of Slippery Floors
Several factors could lead to slippery floors, which can cause injuries. These injuries can vary from severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, dislocated joints, and broken bones to bruises, sprains, and minor cuts.
These injuries can be devastating and cause a legal tussle when visitors are affected after falling in your home. This is why you need to know what can cause the falling to know the proper preventive steps to take.
You should know your floors can become slippery if you leave moisture, grease, dust/talcum powder, or soap residue on them. Your floor can also be slippery if you use excessive floor polish or wax on them. Moreso, there are chemicals used for cleaning and polishing, which are meant to be compatible with your floor type. If these chemicals are not compatible, it could make your floor slippery.
Ways to Getting Rid of Slippery Floors
To prevent an unfortunate incident of accidentally falling and hurting yourself seriously or mildly, you need to look for a way to stop your floors from slipping.
How can you do this?
There is a need for proper cleaning techniques and maintenance to ensure your safety and everyone around you, particularly your customers and employees. The following ways should be helpful:
Keeping Dry Floors
Since moisture is one of the common causes of slippery floors, you must ensure the floors are always dry. Do this by wiping the slightest sign of moisture away on the floors. You must be vigilant at all times because sometimes water may unknowingly pour on the floors. You should be driven by the thought that an accident awaits if a wet spot or sweating on the floor is left unwiped.
Using a Dry Mop
Do you want to mop the floors after cleaning and polishing? It’s professionally advisable always to use a dry mop. This is because moisture, soap, and grease may cling to the mop. A layer of these materials may form if you decide to reuse the same mop after cleaning, resulting in slippery floors. Therefore, the moment you’re done cleaning the floors, you must ensure that a separate dry mop is used for the final clean. And ensure you clean the mops properly to get rid of any clung residue.
Cleaning the Floors Thoroughly
Aside from cleaning the mops to get rid of any clung residue, you will need to clean the surfaces of the floors as well to ensure that the floors are without residues of wax, soap, dust, talcum powder, grease, and moisture. These residues can cause a slippery floor if not dealt with properly.
Using the Appropriate Cleaner and Polish
A buildup of a slippery film can form on your flooring if you use the wrong chemicals. So, you must ensure that every cleaner and polish you use is suitable for your floor type.
Note: Ensure that you use the agent first on a small portion of the floors to test if the surface will be slippery.
Using a Compatible Degreasing Agent
There are certain areas (garage and kitchen floors) that may be more exposed to oil. Using only water and a dry mop on these surfaces will not work– you will need something better and more effective. You should get a degreasing agent compatible with the exact type of your floor.
Using the Right Mats
There are different kinds of mats made specifically for some areas. You must go for the right ones for multiple areas in your workplace. Getting suitable mats for coverage in your establishment will help get rid of slippery floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please, review the following questions about slippery floors.
How Can my kitchen floor be made less slippery?
One of the ways to make your kitchen floor less slippery is by putting mats directly in front of the sinks to collect water and ensure that area does not become slippery. Also, to keep wet feet or shoes from creating a slippery mess, you can position the mats close to the entryways. Besides, it’s crucial that you clean and dries the mats regularly if you lay them down to avoid mold buildup.
Is a slippery floor a hazard or risk?
To be candid, a slippery floor will obviously be a high-risk area. To avoid any hazard or risk, you may change or treat your floor surfaces– you can use non-slip strips, add slip-resistant materials, and chemical treatment (such as etching).
What makes laminate floors slippery?
The laminate floors are slippery because almost every brand involves using the top super-hard coating. Also, if you wax or polish laminate floors, they can be slippery. Is the surface of your floor dirty? This can make it slippery.
What is anti-slip?
An anti-slip mat helps prevent slips or make your floor resistant to slipping. You will find it more helpful if you place it in your shower.
Conclusion
To make your home, designed with floors that could make you slip, safer, you should follow the ways provided above. With them, you can be guaranteed a slip-free home for your family members and guests. Take proactive steps and don’t wait until someone is injured.