Jonathan Clapp, International Senior Technical Manager at Microban, recently spoke to Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ) about the issue of microbial growth on flooring. In the article, Jonathan discusses the importance and challenges of maintaining floor hygiene across different sectors and flooring types including carpet, tiles, laminate and hardwood flooring.
It’s unsurprising that the events of 2020 accelerated the need for cleaner products, surfaces and environments. In response, many businesses boosted their policies around cleaning and maintenance, particularly in high-traffic areas such as schools, gyms, restaurants and hospitals.
In an article for CFJ, Jonathan notes that not only is flooring the largest surface in many spaces, it tends to be the most overlooked when it comes to cleanliness. Whether it's a result of cleaning lapses, food spills or high foot traffic, floors can harbour a variety of harmful microbes that often multiply rapidly - questioning the effectiveness of standard cleaning protocols that have limited residual effect. The use of harsh cleaning chemicals can also damage the decorative finish over time.
To address these challenges, Jonathan explores the use of built-in antimicrobial protection in flooring to support regular cleaning, maintain flooring aesthetics, and help alleviate consumer anxieties.