Glossy tips

to protect floorings!
Basic cleaning and coating of floors.
 Safe from accidents.
And infections.

2
To each floor its own cleaning!

Flexible floorings: basic cleaning and care.

There are two major considerations that are critical in floor maintenance programs – good quality of
cleaning and floor care. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities, where floor surfaces are often
subject to high traffic. Floor coverings such as linoleum, PVC or elastomeric floorings are used because
they are durable, slip resistant and easy to maintain.

Initial treatment and ongoing routine maintenance is essential to preserve and protect the flooring.
Polyacrylate based coatings, or coatings based on similar polymers, are used to as a protective film against
heavy stress and to facilitate the cleaning maintenance program.
Due to the continuous pressure for cost savings it is not always viable to use external service providers for
floor cleaning and maintenance. However, without routine maintenance there is more likelihood of damage
and the resulting increased cost for repairs or replacement flooring.

The following pages provide a summary of the most important basic cleaning and coating measures
which have been made available by the IHO (Industrieverband Hygiene und Oberflächenschutz / Industrial
Association for Hygiene and Surface Protection) whom we would like to thank sincerely. In addition, the
most frequent causes of damage to the protective coatings are highlighted along with recommendations
on how to avoid and eliminate them.

INDUSTRIEVERBAND „Recommendation on basic cleaning and coating of floorings.“

HYGIENE UND
OBERFLÄCHENSCHUTZ Source: IHO - Industrieverband Hygiene und Oberflächenschutz / Industrial Association for Hygiene
and Surface Protection

Should you require further Surface hygiene: Technology of cleanliness The 2-step wet wiping procedure

information, please ask for

Systematic wiping.
Brilliant protection on all levels. Hygiene technology by schülke.
Measures, products, methods Step 1 Step 6
The blue bucket of the double The loosened dirt remaining is

our folders!
rolling bucket system is filled with wiped up with the mop.
accurately dosed cleaning agent
(e. g. terralin® protect).
The red bucket is filled to one third
with clear water. Later, the dirty
water is collected in there.
The squeezer is located above the
red bucket.

Step 2
In the first step, the mop is soaked
with the cleaning agent in the blue
bucket.
Step 7
The used mop and the dirty water
are to be appropriately disposed of.
The cleaning equipment must be
cleaned after use.

Folder Surface hygiene Mat.-No. 2104 (GB)

Step 3 Different approaches for
The surfaces are wiped with
narrow and wide surfaces

Folder Hygiene technology Mat.-No. 2122 (GB)

disinfectant by means of over-
lapping, loop-like/zigzag wiping
narrow surfaces
movements.
Adhering dirt is soaked and loos-
ened. At intervals, the mop is rinsed
in the red bucket and squeezed out
into the same bucket.

Flyer Wiping procedure Mat.-No. 2176 (GER)

Step 4
After the first steps, the mop
is changed and the used mop is
disposed of.

Mat.-No. 2194 (GB) wide surfaces

Step 5

Mat.-No. 2196 (TR) Excess cleaning agent is absorbed

by the second mop with the same
2194 / I / 03.09 / A / westwerk

wiping technique.
The remaining wet film dries within
a few minutes.

Mat.-No. 2195 (RU) 1

FOL_ Flächendesinfektion_2104_GB_0210.indd 1 15.02.2010 14:29:11 Uhr DATV_FOL_Hygienetechnik_2122_10S_GB_ab0609.indd 3 18.02.2010 13:35:12 Uhr

Flyer_Wischleitfaden_2194_GB_RZ.indd 1 30.03.2009 13:30:14 Uhr

Contents
Check list
Basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
Problem cases
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6
Basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8
Maintenance cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9
Stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10
Floorings
Linoleum – in harmony with nature . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11
PVC – powerful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12
Elastomeric flooring – permanent elastic . . . . . . . . p. 13
Distinguishing features
Paper clip test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14
Beilstein test and Tesa test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15
schülke surface products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16

3
 Check list

Basic cleaning

Following points must be observed imperatively for basic cleaning:

switch off floor heating at least 72 hours prior to start of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

maintain optimal room and surface temperature of 12 to 25 °C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

empty room and take pictures (easier to move the furniture back) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

protect objects which cannot be removed or which are sensitive and patch adjacent surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

use suitable cleaner: Depending on the flooring, and cleaning and care recommendations by the
manufacturer, choose a basic cleaner with a pH value of 9 to 14 and apply it according to the
manufacturer’s specifications (see label and summary of product characteristics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

use suitable equipment: Depending on the type of flooring, and the cleaning and care recommendations
by the manufacturer, use a red, green or brown pad or scrubbing brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

do not use warm water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

apply sufficient basic cleaner solution (at least 250 ml/m²) to the surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

observe contact time of the basic cleaner (at least 10 minutes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

do not allow the basic cleaner solution to dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

make sure the surface is completely moistened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

completely remove any dirt and residues of care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

manually treat marginal areas and areas inaccessible by machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

rinse again with clear, cold water (at least 250 ml/m²) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

observe drying time of the flooring, e.g. linoleum: 24 hours

(recommended by leading linoleum manufacturers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

dry film sanitation is only a restoration measure and does not replace wet chemical basic cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4
Check list

Coating

Following points must be observed during the coating process:

maintain humidity in the room of 30 to 70 % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

maintain room and surface temperature of 12 to 25 °C, avoid direct solar radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

choose a suitable care product according to requirements and the cleaning and care recommendation
by the coating manufacturer. Apply in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications (see label and
summary of product characteristics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

do not dilute or mix coating agents, unless a removable two-component system is applied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

do not pour residues back into the canister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

use up open containers within 4 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

use suitable applicator: lint-free, clean, smooth-running wide wipe cover or applicator mop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

amount of care product according to the absorptive capacity of the coating:

1st application 30 – 40 ml/m², further applications 15 – 30 ml/m2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

when coating, pretreatment of max. 10 m2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

when coating work systematically, with overlaps and towards the door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

work wet on wet; use several people to apply on larger surfaces, if necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

do not step on the dry coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

observe drying time between individual applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

avoid draught while the coating is drying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

leave for at least 12 hours before accessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

wipeable after 24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

polishable after 12 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

curing of the coating is complete after 14 days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

perform coating measures (along with routine cleaning) as required or at least every 2 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5
 Tips to avoid and eliminate the most
frequent types of damage to coatings.
General
Appearance
Heavy wear and tear of the
polymer coating after a short
period of time.
Yellowish marks from contact with
dark coloured rubber materials e.g.
decontamination mats with rubber
lamination, wheels etc.
Build up of odour with linoleum
floorings (e.g. smell of fish).
ESD overcoating
conducting layer
primer
conduction band
6
Possible causes
• No or insufficient dirt trap zones.
• Extended intervals between cleaning.
• Insufficient coating.
• Abrasive materials or unsuitable cleaning
solutions used for regular cleaning.
• Absorption into the flooring.
• Formation of linseed oil soaps after use of
alkaline cleaners.
• Underfloor precoat, adhesives, warmth
and moisture.
underfloor
Correction measure
• Ensure sufficient dirt trap zones.
• Adjust frequency of cleaning.
• Align number of applications of the care product film
with the absorptive capacity and condition of the flooring.
• Use cleaning solutions and equipment according to
their intended use.
Others:
• Use of wipe care products ensures regular application of
care substances.
• In the event of extensive wear and tear, repeat the
initial treatment/coating process then continue with
routine cleaning.
• In the event of wear and tear on small areas of the surface,
first clean thoroughly, then match the affected area with
the correct care products (e.g. cleaner) or level by means
of dry application of coating.
• Polishing strengthens the coating and increases its
durability
• No removal possible through standard cleaning.
Irreversible damage often possible.
Preventive measures:
• Use equipment with light coloured rubber, lay protective
covering over floor.
• Basic cleaning and coating (possible primer) of
the flooring.
• To remove odour nuisance caused by coatings on the floor-
ing, wipe with clear water and air well over several weeks.
Conductive polymer dispersions.
The figure shows an example of how
to build up an ESD* coating.
* electrostatic discharge
Routine cleaning
Appearance
Colourings on elastomeric
floorings.
Bleaching (saponification) of the
flooring e.g. with linoleum.
Stains on the coating surface
after basic cleaning and drying
(e.g. glossy spots, particularly at
the edges).
Damage to elastic floorings, e.g.
scratches, burns, dents.
Possible causes
• Use of highly alkaline cleaners, mostly over
a longer period of time, or basic cleaner
solutions with a pH value > 10.
• Use of alkaline maintenance cleaners (e.g. soft
soap) or basic cleaners with a pH value > 10.
• Patches of fading due to age.
• Incomplete removal of old care product
layers.
• Dried spots during basic cleaning.
• Unevenness of the underfloor appears on the
flooring surface. This leads to selective over-
load e.g. through wrong control of machines
or use of unsuitable pads or brushes.
Correction measure
• No solution to problem available, as damage to the
flooring is irreversible.
• Use neutral cleaners as far as possible.
• Do not use maintenance cleaners with a concentrate
pH value > 9 and basic cleaner with a pH value > 10.
• No solution to the problem available, as damage to the
flooring is irreversible.
• Do not use cleaners with a concentrate pH value > 9
(alkaline cleaners).
• Patches of fading due to age are not removable by cleaning
measures. Disappears at daylight exposure.
• Repeat basic cleaning on the affected flooring spots and
wipe sufficiently with clear water.
• Observe contact time of the basic cleaner and avoid
drying; increase application concentration, if necessary.
• Treat the edge areas (post-treatment) manually.
• Avoid use of aggressive brushes or pads.
• If machines are used, post-treat especially in edge and
corner areas manually.
• Selective pressure loads, particularly on gymnasium
floorings. Overfilled tanks on machines can cause cracks
and dents.
• If high-speed machines are used, avoid burnt-in spots, i.e
starting of the machine through lightly tilting.
• In case of visible elevations through improper laying of
the flooring, avoid treating for a longer period of time.
• The manufacturer’s technical and care instructions must
be observed.
7
 Tips to avoid and eliminate the most
frequent types of damage to coatings.
Coating
Appearance
Coating pits.
Non-adherent coatings. Coatings
that peel off by simply stepping on
the surfaces, or that dissolve after
the first cleaning.
Chalky marks on the coating e.g.
after routine cleaning of linoleum.
Small pools of cleaning solution
due to dents in the coating.
Sticky coating after initial treat-
ment with a polymer dispersion,
along with streaks and small pools
of cleaning solution.
8
Possible causes
• Application amount too high.
• Unsuitable cover
• Poor application technique.
• Too much formation of foam during
application.
• Incorrect concentration of the cleaners or care
products.
• Often, the floorings have not been sufficiently
rinsed with clear water after basic cleaning.
Alkalis and tensides remain, renewed partial
solution with next cleaning, potential to form
films is damaged, coatings do not adhere.
• The flooring is not suitable for a coating.
• Insufficient drying time after initial cleaning
when the floor has been laid, or after routine
cleaning.
• Cork and wood flour are exposed after
mechanical treatment of the flooring.
• Draught.
• Depending on humidity.
• Depending on the season (warm season).
Moistening problems due to:
• Cleaner residues.
• Product-related residues on the flooring.
• Properties typical to the flooring.
• Too thick and uneven film application.
• Too much cleaning solution used.
Correction measure
• Adjust amount of application to the absorptive capacity
of the flooring.
• Select suitable applicator.
• Improve application technique.
• Do not squeeze out the application cover above the
flooring surface.
• Always wipe sufficiently with clear water and dry
afterwards.
• The individual drying times of the respective flooring
must be observed (linoleum 12 to 24 h).
• Routine cleaning with a suitable cleaner and renewed
initial treatment using the recommended polymer
dispersion.
• Ensure complete saturation of the flooring. After routine
cleaning, wipe again with clear water. When there is insuffi-
cient drying time, the residual moisture and chemistry can
be removed by moving across the surface with a slowly
moving single-disk machine and a white (if applicable,
also red) pad.
• The dusty residues must be removed with a wet cloth.
• Avoid draught.
• Implement a longer drying time according to humidity or
season.
• Routine cleaning with a suitable cleaner and according
wipe technique to completely remove to completely
remove residues from the flooring surface.
• Refer to manufacturer’s care recommendation.
• Adjust amount of application to the absorption capacity
of the flooring. Avoid formation of foam.
• Poured out amount should allow uniform and
systematic spreading.
• Basic cleaning with a suitable cleaner and renewed initial
treatment with the recommend polymer dispersion using
a suitable applicator.
• If the effect is not strong enough, levelling is possible in
the course of dry care film sanitation, if required.
Maintenance cleaning
Appearance
Streaks and stickiness.
Heel streaks, rubber abrasion.
Polymer coating turns whitish
or sticky during maintenance
cleaning and soils more easily.
Possible causes
• Underdosage or overdosage of cleaners/wipe
care products.
• Unsuitable, e.g. old wipe covers.
• Insufficient dirt removal e.g. with one-step
procedures or in case of misuse of equipment.
• Not all surfaces were moistened during spray-
cleaning.
• If cleaning machines are used, the dirty water
which is not absorbed can develop streaks on
the flooring while drying.
• Stepping on the surface.
• Whitish: Use of disinfectants containing lots
of alcohol, e.g. hand disinfectants or polymer
dispersions which are not alcohol-resistant.
• Sticky: Quaternary based ammonium
disinfectants which are either present in too
large doses or which were applied too wet in
a single-step procedure.
Correction measure
• Repeated wiping or interim machine cleaning with water
or suitable cleaner (s&m cleaning additive).
• Reference to FRT* recommendation regarding „cleaning
textiles“. [*Europäische Forschungsgemeinschaft für Reinigungs-
und Hygienetechnologie e.V. / European Research Society for Cleaning
and Hygiene Technology, reg. soc.]
• Adjust cleaning procedure to level of impurities, e.g.
multi-step procedure, shortening of the cleaning intervals,
training of cleaning staff, use of machines, basic cleaning,
if required.
• In case of continuous application of spray-cleaning, a
wet cleaning should be performed periodically over the
whole surface.
• Reduce feed speed.
• Inspect suction lips.
• Move machine across overlapping areas.
• High-speed polishing.
Goal: Compacting of the surface.
• Spray-cleaning.
• Basic cleaning and use disinfectant-resistant coating.
• Switching to a two-step procedure.
• If necessary, interim cleaning with 3 to 5 s&m cleaning
additive by means of a single-disk machine and green pad.
9
 Tips to avoid and eliminate the most
frequent types of damage to coatings.
Stains
Appearance
Stains, impurities or damage to the
coating in office spaces.
• Caused in transit from the factory
(production) to the offices.
Stains, colourings, damage in
nursing homes, dialysis etc.
Stains in the middle of the room
(no explanation).
Stains near furniture, skirting
boards, doors etc.
-C
 aused by beneath floating
cleaning solution.
Stains on PVC floorings (partially
no explanation). Substances of
related cloth types migrate in the
flooring, e.g. bitumen, shoe cream,
felt streaks, rubber etc.
This recommendation complies with the guidance given by leading cleaner manufacturers. It does not claim to be complete and does not represent
any basis to make a warranty claim.
10
Possible causes
• Drag-in and carry-over of coarse dirt and
other adherent impurities under shoes.
• Due to spilt disinfectants, dialysis agents
and urine.
• Due to castors on beds and small side
cupboards.
• Mostly due to filling and dosing of cleaners
or coating agents.
• The cloths and mops used to absorb dirt stay
too long on the surface.
• Mainly caused by incompletely removed
cleaners. Dirt water often leaks under furniture
or boards later on, dries and damages the
flooring or the coating.
• Migration: Solvents, softeners, anti-ageing
agents and colourings migrate into the
flooring according to the principle of
mutual exchange.
Correction measure
• Consult the client to adjust the frequency of cleaning
accordingly.
• Interim cleaning with s&m cleaning additive.
• Additional installation of decontamination zones
(dirt trap zones) or locks.
• If possible, remove spilt liquids immediately.
• Upon agreement with the floor manufacturer, apply
suitable resistant coatings.
• Exchange castors according to the manufacturer’s
specifications.
• Generally, filling and dosing should be performed away
from the surfaces to be treated or suitable dosing and fil-
ling aids should be used.
• Do not place used cleaning cloths on the floor, but store
them temporarily in appropriate leak-proof containers.
• Use only small amounts of the cleaning agent at
inaccessible sites or avoid penetration at these sites by
protecting them with covers.
• Damage can be irreversible.
Preventive measures:
• Apply suitable coating upon consultation with the
flooring manufacturer.
Linoleum – in harmony with nature.

Elastic, durable and generally coatable.

Linoleum is made of the oil from the linseed plant.
The base, which is applied after heating onto a
substrate made of jute, consists of natural resin,
bonding agents (wood flour = resistance; cork
flour = elasticity), limestone powered, fillers as
well as colouring pigments.
Afterwards, the linoleum is cooled down and
dried until it shows the required resistance.
Linoleum has low flammability, is durable, has
an antistatic effect and reacts only in case of
continuous exposure to moisture.

Different types of linoleum

linoleum layer cork linoleum linoleum layer

underlayer

jute tissue jute tissue jute tissue

Simple linoleum Cork linoleum (corkment) Bonding linoleum

Linoleum is coatable and available in different Bonding floorings with an underlayer made of
types. Simple linoleum floorings have a thinner ‘corkment’ or foam are rare.
use-surface compared with cork linoleum.

Characteristics and Properties

Important to the cleaning (process) Positive Negative

Coarse, microporous surface and thus Resistant to tracks which are caused by Sensitive to alkalis
susceptible to dirt. burning-in of sports shoes, for example. (pH > 10).

Long drying times: Moisture is absorbed and stored Sensitive to acids

Insensitive to cigarette embers.
due to the content of cork and wood flour. (pH < 4).

The surface structure is additionally roughened

because of heavy mechanic stress (e.g. while cleaning), Antistatic, electrostatic charging
Long drying time
which exposes cork and wood. is avoided by natural moisture
(24 h).
This results in increased absorption of moisture and thus regulation of the floor.
in more difficult cleaning.

Regarding alkalis, the flooring can saponify at a

pH value > 9; i.e. free linseed oil components react with Sensitive to abrasive pads
Chlorine-free flooring.
the alkalis. The damage to the flooring is irreparable and brushes.
(yellow-brown staining)

Made of natural materials; In mint condition, odour nuisance

warm underfoot. due to inherent odour.

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 PVC – powerful.
Elastic, very abrasion-resistant and generally coatable.
PVC is a plastic whose main component is polyvinyl
chloride (PVC). Furthermore it consists of fillers,
pigments (colourings), stabilisers and softeners.
The latter are added during the production process
as PVC is originally hard and thus not flexible, which
would prevent it from being further processed to
floorings.
Different types of PVC
PVC layer
Homogeneous flooring
PVC floors are available as so-called substrate-free
PVC floorings which again differ in their homog-
enous or heterogeneous properties: floorings are
homogenous if they consist of one or several layers
with the same composition; whereas floorings are
heterogeneous if they consist of at least two layers
with different compositions.
In contrast, PVC floorings on substrates are
floorings which consist of the PVS use-surface
Characteristics and Properties
Important to cleaning
Like all other plastics, PVC is sensitive to solvents.
Largely insensitive to alkalis. In individual cases,
an undiluted basic cleaner can cause stains.
Sensitive to cigarette ember and burning-in
through shoes. Shoe and heel streaks can be
removed with care product without any problems
if a coating was applied before.
Migration: substances can migrate into the PVC due to
influence by related materials. Migrated impurities
(e.g. rubber abrasion, shoe cream, ballpoint pens and
felt streaks) cannot be removed anymore.
12
PVC floors distinguish themselves by high durabili-
ty and production at a reasonable price. However,
their market share decreased over the past years in
favour of more environmentally friendly floors. PVC
hardly absorbs any water, is generally coatable and
resistant to acids, lyes, alcohols, oil and benzine.
PVC layer
middle layer substrate
Heterogenous flooring
combined with an elastic underlayer made of jute
felt, polyester, foam or cork. PVC floors are availa-
ble in different colours, patterns and structures. In
this context, structured floors (e.g. floors with inter-
spersed granulate) are particularly nonslip. PVC has
low flammability and can be highly electrostatical-
ly conductive. Therefore, this flooring is often laid
in spaces with high electrostatic stress due to elec-
tronic devices, such as in operating theatres.
Positive Negative
In case of fire, cancerogenic gases (furans and
Insensitive to abrasive
dioxins) as well as corrosive hydrochloride acid
brushes and pads.
gases (hydrogen chloride gas) develop.
Sensitive to solvent-containing
Insensitive to alkalis.
impurities such as road tar.
Irreparable damage through burning-in
Short drying times (0.5 h) (e.g. cigarette embers, strong heat through
after basic cleaning. friction): Plastic melts at the upper side.
Tendency to electrostatic charging.
Colour solutions, such as coloured skin
Insensitive to acids to disinfectants can cause stains (in this case,
a limited extent. we recommend desderman® pure which
is free of colouring and perfume).
Elastomeric flooring – permanent elastic.

The natural one which does not require

any coating measures!
The main component of elastomeric floorings is
rubber or natural rubber to which sulphur, waxes,
silicates, paraffin (anti-ageing agents) as well as
fillers and colourings are added.
By using different synthetic rubbers, it is possible
to produce for almost any purpose suitable elas-
tomeric floorings featuring high walking comfort,
non slip (with structure types) and impact sound
insulation.
Elastomeric floorings have an antistatic and
insulating effect, have low flammability, save
time and costs: as this flooring does not have any
coating, any other necessary coating measures
are not applicable. Moreover, these floorings are
resistant to short exposures to solvents, diluted
acids, lyes, oils and fats.

Different rubber floorings

elastomer layer

elastomer layer naps

substrate

Homogeneous, smooth flooring Homogeneous nap flooring Heterogenous flooring

Elastomeric floorings are divided into the following types:

• homogeneous
• heterogeneous (possible substrate can be made of plastic foam, for example)
• smooth and
• structured floorings (naps)

Characteristics and Properties

Important to cleaning Positive Negative

If coating is desired: Non-porous, smooth surface (in contrast

NEVER pour coating agents directly onto to other elastic floorings). Sensitive to acids
the surface, because this can cause stains. No coating necessary. (pH < 4).
Always apply coating with a mop!

Short drying times (approx. 3 h) after basic Sensitive to alkalis

Non slip.
cleaning, as no water is stored. (pH > 10).

Scratches through mechanic damage Insensitive to tracks through burning-in Partly sensitive to
with sharp objects. of sports shoes. UV radiation.

Long-term exposure through strong alkalis

No burning-in through glowing cigarettes, Sensitive to solvents, sensitive
(pH value 11 – 14) leads to permanent
as rubber cannot melt. to skin disinfectants.
discolorations.

Sensitive to abrasive pads

and brushes.

Cannot be polished with

high-speed machines.

13
 Surfaces viewed in detail.
General differentiation of elastic floorings.

Elastic floorings, e.g. PVC and linoleum, are very similar in ap-
pearance which makes it difficult to tell them apart visually.
However, each type of flooring has its own specific properties
which are extremely important to surface treatment (initial
treatment or basic cleaning).
Incorrect cleaners can cause irreparable damage to floorings.
For this reason, written cleaning and care instructions by
the floor manufacturer must be strictly observed. If unsure
about the type of flooring, or if there are no instructions
available – often the case with older floorings, there are
simple tests (other than visual identification) which can be
carried out to quickly determine which flooring it is.

Paper clip test

A needle, or even better: a bent-up paper clip made of (Fig. 2). After a slow removal (Fig. 3), it can be determined
coppered wire is heated using a gas lighter (Fig. 1) and then which kind of flooring is dealt with.
pierced into the flooring at a site that does not stand out

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3

For the evaluation, the following reactions can be used ...
• Behaviour of the flooring type when being pierced with
the hot paper clip;
• Smell when being pierced;
• Appearance of the site after contact with the hot paper clip,
• Behaviour of the flooring residues on the metal paper clip in
the gas flame.
... by means of which the type of flooring can be
determined:
• PVC and polyolefins deform when heated; they become
soft and melt.
• Elastomers do not melt due to their cross-linked structure.
• Waxes and linoleum cement (component of the finished
linoleum) do remain dimensionally stable when exposed to
heat, but the organic components can carbonize visibly.

Comparison of different piercing sites of the paper clip test

Linoleum flooring
The end of the paper clip penetrates easily. A carbonised piercing site (without bulge) develops without the surface of the
flooring melting. The carbonised edge of the piercing site is hardly palpable. Smell of burnt hair or paper.

PVC flooring
Very easy penetrating of the hot paper clip. The surface of the flooring melts, a carbonised piercing site with bulge develops
from whose still hot residues filaments can be peeled off. The residues at the paper clip burn sootingly, the flame turns briefly
green (see also Beilstein test).

Polyolefin flooring (an alternative to PVC in some areas)

Very easy penetrating of the hot paper clip. The surface of the flooring melts, a carbonised piercing site with bulge develops
from whose still hot residues filaments can be peeled off. The residues burn flickeringly and soot only slightly. Smell of burnt
candle wax.

Elastomeric flooring
Hardly any penetration of the hot paper clip into the flooring whose surface does not melt. A small hole develops at the piercing
site without bulge and is hardly palpable. Typical smell of burnt rubber.

Polyurethane (PUR) flooring

Hardly any penetration of the hot paper clip into the flooring whose surface does not melt. Only a small, slightly carbonised
hole develops at the piercing site without bulge and is hardly palpable. Pungent smell.

14
Beilstein test and Tesa test.
The first helps to definitely identify PVC,
the second detects defects in the coating.

Beilstein test

Identify PVC, proper care and coating: this test helps!
A hot copper wire that has ceased glowing is used to remove
a small amount of material from the flooring to be tested and
to hold it into a Bunsen burner flame (not bright). If the
substance to be tested contains any elementary halogens,
such as chlorine, the flame turns green – a reaction which
is only triggered by PVC. The test is mostly carried out in a
laboratory, but can alternatively also be performed on-site
using the flame of a gas lighter.

Comparison of the results of the Beilstein test

Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Tesa test

By means of this test, non-obvious defects can be detected Execution:

in a coating and, moreover, proper execution can be tested.
The Tesa test - also called adhesive tape method – serves to
visually check the adhesion of the coating to floorings. In
order to obtain reliable results, the test should not be carried
out until 3 days after the last coating measure.
Patch a standard commercial adhesive tape onto the floorings
to be tested and rub it onto the floor. Afterwards, slowly
remove the adhesive tape at an angle as acute as possible.
If the coating sticks to the adhesive tape, the coating is non-
adherent. This is best visible on a dark underlay.

Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9 Fig. 10

schülke provides what floors require!

Modern cleaners and disinfectants by schülke can be largely applied to all types of floorings.
However, please also observe the manufacturer’s specifications. Should you have any further queries,
our sales team or Customer Care Department will be more than happy to help:

Schülke & Mayr GmbH

D-22840 Norderstedt, Germany | Phone: +49-40-521 00-666 | e-mail: info@schuelke.com

15
Powerful products for high stress!

schülke surface disinfectants are first choice products regarding care

and maintenance of elastic floorings:

schülke
product

s&m®
s&m® antifect® antifect® pursept® terralin® terralin®
Reinigungs- perform®
Pflegeadditiv FF AF (N) AF PAA protect
additiv

PVC
Type of flooring

Linoleum

Rubber

Please note:
1. Apply schülke surface disinfectants at the specified concentration only.
2. On structured floorings, a higher application concentrations of the stock solution of perform® can require second wiping.
3. Use disinfectant safely. Always read label and product information before use.

We provide recommendation on the use or application of our products only to the best of our knowledge and in good faith; They do not represent any guarantees, nor
assumption of an obligation to meet claims regarding effectiveness unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing. Our usual terms and conditions apply.

16
 Long-lasting protection.
Easy application.

17
schülke worldwide:
Austria
Schülke&Mayr Ges.m.b.H.
1070 Vienna
Phone +43-1-523 25 01 0
Fax +43-1-523 25 01 60
India
Schulke India Pvt. Ltd.
New Delhi 110044
Phone +91-11-40 55 02 00
Fax +91-11-40 55 02 01
Poland
Schulke Polska Sp. z o.o.
01-793 Warszawa
Phone +48-22-568 22 02-03
Fax +48-22-568 22 04
... plus our international distributors
Schülke & Mayr GmbH
22840 Norderstedt | Germany
Phone | Fax +49 - 40  521 00 - 0 | -318
www.schuelke.com
A company of the
Air Liquide Group
China
Schülke & Mayr GmbH
Shanghai Representative Office
Shanghai 200041
Phone +86-21-62 17 29 95
Fax +86-21-62 17 29 97
Italy
Schülke & Mayr Italia S.r.l.
20148 Milano
Phone +39-02-40 21 820
Fax +39-02-40 21 829
Singapore
Schülke & Mayr (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Singapore 159410
Phone +65-62-57 23 88
Fax +65-62-57 93 88
France
Schülke France SARL
94250 Gentilly
Phone +33-1- 49 69 83 78
Fax +33-1- 49 69 83 85
Malaysia
Schülke & Mayr (Asia) Sdn Bhd.
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone +60-3-78 85 80 20
Fax +60-3-78 85 80 21
Switzerland
Schülke & Mayr AG
8003 Zurich
Phone +41-44-466 55 44
Fax +41-44-466 55 33
This product information is not automatically updated.
Germany
Schülke & Mayr GmbH
22840 Norderstedt
Phone +49-40-521 00 0
Fax +49-40-521 00 318
Netherlands
Schülke & Mayr Benelux B.V.
2031 CC Haarlem
Phone +31-23-535 26 34
Fax +31-23-536 79 70
United Kingdom
Schülke & Mayr UK Ltd.
Sheffield S9 1AT
Phone +44-114-254 35 00
Fax +44-114-254 35 01
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