REFERENCE / TECHNICAL BULLETIN

ENHANCED FLOOR CLEANING

Shaw Industries, Inc. provides information and insights to help facilities make informed decisions about cleaning/disinfecting
oors.
 
OVERVIEW 
Floors have traditionally been considered a noncritical or a low touch environmental surface(A Rational Approach to
Disinfection and Sterilization).  The CDC has released information and guidance for the enhanced cleaning of surfaces through
their published guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting (Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility).

Routine and proper maintenance is the foundation for a clean oor. We recognize that many will explore the use of products
for interim cleaning and disinfection. The CDC maintains a list of registered products that can be used for enhanced cleaning
procedures (List N).  

For porous surfaces, such as carpeted oors, rugs, and drapes, the CDC recommends “removing visible contamination if
present and cleaning with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items as
appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate
water setting for the items and dry items completely.

While many products have been approved by the EPA and recommended by the CDC, many products on the list may not be
suitable to preserve the long term appearance or performance of your ooring products. 

There are products not yet approved by EPA that have been tested by independent biological testing laboratories that have
shown to have effective antibacterial, antiviral, etc. properties.  Shaw has conducted testing on some of these products and
identi ed a few that are safe to use on your ooring without causing any discoloration or accelerated soiling.
CARPET MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The complete guide for proper carpet maintenance can be located in our Carpet Maintenance Checklist.  
 Daily Cleaning
As outlined in our carpet maintenance checklist, remove loose soil, debris and other substances through vacuuming.  

 Deep Cleaning
Deep clean using a 160-degree Hot Water extraction process outlined in our carpet maintenance checklist along with the detergent pre-spray.
As outlined in the guidelines from the CDC, “For soft (porous) surfaces such as the carpeted oor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible
contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.”

Interim Cleaning
The use of EPA registered disinfectants may cause negative effects on carpeting. For example, quaternary ammonium products can leave a
sticky residue and result in yellowing or distortion of surface appearance.
Before using any cleaning solution on commercial nishes, it is important to review the product information and instructions. 
Test disinfectants and other cleaning products in an inconspicuous area. 
We are actively testing products appropriate for interim use on carpet and will update this list as additional products are approved.
Shaw Pure
Isopropyl Alcohol 70%+ solution

 Caring for your equipment

Proper cleaning of equipment between jobs is essential to prevent cross-contamination. The use of hot water and detergent along with the use
of an EPA approved product is suggested for all exposed surfaces.   

RESILIENT/HARD SURFACE MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

The complete guide for proper resilient maintenance can be located in our Resilient Maintenance Checklist.

Daily Cleaning
As outlined in our resilient maintenance checklist, Dry mop oor using a micro ber mop pad or appropriate oor vacuum to remove dust
particulate from the oor.

For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded. 1

 REFERENCE / TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Spray neutral pH oor cleaner, such as Shaw Hard Surface Cleaner or Diversey Stride, onto the oor in a manageable area (spray mist will dry
quickly). Use a micro ber wet mop pad to mop the oor with cleaner. If the pad becomes dirty, replace the pad with a new micro ber wet mop
pad. Work oor in sections.
Always rinse the oor with water only by mopping water to remove any remaining residue from the oor.
Deep Cleaning
Deep Clean the resilient ooring by auto scrubbing the oor.  Mix a neutral pH oor cleaner in the tank of the scrubber and scrub the
oor before disinfecting the oor.  Deep cleaning should be on an increased frequency to keep the oor free of soil.

Interim Cleaning
Before using any product on commercial nishes, it is important to review the product information and instructions. 
Test disinfectants in an inconspicuous area. 
The EPA maintains a list of products that can be used for disinfecting.  Shaw has evaluated the following products and has determined that their
use will result in no nish or color loss of our products when used in accordance with their application instructions.
Shaw Pure
A 5% bleach solution (for use on Shaw bio-based products only). 
We are actively testing additional products for interim use on resilient, and we will update this listing as products are approved.  If you have
questions about additional EPA registered cleaners not listed above, please contact your Shaw representative. Caring for your equipment
Proper cleaning of equipment between jobs is essential to prevent cross-contamination. The use of hot water and detergent along with an EPA
approved cleaner is suggested for all exposed surfaces.

FLOOR CLEANING DISTRIBUTORS/SUPPLIERS 

Shaw recommends the following distributors for purchasing cleaning supplies. 
shawtotalcare.com

For reference purposes only if printed or downloaded. Revision: 06232021 2