What is the solution to slippery floors?

Has there ever been a day where you are running, walking or just going about your necessary activities and the next thing, you see yourself on the floor?

Yes, once in a while, that is bound to happen and despite the fact that we find scenarios like that funny, which we could just easily laugh off, some are actually a big risk of serious injury and come with some devastating consequences.

This could mean a permanent broken rib, a dislocation, sprain or a broken neck. Wet floors are really no good and should be taken care of as soon as possible.

The simplest solution

The first thing to do before all else, is actually the most basic, which is, clean your floors regularly and once a month engage in floor deep cleaning.

This is to remove grease, water and other slippery materials that may cause a fall. We all know that the buildup of unwanted dirt can led to undesirable floor conditions, so it is best to use an appropriate cleaning product for your floors.

Sweep dust and debris, then go further to mop the floor with soap and warm water to remove dirt you could have otherwise missed. Then let this dry thoroughly before using your anti-slip solution to mop the floor again thoroughly.

It is important to note that you should use the appropriate cleansing material to deep clean tile floors as using the wrong one could result in leaving residue on the floor which is equally slippery.

What's the cause?

The cause of slippery floors is a 'wet' one. It is important to avoid such wetness and the best way to do that is by mopping the floor with a dry mop regularly.

Also, to avoid greasy and slippery floors, immediately wipe up and clean small spills with a paper towel or towel. That way, you prevent a buildup of slippery substances before they have the chance to cause any trouble.

Preventive measures

To prevent this all together, you could just use rugs. This is particularly effective in the home environment as it can be used to complement the hose décor and offer your family a soft and friendly place to relax.

If you know it takes you awhile to get around to cleaning the floors, it is best you rug up the floor! And if you have small kids, this is even more important.

Even if you do not want to cover the entire floor, you could use foot mats, and place them in strategic locations, and insist that anyone who walks in or out cleans their feet thoroughly.

Identifying slippery floors

You should also understand what is slippery and what is not. Aside from water or moisture being a general cause for slippery floors, here are things to watch out for to avoid the whole disaster that comes with slippery falls.

The first is, wet and greasy floors; which is quite common perhaps the most obvious. But also consider dry floors with dust which can also cause unstable grounding when people pass by.

Uneven walking surfaces that lack proportion are also something to be cautious about as well as polished or freshly waxed floors.

If your floors are waxed or polished, make sure there is a sign put in place afterwards warning people.

Loose flooring or frayed carpets and mats can also cause trips and slips. You never can tell when a shoe heel or toe is going to get caught up in all of that thread!

Weather hazards such as rain, sleet, ice, snow, hail, frost can also cause a mighty fall when you're dealing with outdoor floor surfaces. Wet leaves, shoes with wet, muddy, greasy or oily soles should also be avoided.

Professional advice

If you are concerned about your cleaning methods, you can employ a floor safety specialist to carry out a floor safety testing on your floors. These experts are trustworthy when it comes to inspecting the floors of your property and guarding you against slips.

They know what anti slip products and detergents to use and most importantly, the requirements of each type of floor surface.

Most types of flooring, including ceramic floors, are typically slippery when wet and this could be very dangerous and lead to a permanent damage on someone. Make sure you use slippery floor treatments that are available to you and the use of caution sign when the floor is wet.

4Earth Solutions are based in the North East of England and specialise in the creation, distribution and application of Anti Slip Coatings, Anti Slip Floor Treatments and a wide range of cleaning and maintenance products. They also engage themselves in floor deep cleaning.

With our range of environmental friendly products like sealers and anti-slip coating, slips and falls are no longer an issue.