Mops 101: Exploring Your Industrial Floor Mop Options
Discover the different types of mops and how each can help maintain clean, safe floors. And experience the convenience and efficiency that a rental service can bring to your business.
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We all know that business floor mats can set a welcoming tone for your customers as soon as they open your door. They also help protect your floors, help keep your business clean and safe and can help alleviate discomfort felt by employees who work all day on their feet.
You likely walk on floor mats every day, but have you ever taken the time to consider what is really under your feet? How are they made and what should you be looking for? There are differences in construction and materials — and those variations can have an impact on how clean, safe and comfortable your business really is to visitors and employees alike.
We’re going to examine how typical business floor mats are made and what you might want to consider in a floor mat solution for your business. We’ll also take a look at why a commercial floor mat service or commercial mat rental business can help ensure that you’re getting the most from your floor mats.
Carpeted mats are typically placed by front doors to stop dirt, moisture and grime from entering your building. Their job is to effectively absorb and prevent tracking debris to help maintain cleanliness and safety.
To be effective, carpeted mats need to be highly absorbent and stay in place. Mats that are made from a high-twist, heat-set nylon resist crushing to better trap dirt and extend the life of the mat. A slip-resistant rubber backing will help prevent the mat from sliding during vigorous foot wiping or excess traffic. Solution-dyed nylon provides fade and stain resistant properties. Known for drying quickly, nylon is also mildew resistant and is considered softer and more durable than other materials. Nylon is more absorbent than a polypropylene mat, though polypropylene is a good material for a scraper mat in conjunction with a carpeted mat.
Another important feature to look for is whether your mat has been certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). The NFSI is a non-profit organization that conducts independent product testing and certification, educational training and standards development designed to aid in the prevention of slips, trips and falls.
Scraper mats effectively scrape tough dirt and grime from shoes. They work very well when combined with a carpeted mat. Scraper mats with multi-directional surface textures help remove and trap dirt and sand below the shoe level to prevent tracking. Drainable borders help filter water off the mat, making this option ideal for use outside as a scraper mat or as a slip-resistant mat in wet areas. Scraper mats made of nitrile rubber are grease/oil proof and chemical resistant. And like carpeted mats, some scraper mats come with the NFSI certification.
Anti-fatigue mats are slip-resistant mats with inherent properties designed to provide steady footing and mild relief for those who stand for long periods of time. Made of nitrile rubber or nitrile-blended foam, anti-fatigue mats often have anti-microbial treatments to provide protection from odors and wear and tear. Mats with beveled edges provide a safe transition from floor to mat. Mats come in grease- and oil-proof, chemical-resistant and welding-safe options. Lightweight mats make it easy to move or reposition. Anti-fatigue mats that are NFSI certified can provide added peace of mind.
A drainage mat is a flow-through mat designed for wet areas where grease, water, oil and chemicals may be present. Drainage mats made from high density, closed cell nitrile rubber foam are durable and provide lifetime anti-microbial treatment which helps prevent odors and wear and tear.
Drainage mats with cushioned construction can do double duty by acting as an anti-fatigue mat for employees who need to stand to do their important work. Many businesses look for drainage mats that are lightweight for moving and are NFSI certified.
To help keep your mats in top condition, it’s important to maintain the materials with proper cleaning. The easiest way to ensure this is to outsource your mats to a commercial floor mat service or commercial mat rental company, such as Vestis™.
Vestis carries a wide assortment of NFSI-certified business floor mats for you to choose from for use throughout your facility. Plus, as a rental customer, you can count on a dedicated Route Sales Representative to deliver fresh carpeted mats to your location on a regular, weekly schedule. They’ll pick up soiled mats and take them back to our facility for professional laundering, inspection and replacement (as needed).
After you select your mats, our commercial mat rental service will help give your business a clean, welcoming look while helping to protect your floors — as well as your customers and employees.
Regardless of your needs, our team is here to provide information on our various mats and our full-service rental program. Contact us today to get started.