Industrial cleaning library for surfaces and residues
Technical guidance on common industrial surfaces, residues and cleaning problems, including the factors that influence method selection and the finish that can reasonably be achieved.
The cleaning method depends on the surface, the contamination and how the area is used. Resin floors, high-level dust and machine sumps each need different checks and controls.
Surface: installed material, coating and manufacturer care instructions.
Contamination: the residue present, its process source and any cleaning products already in use.
Operating area: production activity, sensitive equipment and access restrictions.
Required result: appearance, hygiene standard or another site-defined performance check.
Technical sources used in this library
The library uses HSE and GOV.UK guidance alongside manufacturer information for named flooring systems. Manufacturer guidance applies to the product or system it describes. Safety and regulatory guidance still has to be read in the context of the actual process, site and jurisdiction.
The correct way to clean a resin floor depends on the installed coating system, the manufacturer’s guidance, chemical compatibility and whether the apparent soiling is actually wear or damage.
Cleaning oil from concrete depends on the floor finish, the contamination present, drainage controls and whether any remaining mark is staining or physical damage.
Antistatic resin floors may have electrical-performance requirements as well as cleaning requirements. The flooring specification and manufacturer cleaning instructions should remain part of the maintenance information.
Key points
Installed antistatic flooring system, specification and manufacturer cleaning guidance.
Contamination present and any electrical-performance checks the site requires after cleaning.
Deck coatings are finished surface systems, not bare concrete. Cleaning should take account of the installed coating, tyre contamination, previous maintenance and the finish expected afterwards.
Key points
Installed deck-coating system and manufacturer maintenance guidance.
Tyre marks or other contamination, previous treatments and the finish required after cleaning.
Floor coving forms the junction between the floor and wall and may be part of the same resin system. Residue at that junction should be included when the cleaning standard is assessed.
Key points
Coving material or flooring system and manufacturer care instructions.
Residue at the floor-to-wall junction, including joints or repairs, and the required cleaning standard.
MMA flooring is a distinct resin-floor type. Cleaning products and equipment should be selected for the installed finish and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Key points
Installed MMA floor system, finish and manufacturer cleaning guidance.
Contamination present, worn or repaired areas and the finish required after cleaning.
Polyurethane cement floors are resin screed systems used in industrial settings. The installed product should be identified before the cleaning method is chosen.
Key points
Installed polyurethane cement system and manufacturer care instructions.
Contamination, worn or damaged areas and the operating conditions that affect cleaning.
Polyurethane resin floors are one type of industrial resin flooring. Cleaning should follow the requirements of the installed system and its manufacturer guidance, including any stated limits on cleaning chemicals or temperature.
Key points
Installed polyurethane resin system and the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Current contamination and any limits the manufacturer gives for cleaning chemicals or temperature.
Resin terrazzo has its own binder and finish, so it should not be treated as though every terrazzo floor is the same. Cleaning should follow the requirements of the installed system.
Key points
Installed resin terrazzo system and manufacturer care instructions.
Staining present, previous cleaning and the appearance required after cleaning.
Slip-resistant resin finishes rely on their surface profile as part of their performance. Cleaning should remove contamination from that texture without treating a smoother appearance as the aim.
Key points
Installed slip-resistant resin system, surface profile and manufacturer cleaning guidance.
Contamination held in the texture and the cleaning products or methods currently used.
