Fort Worth, TX - Most technicians will agree, proper and effective floor maintenance is essentially a science.  And, like any science, it has its own terminology.

According to Debby Davis, product manager for Powr-Flite and a floor care expert, the following are some floor care terms rarely heard, but ones which have significant importance when it comes to the science of floor care: 

James Machine: This is a device used to determine the slip resistance of a hard floor surface.  It measures the static coefficient of friction.

Mar: Damage to a floor finish film that is usually repairable only by recoating.

Mottling: This applies to a floor finish that looks blotchy, marked, or spotty.

Pitting: If small holes form in a floor finish it is referred to as pitting.  "Spiked" or high heel shoes can cause this problem 

Pop: When the appearance of a floor finish goes from a dull to high luster, especially after using a high speed burnisher.

Preservatives: Most floor finishes contain small amounts of antimicrobial agents or preservatives to help prevent bacterial contamination in an unopened container.

Soil Release: The ability of a floor finish to release soil attached to it.

Streaking: Using soiled mops and/or applying finish in too thin of coats can cause dull or soiled areas in the finish, referred to as streaking.

Tack Rags: This refers to wrapping a cloth around a broom or dust mop to clean up fine particles, such as dust.

"Along with understanding these terms, floor care technicians also need to be well-versed on the different types of machines used in floor care," adds Davis. "When it comes to floor care, knowledge is indeed power."

About Powr-Flite   

Established more than 45 years ago, Powr-Flite manufactures a full line of floor-care equipment and carpet extractors for the professional cleaning industry. Based in Fort Worth, TX, the company has over 20 patented designs and its products are recognized throughout the world for their innovation, durability, quality and performance. Their products are marketed directly to end-use customers as well as through distributors throughout the North America, Europe and the Far East.