Taking Care of Your Painted Floor
We appreciate that your dance and performance floor is a significant investment and recommend a regular clearing and maintenance schedule. Dirty floors become slippery as the accumulated dirt acts as a sandpaper and removes the painted finish.
Maintenance – As a regular program, your dance floor should be swept and dry mopped at least 3 times a week. Dust, dirt, sweat, shoe marks, food, drinks, and even chewing gum are all detrimental to the painted surface of a dance floor. The more the floor is used, the more it needs to be cleaned. Before trying any new cleaning products or techniques, check with STM Studio Supplies.
It is important to minimize the amount of dirt that makes its way into the studio. The use of entrance or threshold mats can collect up to 80% of dirt. Whether they be scraps of old carpet or proprietary systems built into the floor, remember they need regular cleaning too, with a shake and beating at least monthly.
Be careful and diligent about removing rosin from a painted timber floor. Wood is porous and rosin is pine-tar. Over time, rosin can migrate into the wood and hardens which makes the floor slippery. Use spot cleaning to remove it. A good alternative to traditional rosin is our Rozzie product. Remember, Rozzie must be totally cleaned off before reapplication of Rozzie.
Cleaning:
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Make sure the area is well ventilated for your own safety, especially if using floor cleaners. (Handy note: ventilation systems also need occasional cleaning!)
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Sweep painted floors with a wide dust broom daily, if possible. A soft bristle push broom does a better job than scissor type dust mop sweepers. Get a broom that is a least 600mm (24”) wide and avoid stiff natural bristles or straw brooms as these will scratch the surface. Vacuums are also suitable.
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Use our Sadie Suds product weekly, but do not let the floor get too wet, nor the water sit on the surface for a long time. Dry the area with a broom that has been wrapped in a clean terry-cloth towel. Keep flipping the towel over and pushing it over the floor until it comes up clean.
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Spot cleaning can also be helpful. Spray the offending area with Sadie Suds and clean as above.
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Replace the mop heads every 6 months or so depending on use and wear.
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Some rubber based marks / scuffs can be removed by simply rubbing them with a tennis ball attached to
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a stick / broom handle.
Aggressive cleaning:
- Over time, an accumulation of scuff and dye marks may become too unsightly. If this is the case, use a stripper and red pad on an orbital floor polisher. This will leave your floor dull and if you prefer a slight sheen it will be necessary to refinish it.
Finishing / Drying:
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Allow the floor to air dry.
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Mop up any areas that are very wet with a clean cloth or towel. Do not let water pool on the floor.
Avoid:
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Cleaning products with ammonia or abrasives as it can damage the painted surface.
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Sharp objects such as high heels, sharp edged items, scenery, chairs, tables or other equipment should
not be allowed onto the floors as these items may gouge, or damage the floor.
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Painting the walls, the ceiling, or set / prop items should be avoided while resting on your floor. Consider moving the item off the floor or lay drop cloths or sheet plastic around and under the item so as to protect the floor. Any substance spilled or dropped on the floor should be removed immediately.
With reasonable precautions and sensible care, you can extend the life of your painted dance floor.
