Blog

When people think about floor protection, their minds often go straight to winter. After all, snow, ice, and salt are notorious for wreaking havoc on floors. However, what many business owners overlook is that summer can be just as tough on commercial flooring — sometimes even more so.

At Swan Dust Control, we help businesses across Canada protect their floors year-round. Let’s explore why summer presents unique challenges and how the right mats can help you maintain a clean, safe, and professional-looking space during the warmer months.

Why Summer Is Tough on Commercial Floors 

1) Increased Foot Traffic 

Summer is a busy season for many businesses.  Retail shops, restaurants, event venues, and offices often see more visitors. With more people comes more wear and tear on your floors:

• Dirt and debris are tracked in with every step.
• The risk of scuff marks, scratches, and general damage increases.
• Frequent cleaning becomes necessary, which can further stress flooring materials.

Even businesses that don’t rely on walk-in customers may notice the impact of higher employee movement during summer.

2) Dust, Dirt, and Sand

While winter brings salt and slush, summer introduces its own mess:

• Dust and pollen settle on shoes and get carried indoors, contributing to dirty floors and poor air quality.
• Sand and fine gravel from parking lots or outdoor areas can grind away at floor surfaces, dulling their finish and causing micro-abrasions.
• Dry soil sticks to footwear and disperses easily across floors, creating a constant cleaning battle.

3) Moisture from Summer Storms 

Summer storms can leave sidewalks and parking lots wet and muddy. People entering your building bring this moisture in on their shoes, creating:

• Slippery surfaces that increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
• Water spots, warping, or staining on unprotected floors.
• An overall messy appearance at your entry points.

4) Spilled Drinks and Sticky Residue

With summer comes iced coffees, cold drinks, and frozen treats. These beverages often accompany employees and customers inside — and spills are inevitable. Without proper floor protection:

• Sticky residues build up, attracting dirt and insects.
• Floors lose their shine and cleanliness.
• Cleaning takes longer and requires more frequent chemical use.

5) UV Exposure 

While it’s not tracked in on shoes, summer’s strong sunlight can fade and damage unprotected flooring, especially near glass doors and windows. Dust and dirt further contribute to this deterioration by scratching surfaces as they’re ground in by foot traffic.

How Mats Help Protect Your Floors During Summer

The good news is that a strategic matting system can tackle all of these challenges, keeping your business cleaner and safer — while preserving your flooring investment.

Trap Dirt and Debris at the Door 

High-quality entrance mats are your building’s first line of defense. A well-designed matting system can stop 70% to 80% of dirt and debris at the entrance, which prevents it from being tracked deeper inside.

• Scraper mats have molded tread surface cleats that effectively scrape through dirt and grime off shoes, keeping soil below foot level.
• Entrance mats are made of cut pile yarn which allows dirt to penetrate and hide between fibers until the next service.
• Trakstar mats are specially designed to trap moisture and provide a thick, stable walking surface.

By capturing contaminants at the source, mats reduce the frequency of sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing.

Absorb Moisture and Prevent Slips

Summer storms can leave puddles at entryways, but absorbent mats soak up moisture quickly. This:

• Keeps floors dry and reduces slip-and-fall risks.
• Protects sensitive flooring materials from water damage.
• Creates a safer, more professional-looking entrance.

Protect Against Wear and Tear

Every step without a mat grinds dirt, sand, and debris into your floor. Mats create a barrier that absorbs this impact before it reaches your flooring:

• Preventing scratches and scuffs.
• Reducing costly refinishing or replacement needs.
• Keeping floors looking new for longer.

Enhance Air Quality 

Dust and pollen don’t just make your floors dirty — they get kicked up into the air with every footstep. Mats trap these particles before they spread, contributing to:

• Cleaner air.
• Reduced allergy triggers for employees and customers.
• Less work for your HVAC system.

Improve Appearance and Brand Perception

No one wants to walk into a business with dirty, worn floors. Clean, well-maintained mats:

• Give visitors a positive first impression.
• Help you present a polished, professional image.
• Can even promote your brand if you opt for custom logo mats.

Why Mat Maintenance Matters in Summer

Having mats is only part of the solution — keeping them clean is essential. Mats that are saturated with dirt, sand, and moisture can’t do their job. In fact, they can become a source of dirt and odors themselves.

That’s why Swan Dust Control offers a mat rental and maintenance program:

• We pick up your used mats on a regular schedule.
• We clean them using professional-grade equipment.
• We return fresh, clean mats to your business — ready to protect your floors.

With our service, you don’t have to worry about managing dirty mats or replacing worn ones. We handle it all, so you can focus on running your business.

Simple Steps to Summer-Proof Your Floors

To get the most out of your matting system this summer:

• Use the right mats in the right places — different businesses have unique requirements when it comes to choosing a commercial floor mat, ranging from material needs, functionality, and stylistic preferences.
• Cover enough area — 12 to 15 feet of matting inside the entrance is recommended.
• Schedule regular service — clean mats work better and last longer.
• Inspect mats for wear — replace mats that are frayed or no longer grip the floor well.

Protect Your Floors This Summer with Swan Dust Control

Summer might be hard on your floors — but it doesn’t have to be. With Swan Dust Control’s rental mat service, you can:

• Keep your floors clean and damage-free.
• Reduce cleaning time and costs.
• Create a safer environment for staff and visitors.

Contact us today to build your summer floor protection plan and let our mats do the heavy lifting.

Visit www.swandust.com or call us at 1-800-265-6141 to learn more!