Are you struggling with dirty kick plates? Also known as the often overlooked strips of metal found at the base of push doors, these panels protect doors from scuffs and damage from daily foot traffic and janitorial equipment. They easily accumulate dirt, grime, and considerable scuff marks, impacting your facility’s appearance and cleanliness.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of efficiently cleaning kick plates, ensuring your facility remains spotless and scratch-free.
Understanding Kick Plates
What Are Kick Plates?
Kick plates are typically made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic and are installed on the lower part of push doors. Their primary function is to protect the door from deterioration caused by foot traffic, carts, and other objects.
They are especially helpful in high-traffic areas where constant foot traffic wears down the door’s integrity.
Given their location, kick plates often come into contact with dirt and moisture, making regular cleaning necessary.
Why Cleaning Kick Plates Matters
Kick plates play a crucial role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Not only do they contribute to the visual appeal of your facility by keeping entryways looking pristine, but regular cleaning also helps prolong their lifespan by preventing corrosion and wear. Beyond appearance and durability, clean kick plates are vital for maintaining a healthy environment, as dirty surfaces can harbor bacteria and allergens, affecting both indoor air quality and overall safety.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Clean kick plates enhance the overall appearance of your facility.
- Longevity: Regular cleaning helps prevent corrosion and wear, extending the life of the kickplate and door.
- Health and Safety: Dirty kick plates can harbor bacteria and allergens, impacting indoor air quality.
Tools and Materials Needed;
Before you begin cleaning, gather the following supplies:
- Microfiber Cloths: For gentle cleaning without scratching surfaces.
- Daily Cleaner: A glass cleaner or stainless steel polisher will do.
- Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands.
3 Steps to Clean Kick Plates
Firstly, it’s important to establish a regular cleaning schedule for your kick plates. Due to their use in high-traffic areas, we recommend cleaning your kick plates on a daily basis.
For day-to-day cleaning of kick plates, follow the 3 steps listed below:
- Select the Right Cleaner
- Apply Your Daily Cleaner
- Remove the Cleaner
1. Select the Right Cleaner
Before cleaning, identify the material of the kick plate. Different materials may require different cleaning approaches.
Common materials include stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.
If your kickplate is stainless steel or aluminum, a spray glass cleaner will do the job. If you have stubborn scuffs or debris, select a stainless steel polish.
Plastic can be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner.
2. Apply Your Daily Cleaner
Apply your cleaner of choice to the kickplate. For tough stains, allow the solution to sit for a minute before wiping.
Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application. Make sure to let the product dwell if required.
3. Remove the Cleaner
After applying your cleaner, wipe the entire kickplate clean with a microfiber cloth. Ensure that there is no residue left on the kickplate to prevent streaking or discoloration.
While cleaning, check for any signs of damage or wear. Report any issues to the facility management.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning kick plates is an often neglected yet important task for any business. Regular attention to these often-overlooked areas will elevate your facility’s cleanliness standards and also promote a healthier and safer building.
Imperial Dade locations have a wide range of products to help you maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your facility. From daily cleaners to microfiber cloths, Imperial Dade is here to help you tackle daily cleaning tasks like this. Reach out to an Imperial Dade expert today for help!