Chimiver Solutions For Floor Maintenance

Chimiver Solutions For Floor Maintenance

Floors. You walk on them on a daily basis. They soak in spills. The sun’s radiation beats down on the surface. Footwear comes with its abrasive effects. Those with sharp heels add to the pressure. Pets running around claw at the surface. Risks of mould growth in areas where water damage is an issue, cracking from seasonal swings in temperature affecting the structure of the floors – they are faced with plenty of issues all through the year. How much care is required for the floors in your residential or commercial building? Let’s look at the ways in which Chimiver comes in to help. 

Get More From A Trusted Brand

When choosing a brand to work with for your floor maintenance solutions, you want one that has been proven to deliver. After all, the floor is a costly installation, and you won’t want cases of substandard products being used which will end up compromising its beauty or structural integrity. With Chimiver, you’re dealing with a company that has been around for over half a century. The company was started in 1965 as a family business in Pontinda, Bergamo Province. It started by developing coatings for both wood and parquet flooring, and since then it has grown in leaps and bounds to become a global leader in floor care and maintenance. From its small Pontida laboratory, the company moved to Its current large warehouse set within the municipality in 1974. 1988 saw it open its second warehouse, the third followed in 2004 to keep up with the demand, and it has been on a consistent upward trajectory all through. The products, made in Italy, are shipped to 60 countries around the world – and for the year 2022 it delivered a whopping 6000 tonnes of product. The global demand for the products is a testament to their quality, and the diverse range of formulations available cater to different consumer needs. 

Going Green With Your Floor Care

Protecting your floor doesn’t mean that the environment has to suffer as a result. Harsh agents that end up releasing toxic fumes, waste products that go polluting the surrounding water bodies, all through to the kind of packaging that gets disposed of – since this will likely end up in a landfill – how much emphasis do you put in ensuring that sustainable processes are used? After all, you don’t want your goals in floor care being contributing factors to environmental degradation. With Chimiver, you won’t have to worry about that. 

This is a brand that is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the environment and the generations to come. It has taken protective steps throughout its production processes to implement measures that are in line with the European Union’s sustainable goals, as well as the UN Agenda 2030. For instance, the EU decarbonization program seeks to have greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 reduced by at least 55% when compared to the levels in 1990. The overall goal is to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Chimiver implements decarbonisation processes, incorporating the requirements in Carbon Footprint (ISO 14064: 2018) in its operations. This includes the raw material sources for the products, water and energy consumption, and the logistics involved in delivering the products to the customers, all through to employee management. Products by the brand are also taken through the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), where a life cycle assessment looks at their environmental impact. The formulations are then modified based on the results, further cutting down their environmental impact while ensuring that they deliver on the required performance. 

The push for sustainability also extends to the packaging process, where the brand has been transitioning to using recycled raw materials. It relies on materials that are certified as Second Life Plastic, which is beneficial to both the economic processes of the company, and the environment as a whole. These packaging materials have seen the brand participate -and win- in the 2021 and 2022 ECOPACK – Call for Ecodesign awards. The program uses the “Eco Tool Conai” to calculate packaging with a low environmental impact, and compare this with similar packages in the Italian market used for the same application. In 2023, the company plans to publish its Sustainability Report for the preceding year. This is a voluntary measure since there is no obligation to make the report – but the company has undertaken it in line with its business principles in committing to sustainable processes.

Diverse Floor Cleaning Agents

With floor care, it is imperative that you work with formations which will be safe for the particular type of surface being cleared – as well as any treatments that are on it. After all, you don’t want a situation where harsh cleanings break down the protective finishes that had been applied in a bid to get rid of the dirt and grime. It’s an intricate balancing act, where you want products that are powerful enough to break down the dirt that has accumulated on the surfaces, while still being gentle on the underlying installation. There are also those formulations that go the extra step to freshen up the floor, adding to its shine, and enhancing attributes like the water-resistance of the existing finish. 

With Chimiver, you have different types of floor cleaning solutions that you can choose from that are suited to the kinds of installation you’re working on. 

These include:

Wooden floor restoration products

Keeping your wooden floors in optimal condition is not just about the everyday cleaning. Over time, the foot traffic handled by the surface, the effects of the sun on the existing finish, and accidental spills that wind up on the floor gradually decrease the appeal of the surface. The reduced integrity of the treatments that had been applied will depend on the level of traffic handled and the extent of the exposure to elements that deteriorate the surface. Restoration measures need to be undertaken. Before you get to the complete floor sanding and refinishing, intermediate measures can be put in place – such as is the case with the VELUREX® Polish WT, a water-based maintenance wax. 

You can use the Chimiver VELUREX® Polish WT to nourish and restore your lacquered wood floors bringing back that lost charm and enhancing the protection of the surface. The formulation is an emulsion of waxes that also brings antistatic properties to the installation. To treat the floor with it, simply dilute it (mix 3 caps of product with 1L of water), then apply this solution evenly onto the surface with a soft cotton cloth. Give it 20 to 30 minutes to dry completely, and then polish the surface with the preferred equipment – whether it is just a cloth or a floor flooring machine. Remember to ensure that the surface being treated has been thoroughly cleaned before you apply the VELUREX® Polish WT. Note that this maintenance wax should not be used on oiled wooden floors or surfaces with low absorbency.

The brand also puts together packages for users to save on purchase costs – especially when complementing products are being used for floor care. For example, when dealing with lacquered wooden floors, you can go for the Chimiver Care Line Maintenance Kit. This kit comes with 1L VERULEX Cleaner Star, 1L VERULEX Polish WT, and 1 Maintenance Microfibre Cloth. That way, you can get one kit that has the products needed for cleaning these kinds of indoor floors, and save more. 

Maintain the beauty of your oiled floors

Oil treatments on wood floors are particularly popular for enhancing the natural look of exotic wood species, bringing out their character and warmth. Routine cleaning is needed to preserve this effect, getting rid of the dirt and dust before they wear down the finish and dull the surface. The cleaning agents need to be suited for the task. Working with “all-purpose” cleaners on oiled floors will leave behind a dull residue, and harsh chemicals on the other hand will break down the protective treatment that has been applied. Chimiver brings on board a wide range of treatments that can be used for the routine or extraordinary cleaning, as well as freshening up oiled floors. 

Here, the goals are usually two-fold: cleaning the dirt and grime, and restoring the ‘lost oil elements’ to the floor. The Chimiver LIOS Soft Balm comes in to clean and nourish oiled floors, ensuring long-term performance. This is for natural oil finishes, those with UV curing or surfaces that have been treated with urethane finishes. With this formulation, you get to preserve the original colour and appearance of the wooden floors. However, you can opt for the Chimiver LIOS Soft Balm COLORATO version if needed, which comes with white colouration. The difference here will be the resultant aesthetics. 

The application steps for the LIOS Soft Balm are:

1. Shake the bottle well before use.
2. Prepare the solution that will be applied onto the floor. Here, 3 caps of the product are mixed with 1L of water. At this dilution ratio, each litre of product will be enough for 90 m² of floor area. 
3. Apply the product onto the surface and clean as usual. You can use the traditional mop and bucket system to work on the surface, or with sure units like the ALFRED Spray Mop.
4. Allow the surface to dry. 

• After this, you can polish the surface using a soft cloth, or working with a disk mop or that brush that has a white felt and cloth. 

This cleaning cycle with the Chimiver LIOS Soft Balm can be done once or twice a month. If you want to use it for daily cleaning, then dilute half a cap with every litre of water. With this level of dilution, each litre of product can cover 300 m² of surface. Like other products under the brand, this is a biodegradable formulation, ensuring that you can stick to your sustainable goals while carrying out the floor maintenance.

There’s also the Chimiver LIOS Soft Balm Aloe version of the cleaner. Like you can tell from its name, it comes with aloe vera extracts, and is where the treatment oil cleans and nourishes the wood floor. The product has less than 5% surface-active agents, and it is also 90% biodegradable. This formulation enhances the natural attributes of the floor, and the aloe extras also release a pleasant fragrance, contributing to enhancing the ambience of the space. 

Are you dealing with particularly heavy dirt build-ups on your oiled wood floors? In such scenarios, turn to the Chimiver LIOS Kronos. It’s an intense cleaner that has been purposefully developed for those very tough dirt situations. The plant-based formulation is available in 1L, 5L, and 25L package sizes. 

For the LIOS Kronos, start by diluting it in water, mixing 3 capfuls of product with 1L of water. Wash the floor, remembering to properly wring out the cloth or mop that you’ll use. 

Restoring Damaged Wooden Floors

One of the benefits of wood floors is that, once they get dull and dilapidated, you can still freshen them up without resorting to a complete round of sanding and refinishing. This enables you to quickly bring back the beauty to the floor, prolonging the protective treatments that have been applied, and increase the period in between consecutive refinishing projects. That way the installation gets to last for long, and continue being aesthetically pleasing all through. 

Chimiver has provided different kinds of formulations for this kind of floor maintenance. For instance, you can refresh oiled installations with the LIOS Talita Plus. It’s a fast-drying maintenance oil, minimising the disruption in the premises during the floor restoration process. This regenerating oil also works for floors that are very dry or abrasive. 

Using the LIOS Talita Plus:

1. First, give the area to be worked on a thorough clean. You don’t want dirt and grime interfering with the functionality of the regenerating oil. Use the appropriate product for cleaning – one that will be suitable for the particular kind of floor. For instance, with oiled surfaces, it is recommended that you carry out the cleaning with LIOS Kronos. Allow the floor to dry before proceeding. 
2. Shake the Talita Plus formulation well in its bottle
3. Apply the product directly on the surface. You can use a cloth like the PANNO MAINTAIN. The main focus here is ensuring that you follow the direction of the wood grain, and apply a uniform coat. Remove any excess product
4. Allow the treatment to dry. This can take as little as 30 minutes. 

• If needed, you can continue to polish the surface. Use a soft cloth, or a disk monobrush. 

The frequency of treating the wood floor with the LIOS Talita Plus will depend on how fast it gets deteriorated. However, it’s generally advisable to touch up the surface two times a year. 

Extra notes when dealing with oil-based treatments on your wood floor:

• Ensure the area where the treatment is being applied is well-ventilated. 
• Wear the appropriate protection, such as a respirator to protect you from inhaling the fumes.
• After the application, soak the clothes, pads or sponges used in water immediately. This is to prevent risks of self-ignition

Deep Clean Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic floors are popular in the world of construction. They are used in home and business premises, and work for any area of the building – from living rooms and working spaces, to kitchens and bathrooms. The elegance from a wide range of designs, durable and long-lasting build, and the low maintenance nature of the tiles, since dirt and stains remain on top of the tile instead of being absorbed into the structure like other flooring materials – ceramics have a lot going for them. Moreover, the protective layer on ceramics makes them more water-resistant compared to other flooring materials, which is why they can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms without the risks of water damage.

When it comes to cleaning them it’s imperative that the right approach is used. Working with products like bleach or ammonia-based solutions can ruin the ceramics. Acidic agents result in the surface getting etched, taking away the beauty of the installation. Cleaning glazed tiles with oil-based formulations also puts them at risk. Abrasive agents, from scouring powders to steel wool, scratch up the material. To take care of your ceramic floors, work with formulations that will deliver the cleaning action needed to clear away the grease, mould, and grime from the surfaces – without putting the installation at risk. To meet this need, Chimiver has availed the VERULEX Ceramic Cleaner. 

With the VERULEX Ceramic Cleaner you get a multi use agent that safely works on ceramic installations – hence the name, to get rid of stains, stuck-on dirt, and black heel marks that have been left on the surface. While it’s mainly a ceramic cleaner, you can also use it on marble surfaces. It’s a neutral formulation that will get the cleaning done without damaging the structure of the floor. The nanoparticles in the VERULEX Ceramic Cleaner contribute to its deep cleaning action. The product is concentrated, and the dilution ratios will depend on the cleaning approach taken. These include:

• Daily cleaning where 3 capfuls of the product are mixed with 1L of water 
• Weekly cleaning, where 6 cups of product are used for every litre of water. 
• Deep cleaning in busy environments like public spaces, mix 2L of product with 10L of water
• Intensive cleaning where you’re dealing with particularly troublesome grime in domestic environments. In this case, mix 200 ml of product with 550ml of water. For instance, you can prepare this solution in a spray mop with a 750ml cartridge.
• For very tough dirt and rubber marks, it is undiluted. 

Resin floors and microcement

Resin surfaces have an epoxy base with thermosetting polymers, while floors with microcement coatings have a cement base which also features a high tactility. Resins were initially used for application in factory settings and chemical labs and food industries, but now the usage is widespread, even in residential settings. This is especially due to its durability and resistance to damage from chemicals. For installation, epoxy resin is poured onto a concrete surface, after which it hardens into a sturdy layer. This layer is so firm that thick resin floors can withstand damage from heavy vehicles – which also explains why they are typical in industrial floors where forklifts are common. The microcement on the other hand is highly customizable, for both the colour and effect, and can be used in a wide range of areas, from floors to the walls and ceilings. The two materials have plenty of similarities though. For instance, they have high resistance to weather elements, they can be used to create a seamless surface due to the continuous nature of the treatment, and they are also low-thickness coatings – typically just a couple of millimetres thick. They can also be used on both indoor and outdoor installations. 

Chimiver has provided product lines dedicated to microcement and resin surfaces. This includes both water and solvent-based systems. Take subfloor preparation for instance. Here you have products like the Chimiver Prymaren, a single-component formulation that has been particularly developed for microelements, and it is used before you lacquer the surface. This acrylic water-based formulation has been developed with non-yellowing resins, and enhances the adhesion of the water-based lacquer that will be applied on the surface. This particular formulation is applied using a microfiber roller or brush, and every 70-80g of product will cover 1m² of floor surface. Here are the steps for the application:

1. Start by preparing the surface. You should ensure that it has been properly hardened and given a thorough clean, getting rid of any grease or residue from the surface. For cases where the surface had been treated previously, use VELUREX® Dewachs to clean the area. 
2. Shake the Chimiver Prymaren well. 
3. Dilute the formulation. The ratio will depend on how absorbent the microcement is:

• For high absorbent surfaces, dilute the product with 20% of water. 
• For low absorbent surfaces, use 10% water 

4. Apply the first coat of the prepared solution onto the surface. 
5. Allow 2-3 hours of drying time
6. For the high absorbent microcements, add a second coat of the product, but this time do not dilute it. 

For low absorbent microcements, skip this step. 

7. Proceed to apply the required lacquer. e.g., the ECOSTAR 2K HD PER PAVIMENTI IN RESINA. Note that this treatment should be done 8 hours after the last layer of the Chimiver Prymaren was applied. This is also why it is recommended to plan the day’s activities well to avoid inconveniences, since rushing the application and applying the lacquer too early would ruin the quality of the results.

The ECOSTAR 2K HD per Pavimenti in Resina is a two-component lacquer, that is used for resin floors and coatings, as well as cement and microcement installations. The formulation sets a smooth finish, that’s still resistant to abrasion. It’s suitable for a wide range of surfaces in both residential and commercial setups. You can also use the ECOSTAR 2K HD in cases where there are high levels of humidity, even over 80% as well as cold rooms. The product increases the traction levels of the surface being worked on, with increased anti slip properties in line with DIN 51130 standards. When you carry out the floor treatment with both the PRYMAREN and ECOSTAR 2K HD, where the former is a primer, the slip resistance will be in accordance to EN 13036-4s standards. This compatibility with other primers of the Chimiver brand allows you to set the final surface result that meets your establishment’s particular needs. 

To use the lacquer:

1. Prepare the surface by giving it a thorough clean, and removing any previous wax treatments that could be on it. You can use the VELUREX® DEWACHS to clean the floor. 
2. Sand the surface with 180 grit sandpaper, to smoothen it, then vacuum away the dust generated. After all, you don’t want this particulate matter getting trapped under the new coats that are to be applied. 
3. The ECOSTAR 2K HD per Pavimenti in Resina comes with two components, A and B. Take component B and pour it into Component A with a 10:2 ratio. Then add 10% water. 
4. Apply this prepared mixture onto the surface. You can use different kinds of tools, with the popular one being an 8mm roller. Ensure that you spread the product evenly on the surface. 
5. Allow the floor to dry, then apply the second coat. 

• The drying time before the second coating is applied is 3-4 hours. 
• You can allow 12 hours of drying time, but in this case, you will need to lightly sand the surface with 320-grit sandpaper before applying the second coat. 

Points to note when treating surfaces with the ECOSTAR 2K HD:

• The product should not be applied when there is rising damp coming from the subfloor. The issue causing the moisture problem should first be resolved before treating the surface with the product. 
• Subsequent cleaning surfaces treated with this formulation can be carried out with formulation from the VELUREX® range of products.

When it comes to cleaning resin floors and microcement installations. you have products like the neutral VELUREX® Resina Cleaner. This multiuse agent is effective against the dirt, stains, heel marks, and other kinds of grime that are on resin floors and microcement. It delivers its cleaning action without leaving behind halos on the surface, and also has the welcome bonus of being fragranced. The nanoparticles that are integrated into this formulation enable the product to deliver a deep cleaning to the surfaces being worked on. Regarding safety, you can proceed to use the formulation in your residential or commercial space without worrying about the kids or pets being affected. In addition, since the formulation is 90% biodegradable this will be in line with your sustainable floor care goals. 

Chimiver VELUREX® Resina Cleaner comes in 1L packages, and this is a concentrated product. The dilution used will depend on how stubborn the dirt is that you’re trying to remove. For normal cleaning, mix 3 caps of product with 1L of water. For those situations where you’re dealing with heavy dirt buildup, you can use 6 caps of the Resina Cleaner in 1L of water. You can also carry out spot cleaning on particularly troublesome areas, using the product undiluted. 

Note that many of Chimiver products are versatile, being applicable on a wide range of surfaces. For instance, while the VELUREX® Polish WT is primarily used to restore lacquered wooden floors, you can also use it for rubber floors, marble and linoleum surfaces, as well as vinyl installations. However, before you proceed to use a product on your floor, first carry out a spot test on a hidden spot to check its suitability and observe the results. This is especially if the material has not been expressly included in the product label of the formulation. 

Floor Cleaning Equipment

Being an all-rounded brand, Chimiver also provided you with the tools you will use when working on the floors. These have been particularly designed to be compatible with the different formulations, bringing their mechanical functionality to complement the cleaning power of the products. Take the ALFRED Spray Mop for instance. You can use it to deliver formulations like the Lamin Clean, LVT Cleaner, Ceramic cleaner, Resina cleaner, and even the LIOS soft Balm depending on the particular floor that you’re working on. Here, top up the cleaning agent into the refill capsul and proceed to work on the floor. The design of the Chimiver ALFRED Spray Mop enables you to mist out just the required amount of cleaning agent onto the surface, preventing wastage of product. This also comes particularly handy when working on wooden floors, where it is important to minimise the amount of moisture that the structure is exposed to. To mist out the cleaner, simply press the trigger on the spray mop.

The mopping power is further enhanced by the microfibre cloth that is fixed to the mop base, which readily soaks up the dirt and grime that are on the surface being worked on. Speaking of which, the spray mop has a universal mop base, onto which you can even attach an anti dust cloth or a multi use cloth. This gives you more flexibility and reduces the costs that go into getting cleaning supplies as you can have a single spray mop and interchangeable mop heads depending on the kind of cleaning that you intend to do.

Chimiver Solutions For Floor Maintenance