Sport and Commercial flooring
Technical Department
Ramflex
Maintenance Guidelines
GENERAL
Mondo would like to thank you for purchasing our Ramflex product. As with any purchase of this nature, we understand that this was an important investment for your facility, one that you will need to properly protect. Mondo surfaces are engineered and manufactured with the highest quality raw materials to ensure a long and useful life; a proper maintenance regimen will allow you to fully benefit from this.
NOTE: If you have purchased our Ramflex product in the interlocking tile
The following maintenance guidelines have been formulated to provide you with instructions for the proper maintenance of your new Ramflex surface. Your maintenance regimen can be personalized and will depend on traffic, the size of your room/area and the resources and equipment you have dedicated to cleaning this surface. We realize that those factors are going to fluctuate from time to time and from facility to facility and hence these guidelines are provided as an initial step towards the development of your cleaning regimen and program.
RUBBER FACTS
Rubber is a natural product that is derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree commonly known as the Para rubber tree, making it a sustainable resource and environmentally friendly product. During the manufacturing process the rubber is mixed with other natural and synthetic elements. The mix is then put through additional machinery and it is “vulcanized”; a process of heat and pressure that gives it its strength and durability. One of the characteristics of rubber is that it will slowly oxidize and break in over time. This is a completely natural phenomenon which we call “maturing”. This creates a surface which is easier to keep clean. However during the early stages of this break-in period (six months to a year) the surface will attract soil more easily than it would once it has matured. Therefore, maintenance will be more difficult initially but will significantly improve over time. This is typically the exact opposite of most flooring which is harder to clean as it ages.
NOTE: As the owner of this new sport surface, you may choose to follow your own in-house recommendations that may not be listed within our guidelines. Should this be the case, it is extremely important that you perform tests on stock samples or small secluded areas of the Ramflex surface to ensure that it will not be damaged in any way.
Mondo would like to thank you for purchasing our Ramflex product. As with any purchase of this nature, we understand that this was an important investment for your facility, one that you will need to properly protect. Mondo surfaces are engineered and manufactured with the highest quality raw materials to ensure a long and useful life; a proper maintenance regimen will allow you to fully benefit from this.
NOTE: If you have purchased our Ramflex product in the interlocking tile
The following maintenance guidelines have been formulated to provide you with instructions for the proper maintenance of your new Ramflex surface. Your maintenance regimen can be personalized and will depend on traffic, the size of your room/area and the resources and equipment you have dedicated to cleaning this surface. We realize that those factors are going to fluctuate from time to time and from facility to facility and hence these guidelines are provided as an initial step towards the development of your cleaning regimen and program.
RUBBER FACTS
Rubber is a natural product that is derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree commonly known as the Para rubber tree, making it a sustainable resource and environmentally friendly product. During the manufacturing process the rubber is mixed with other natural and synthetic elements. The mix is then put through additional machinery and it is “vulcanized”; a process of heat and pressure that gives it its strength and durability. One of the characteristics of rubber is that it will slowly oxidize and break in over time. This is a completely natural phenomenon which we call “maturing”. This creates a surface which is easier to keep clean. However during the early stages of this break-in period (six months to a year) the surface will attract soil more easily than it would once it has matured. Therefore, maintenance will be more difficult initially but will significantly improve over time. This is typically the exact opposite of most flooring which is harder to clean as it ages.
NOTE: As the owner of this new sport surface, you may choose to follow your own in-house recommendations that may not be listed within our guidelines. Should this be the case, it is extremely important that you perform tests on stock samples or small secluded areas of the Ramflex surface to ensure that it will not be damaged in any way.
CARING FOR YOUR RAMFLEX SURFACEBased on your needs and the use of the surface, basic regular or periodical
maintenance on your part will be necessary to care for your new Mondo surface.1. DEBRIS REMOVAL
It is recommended to remove dust/debris from your Mondo flooring by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the surface before and/or after special events, as needed or a minimum of once a week. Do not allow for dust/debris to accumulate and stand on the surface for extended periods of time.
NOTE: High traffic areas may be vacuumed or swept as frequently as needed.
We strongly encourage daily vacuuming/sweeping as it will minimize dirt buildup.
2. WASHING PROTOCOLS
Washing your Mondo surface will maintain its appearance and aid to prolong its life expectancy. There are three types of washes you can perform on your Ramflex surface: initial wash, regular wash and restorative wash (deep cleaning).
When the Ramflex is initially installed, you will need to thoroughly wash it before you beginning using the surface; this is known as the initial wash. You should not attempt to do the initial wash until 72 hours after the installation of the product. This will ensure the adhesive has fully cured and that there is no risk of compromising the new flooring system installed.
After the initial wash has taken place, it is recommended to wash your Mondotrack surface a minimum of once a week. However, the frequency can be increased depending on traffic, the number of programs and special events. This is what is known as regular washes.
Restorative washes are recommended every 2-3 years in order to restore the surface to its original condition. A natural paraffin build-up will occur over time and removing it every few years will help you maintain a desirable surface.
All of the above-mentioned procedures are detailed herein.
A. Initial Wash (Min. 72 Hours Post-Installation)
- Always post wet floor signs, caution tape or barricade an area before performing wet maintenance.
- Always refer to the Manufacturer’s material safety data sheets (MSDS) for proper personal protective equipment before working with chemicals.
- For this exercise you will need: a vacuum or broom/dust mop, an
autoscrubber (300 rpm MAX equipped with a green or blue pad) and Profi
neutral cleaner by Taski or other recommended cleaner
(see section 4).
- Begin by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the surface of the Ramflex.
- Prepare the autoscrubber and mix the appropriate ratio of the suggested cleaner. Normally we recommend 5–10 oz. of Profi to a gallon of water for the initial wash, and depending on how soiled the flooring is.
NOTE: It is recommended to test your selected dilution rate on a small area of the flooring surface in order to measure its efficiency. If it is not producing desired results, then slightly adjust your mixing ratio according to your needs.
- Apply product on surface following Manufacturer’s instructions and allow solution to stand for 5-10 minutes (do not let surface dry out). Rubber has a tendency to be “grabby” and assuring a wet surface will allow the scrubber to thoroughly and easily move across to clean the surface. Scrub surface in multiple directions and vacuum soiled water.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean fresh water. Repeat rinsing as required to remove all residues.
NOTE: Insufficient rinsing of the flooring surface after it has been washed can lead to the accumulation of soap residue. This can leave white streaks/marks on the surface of your floor and negatively affect the aesthetics of your flooring.
- Allow the flooring to thoroughly dry before using the surface.
B. Regular Wash (Minimum Once Weekly)
- Always post wet floor signs, caution tape or barricade an area before performing wet maintenance.
- Always refer to the Manufacturer’s material safety data sheets (MSDS) for proper personal protective equipment before working with chemicals.
- For this exercise you will need: a vacuum or broom/dust mop, an
autoscrubber (300 rpm MAX equipped with a red pad) and Profi neutral
cleaner by Taski or other recommended cleaner
(see section 4).
NOTE: Maintenance done with an autoscrubber or swing machine will produce better results and will be easier on your maintenance staff. However, if the equipment is not available or existing furniture or equipment is preventing its access, you may perform regular washes with a wet mop or microfiber mop. When scrubbing is needed, deck brushes with soft nylon bristles can be useful for spot cleaning.
- Begin by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the surface of the Ramflex.
- Prepare the autoscrubber and mix the appropriate ratio of the suggested cleaner. Normally we recommend 2–3 oz. of Profi to a gallon of water for regular washes. Depending on how soiled the area is you may choose to increase the concentration of the cleaner to 5-10 oz to a gallon of water if you have to deal with a particularly challenging area.
NOTE: It is recommended to test your selected dilution rate on a small area of the flooring surface in order to measure its efficiency. If it is not producing desired results, then slightly adjust your mixing ratio according to your needs.
- Apply product on surface following Manufacturer’s instructions and allow solution to stand for 5-10 minutes (do not let surface dry out). Rubber has a tendency to be “grabby” and assuring a wet surface will allow the scrubber to thoroughly and easily move across to clean the surface. Scrub surface in multiple directions and vacuum soiled water.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean fresh water. Repeat rinsing as required to remove all residues.
NOTE: Insufficient rinsing of the flooring surface after it has been washed can lead to the accumulation of soap residue. This can leave white streaks/marks on the surface of your floor and negatively affect the aesthetics of your flooring.
- Allow the flooring to thoroughly dry before using the surface.
C. Restorative Wash (Deep Cleaning Once Every 2-3 Years)
- Always post wet floor signs, caution tape or barricade an area before performing wet maintenance.
- Always refer to the Manufacturer’s material safety data sheets (MSDS) for proper personal protective equipment before working with chemicals.
- For this exercise you will need: a vacuum or broom/dust mop, a wet mop and bucket, an autoscrubber (300 rpm MAX equipped with a green or blue pad) and Linostrip (stripper) by Taski or other recommended cleaner (see section 4).
- Begin by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the surface of the Ramflex.
- Depending on how much build-up you have, mix 1 part Linostrip to 6 parts cool water (light to medium build-up) or 1 part Linostrip to 4 parts cool water (heavy build-up). Apply solution onto flooring with mop.
NOTE: It is recommended to test your selected dilution rate on a small area of the flooring surface in order to measure its efficiency. If it is not producing desired results, then slightly adjust your mixing ratio according to your needs.
- Following Manufacturer’s instructions, allow solution to stand for 7-10 minutes (do not let surface dry out before scrubbing). Rubber has a tendency to be “grabby” and assuring a wet surface will allow the scrubber to thoroughly and easily move across to clean the surface. Scrub surface in multiple directions and vacuum soiled water.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean fresh water. Repeat rinsing as required to remove all residues.
NOTE: Insufficient rinsing of the flooring surface after it has been washed can lead to the accumulation of soap residue. This can leave white streaks/marks on the surface of your floor and negatively affect the aesthetics of your flooring.
- Allow the flooring to thoroughly dry before using the surface.
3. WAXES AND COATINGS
Mondo sport surfaces do not need to be waxed or sealed. A regular maintenance regimen is all that is needed to care for your Ramflex surface
The maintenance of any Mondo product will improve with time. This type of surface may take anywhere from 6 months to a year to properly break in and develop its own natural finish. Regular maintenance will help speed up this process.
4. SUGGESTED CLEANERS
Mondo has worked with and recommends the following cleaners that are safe to use on your surface: Profi (by Taski), GP Forward, J-Works Low Foaming Neutral Cleaner 525 or Heavy Duty Cleaner 555, J-Shop Low Foam and Stride Citrus Neutral Cleaner that are all manufactured by JohnsonDiversey.
When a disinfectant is required, we recommend using Virex II 256 by JohnsonDiversey.
For a deep cleaning or stripping of the flooring, you can use Linostrip by Taski, Linosafe or Rubber Safe Stripper by JohnsonDiversey.
For more information on chemicals, consult section 5, A and/or communicate with your local chemical specialist.
5. PRECAUTIONARY MAINTENANCE AND NOTES
NOTE: Always wait 72 hours after the installation before performing the initial maintenance of the surface.
NOTE: DO NOT use a brown or black scrubbing pad on Mondo flooring or it will damage the material and void the warranty
NOTE: DO NOT use steel wool or abrasive brushes, acetone, gasoline or turpentine to clean your Mondo flooring.
A. Cleaning Products
If you will be using cleaners other than those suggested you must perform tests on stock samples or small secluded areas of the Mondotrack to ensure that the surface will not be damaged in any way. For regular maintenance, your flooring cleaner is required to have a neutral pH (between 7 and 9). All chemicals used must be solvent-free, phosphate-free and phenol-free. As a general guideline, never select chemicals that have a pH below 2 or above 12.
B. Cleaning Equipment
If your facility does not have access to an autoscrubber or if you find it difficult to maneuver around equipment in workout areas, you may wash your Ramflex surface with the aid of a mop and bucket and mimic the scrubbing action of an autoscrubber on tough stains with a deck brush equipped with soft nylon bristles.
NOTE: DO NOT allow for water to pool under pieces of equipment that could allow for the formation of rust stains onto the surface of your Mondo flooring. RUST will permanently stain your rubber surface.
C. Entrances
The use of walk off mats at entrances and exits is an effective way to reduce the amount of maintenance needed as a result of traffic. Be mindful of mats with black rubber backings that may contain black carbon chemicals that could permanently react with your Mondo rubber surface. The result is usually a residual yellowish-brown stain where the mat had been placed. Furthermore, NOT allowing exterior footwear onto the surface is also an effective way to reduce maintenance efforts by eliminating exterior soils from getting onto the Ramflex surface.
D. Heavy Equipment
Facilities that will need to move heavy equipment on or across the new Mondo surface should use extra care to avoid any damage to the flooring. When moving heavy equipment, plywood or Masonite should always be used as a bridge in order to avoid damaging the surface when moving across.
Utility vehicles should be kept off the surface. These vehicles can cause damage to the surface by leaking oil, making sudden stops and/or spinning their wheels which cause tire marks or streaks on the surface. When vehicles must be allowed onto the surface, drivers should be cautioned to avoid quick starting and stopping. Plywood tracks can be used and are recommended to cross over the surface. NOTE: All equipment going on or off the Mondo surface should be in good working order to avoid any oil or gas spills.
Heavy equipment used or left in place should not exceed the flooring’s capacity/tolerance. Make sure loads are properly distributed and that the wheel base or legs of the equipment are properly functional and protected with caps to avoid permanently scratching, indenting or gauging the surface of the flooring.
E. Impacts
Although this surface is very robust, fitness centers are welcome to help minimize impacts on the flooring in designated “free weight” areas or under benches that utilize weight plates by placing protective mats to help protect and prolong the aesthetics of the flooring.
F. Food and Beverages
When possible, food and beverages should not be allowed onto the surface of the Ramflex. Certain types of food and highly colored drinks, if left in place, could be difficult to remove and may cause permanent staining to the surface.
G. Spikes
Mondo Ramflex is NOT spike resistant.
H. UV
Mondo Ramflex should never be installed outdoors. This product is NOT UV resistant.
For assistance, please contact:
JohnsonDiversey Technical Support
1-800-558-2332 ext. 5
Mondo Technical Department
2655 Francis Hughes, Laval (Quebec) Canada H7L 3S8
Email: technical@mondousa.com
North American Headquarters: 450-967-5800
Canada Toll Free: 1-800-663-8138
United States Toll Free: 1-800-361-3747