Manitoba Winters + Entryways = A Perfect Storm. Here’s How to Protect Your Floors.
When winter hits Manitoba, your building’s entryways become the frontline of battle — facing snow, ice melt, sand, slush, and absolutely everything in between. It’s the busiest time of year for commercial floors… and the most damaging.
Whether you manage an office, a warehouse, a retail space, or a busy multi-tenant property, winter entrances tell the story: streaks, scratches, salt rings, dull finishes, and safety concerns from wet surfaces. But with the right setup and cleaning strategy, you can stay ahead of the mayhem and save thousands in premature floor replacement costs.
At Bison Janitorial, “The Herd” sees the impact of winter every day — and we know what works. Here’s your guide to protecting your floors all season long.
1. It All Starts with the Right Entry Matting System
If your building only has a decorative mat inside the door, your floors don’t stand a chance.
A true commercial matting system includes:
- Scraper matting outside – removes heavy grit and ice melt.
- Wiper/scraper matting inside – captures moisture and fine particles.
- Wiper mats beyond the vestibule – finishes the job and reduces slip hazards.
The goal? At least 15 feet of total matting so each footstep loses dirt before hitting your main floors.
2. Increase Cleaning Frequency (Yes… Even If It Feels Already Busy)
Winter foot traffic brings in more contaminants per person than any other season.
To prevent buildup, consider boosting:
- Nightly floor cleaning
- Daytime porter services
- Additional mopping or auto-scrubber passes in peak hours
- Scheduled wet-floor checks for safety
A consistent schedule ensures salt and moisture don’t sit long enough to damage finishes.
3. Choose the Right Snow & Ice Removal Products
Not all ice melt is floor-friendly. Some blends can eat away at finishes quickly.
Look for:
- Low-residue formulas
- Magnesium or calcium-based melt
- Products designed for commercial flooring protection
Even with the right product, residue will still find its way inside — which brings us to the next step.
4. Use Proper Cleaning Techniques for Winter Residue
Salt and sand act like tiny blades when they grind across floors.
Your cleaning team should be using:
- Microfibre mops and cloths
- Neutral pH floor cleaners designed for winter residue
- Floor scrubbers for large areas
- Regular spot cleaning in high-traffic zones
And remember — never “dry mop” salt; it spreads the problem around.
5. Maintain Your Floor Finish Before Winter Hits
A freshly maintained floor holds up far better during the hard months.
If you haven’t already:
- Strip and refinish (or deep scrub and recoat) before the first snowfall
- Repair any dull or worn areas early
- Build a winter maintenance plan for your flooring type
Think of it as putting winter tires on your building — proactive protection.
6. Review Your Winter Cleaning Plan With Your Janitorial Partner
Winter success is a team sport. A good janitorial company should help you plan for:
- Adjusted cleaning schedules
- Slip prevention measures
- Floor care strategy
- Emergency cleanup procedures
Bison Janitorial has been keeping Manitoba buildings clean through decades of winters — we’ve seen every possible scenario, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of it all.
Ready to protect your floors this winter?
Let The Herd keep your building safe, clean, and looking sharp — no matter what the Manitoba weather throws your way.
Contact Bison Janitorial today for a winter floor care plan tailored to your facility.