It may seem a long way off, particularly on days like today, but it really won’t be long before the weather turns for those in the northern hemisphere and we can get back on our outdoor courts. When we do, they may have a little mold and mildew, or maybe a few stains that have popped up since the Fall. Don’t worry- you have options!
The easiest and simplest thing to use is household dish detergent. We all have it on hand. Simply add a few ounces to a bucket of water, apply to your court for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off. A soft-bristled broom or squeegee might help loosen some of the dirt, but do not use any hard-bristled brushes or brooms or any sort of cleaners that contain grit, as they will mar the finish on your court.
WHEN DISH DETERGENT IS NOT ENOUGH
For more stubborn stains and dirt, we recommend IAQ Advanced Peroxide Cleaner by Fiberlock® (an ICP brand). This revolutionary hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner provides performance unmatched by any other peroxide-based cleaners. It effectively removes stains from mold and mildew on porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials. Created using innovative chemistry and a unique manufacturing process, its proprietary formulation releases the product’s maximum oxidation potential.
IAQ APC can be applied with a trigger or pump sprayer, airless spray, or mop. For best results, use IAQ APC with a rotary head pressure washer, but be sure to keep the pressure under 1500 psi. When applying, saturate the surface with enough product to remain wet for at least 10 minutes. Provide Advanced Peroxide cleaner enough time to work its way into the surface and lift inanimate particulate out through the foaming action. The dwell time will depend on the thickness and porosity of the surface but is usually 5 to 10 minutes.
After a layer of foam has developed, agitation will assist in removing more dirt; and as Advanced Peroxide Cleaner dwells on the surface, it will remove staining. Like with the detergent, do not use any hard-bristled brushes or tools that may damage the court. Rinse thoroughly.
After all stains have been removed from your athletic surface, and to prevent mold from coming back, we recommend Fiberlock Shockwave® – a state-of-the-art disinfectant/sanitizer/cleaner designed to handle any situation a contractor or janitorial professional might encounter.
Indoors or outdoors, Shockwave has been formulated, tested, and is registered by the EPA for use on more surfaces, in more situations, and to kill more organisms than any other product. Shockwave disinfectant and cleaner is ideal for use on sports surfaces such as athletic courts, tracks, gym floors and equipment, and locker rooms.
And because Shockwave is compatible with acrylic athletic surfacing products, it is excellent for use prior to recoating.
When applying Shockwave to a court or other horizontal surface, start at the highest elevation edge of the court and work toward the lowest elevation of the surface. Apply an adequate amount of the diluted product (also available in ready-to-use) to allow the surface to remain wet for 10 minutes. After treatment, just mop it dry or let it air dry.
For more information – on either IAQ, Shockwave or any other cleaning and maintenance questions – please contact your CSS Regional Manager.