during summer, your building floors go through a lot. Hot weather brings in dust, humidity, and foot traffic in open-toed shoes. 

These conditions wear down protective layers on hardwood, tile, and vinyl, making them more likely to scuff, fade, and crack.

Floors in office buildings, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities need extra care this time of year. 

Research from the International Journal of Facility Management shows that seasonal floor maintenance can extend the surface life of commercial floors by up to 40% when done consistently.

If your building’s floor care isn’t part of your summer prep, you’re leaving money on the floor — literally. 

That’s why many businesses turn to trusted commercial cleaning services in Austin, TX, especially during high-impact seasons like summer.

How Does Heat Affect Floor Finishes?

High heat softens protective coatings and speeds up surface breakdown. Most floors have some type of protective finish — wax, polyurethane, or sealants. 

These coatings can soften or degrade when exposed to extreme heat and UV rays. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of floors becoming dull, sticky, or prone to scratches.

For instance, vinyl and laminate flooring can warp if temperatures stay above 85°F indoors. On hardwood, heat pulls moisture out of the wood, leading to shrinking and gaps. Combined with summer humidity, that creates expansion and contraction cycles that crack finishes.

Solution? Adjust your HVAC to maintain indoor temperatures between 68°F and 74°F. Use UV-blocking window treatments near sunlit flooring and keep entry mats in place to reduce sun-fade damage.

Why Is Summer Dust Worse Than Winter?

Dry air, construction, and outdoor activity raise indoor particle levels. Summer creates the perfect storm for indoor dust buildup. 

Dry air, open windows, and increased foot traffic stir up particles from outside. If your floors aren't cleaned frequently, this dust scratches the surface and dulls the shine.

According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and floors collect much of this debris. If left untreated, dust and grit grind into the surface like sandpaper.

To prevent this:

• Increase vacuuming in carpeted areas to daily or every other day

• Dust mop hard floors at least once per day

• Use microfiber pads to trap fine particles instead of pushing them around

Should Cleaning Frequency Change in Summer?

Yes — cleaning needs to increase during hot months to prevent buildup and finish damage.

During summer, dirt dries faster, sweat leaves more residue, and water from spills evaporates quickly, but leaves behind marks and stains. Your normal cleaning schedule may not be enough.

If you normally deep clean once a quarter, aim for every 6–8 weeks in summer. 

According to a 2023 ISSA report, businesses that increased floor care in summer saw 60% fewer long-term damage repairs.

Here’s a simple frequency guide:

• Daily: Sweep, mop entrances, vacuum carpets

• Weekly: Buff high-traffic floors

• Monthly: Scrub tile and reseal worn areas

• Quarterly: Deep clean and recoat protective finishes

What Types of Floors Need Extra Summer Attention?

Hardwood, vinyl, and laminate are most sensitive to heat and dust exposure. While all floors need care, some surfaces are more vulnerable in summer. 

Hardwood can dry out and split. Vinyl softens and warps. Laminate tends to bubble if exposed to moisture or steam. Even sealed concrete can discolor with too much heat and dust.