Buckeye Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question? Type your question in the search bar or browse below to find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Then click the question to reveal the answer.
To narrow your search, click on a category.
- All
- General
- Hard Floor Care
- Wood Floor Care
- Eco Proportioning
- Hand Hygiene
×
Q.
Do you manufacture all of your products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture all of our Buckeye products.
Q.
Where can I purchase Buckeye products?
×
A.
A.
We have distributors nationwide. To locate a Buckeye distributor in your area, click on 'Locate a Buckeye Distributor' or 'Contact Us' icons found throughout our website and fill out the quick contact form.
Q.
Who can I call for troubleshooting?
×
A.
A.
For troubleshooting, contact our Customer Service department at 800-321-2583.
Q.
Are your products safe?
×
A.
A.
We're committed to manufacturing safer products for the worker and environment, and equally committed to uncompromised product performance. Our products do not contain potentially hazardous ingredients including butyl, ammonia, solvents, or alcohol bases. We also manufacture many Green SealTM certified products that not only outperform other green products, but they also outperform non-green, conventional chemistries.
Q.
What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
×
A.
A.
Safety Data Sheets, or SDS, are documents that provide health and safety information for particular products. Chemical manufacturers are required to prepare Safety Data Sheets for all products based on information gathered during the hazard evaluation of the product. Buckeye Safety Data Sheets are available on our website for your convenience.
Q.
Is your product packaging recyclable and biodegradable?
×
A.
A.
Yes, our product packaging is recyclable and biodegradable. We were the first in the industry to develop the Action Pac® “bag-in-a-box” packaging, eliminating the use of plastic pails and their adverse effects on landfills. Our Smart SacsTM are manufactured with 60% less plastic and our Eco® 1.25 L bags are manufactured with 83% less plastic than rigid containers.
Q.
Do you have Grean SealTM certified products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture many Green SealTM certified products. Our Green SealTM certified products not only outperform other green products, they also outperform non-green, conventional chemistries.
Q.
Do you have dilution control options?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we have several dilution control options including the Eco® Pro, Eco Element, Smart System, Action Control System® II, Smart Cart® Mobile Cleaning/Foaming Cart, Multiple-Product Foam/Spray Gun, and the Sani-QTM Sanitizer Gun.
Q.
Do you make a product that removes graffiti, ink, and permanent marker?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Workout and Eco® Muscle Cleaner E14 remove graffiti, ink, permanent marker, grease, oil, and other stains from your nonporous surfaces. Workout and Eco E14 quickly liquefy and lift your tough soils for easy removal. They do not leave residue behind and do not require rinsing. Workout and Eco E14 remove graffiti, ball-point ink, permanent marker, crayon, pencil, black heel marks, food soils, grease, oil and most stains. Clean your walls, restroom fixtures, desktops, lockers, chairs, plastic, Formica®, vinyl, and any nonporous surface with Workout and Eco E14.
Q.
Do you have training programs?
×
A.
A.
Yes. Buckeye Training Programs provide facilities with standardized procedures and training tailored to quality Buckeye products. All Buckeye Training Programs include step-by-step instructional DVDs or CD ROMs, clearly presented procedure manuals, and easy-to-follow wall charts.
Q.
Do you have pH neutral products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture several pH neutral products including Eco® Floor Cleaner E32, Eco pH Neutral Cleaner E31, Sanicare Lemon, Mint and Pine QuatTM One-Step Disinfectants, Sanicare Quat-256TM One-Step Disinfectant, Crossbow® pH Neutral Cleaner, Straight-Up® pH Neutral Cleaner, and True 7TM pH Neutral Cleaner.
Q.
Do you make a disinfectant for pet care facilities?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Buckeye WatchdogTM NF is effective against Canine Parvovirus, and designed specifically for the pet care industry. It is effective in hard water, and pH neutral for use on floor finish.
Q.
Do you make disinfecting wipes?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Sanicare Disinfecting Wipes clean, disinfect, and deodorize in one labor-saving step. They are easy-to-use: no sprays, no sponges, and no mess. Just pull, wipe, and toss. In just 15 seconds, Buckeye Sanicare Disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria.
Q.
Do you make disinfectants and sanitizers approved for day cares?
×
A.
A.
For disinfecting and sanitizing, day cares may follow state licensing regulations as to when to disinfect and when to sanitize, and which products are acceptable. We offer EPA-registered hospital disinfectants, many of which may be used against bloodborne pathogens. Buckeye Sani-Q2 or Buckeye Eco Sanitizer E62 may be used to sanitize food contact surfaces after cleaning and rinsing at a day care center. Follow Buckeye disinfectant and sanitizer label directions. Buckeye Research Fact Sheet 697 addresses the use of Buckeye EPA-registered products on toys in child care centers.
Q.
Do you have a product with a Measles kill claim?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Buckeye Sanicare Quat-64 Disinfectant has a measles kill claim when used on hard, nonporous surfaces.
Q.
Do you have a product with a Mumps kill claim?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture a disinfectant with a mumps virus claim: Sanicare TBXTM. See Paramyxovirus (Mumps) (ATCC VR-1438) listed on the Sanicare TBX label.
Q.
Do you have products effective against the influenza virus?
×
A.
A.
Yes, our disinfectant products that are effective against the influenza virus are Buckeye Sanicare Lemon, Mint and Pine QuatTM, Quat-128TM and Quat 256TM, Buckeye TerminatorTM, Sanicare TBXTM, Sanicare IITM, Sanicare Disinfectant Restroom Cleaner, Sanicare Disinfecting Wipes, SupergardTM, Buckeye Watchdog NFTM, and Buckeye Eco Neutral Disinfectant E23.
Q.
Which products should I consider using in restrooms?
×
A.
A.
We manufacture multiple products for cleaning and disinfecting public restrooms. We offer many cleaner/disinfectants, both ready-to-use and concentrated, with claims against organisms that could be found on restroom surfaces (E. coli, Salmonella, etc.). They can be used daily to clean and disinfect toilets, floors, and other surfaces such as light switches and faucet handles. We manufacture glass cleaners and general spray and wipe cleaners. Our acid cleaners may be used regularly or when needed to remove rust and hard water deposits. Buckeye Marauder and Eco Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner E15 are excellent at brightening grout and removing soap scum. Our odor control products can be used as a final step, and we have some to be left in the restrooms for use on discretion.
Q.
Do you offer mobile cleaning options?
×
A.
A.
Yes, our Buckeye Smart Cart is an easy-to-use mobile, foaming/cleaning cart that holds 5 gallons of product in a stainless steel encasement. It has foam and rinse settings for general and heavy-duty cleaning, and extends up to 35 feet from your water source with a foaming wand for large area cleaning. An optional flow-through brush kit is also available.
Q.
Do you manufacture industrial products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture several industrial products that are unique, water-based degreasers formulated with patented Liquescent® technology, low VOCs and no butyl. Buckeye industrial products are safer than solvents for the workers and the environment.
Q.
Are Buckeye, Symmetry, and Reflections the same company?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Buckeye, Symmetry® Hand Hygiene, and Reflections® Wood Floor Care are the same company.
Q.
Do your floor finishes yellow?
×
A.
A.
No, Buckeye floor finishes are colorless. Yellowing is darkening of a floor finish over time caused by outdated product formulations and floor finish color or additives that make floors look dirty and dated.
Q.
Are there any surfaces on which your products should not be used?
×
A.
A.
For marble, avoid acids. For cork, use neutral cleaners and check with the manufacturer. Where standing water is likely (kitchens, showers) avoid polymer coatings due to wet surface slip and falls. For Linoleum (ex. Marmoleum), avoid high pH products.
Q.
How long is the shelf life of Buckeye products?
×
A.
A.
Buckeye products can be good for long past 12 months from the manufacture date. In general, cleaners, floor strippers, odor control products and specialty products have indefinite shelf lives. For optimum shelf lives, keep the containers closed and at room temperature, and avoid contamination. Diluted solutions can perform indefinitely too if kept in clean, sealed containers such as spray bottles.
Hard, resilient floor finishes should be good for at least a year past the manufacture date. After a year, the defoamer may lose some effectiveness and/or the product could begin to thicken. However, that would be most likely to happen if the products were stored at elevated temperatures. Kept uncontaminated in a closed container at room temperature, the product could be expected to perform for several years.
EPA-registered sanitizers and disinfectants have a specific shelf life, and the expiration dates are stamped or imprinted on the packaging.
The shelf lives of concentrated and ready-to-use products range from 1-3 years past the date of manufacture. The shelf lives of diluted solutions in sealed containers run from 7-10 days up to 1 year past the date of manufacture. See Research Fact Sheet 1396 for more information.
Q.
How do I interpret batch codes on Buckeye product packaging?
×
A.
A.
The four-digit code starting with "5" stands for the particular product. For example, "5001" is Buckeye
Blue. The letter, number, letter following the four-digit code stands for the date of manufacture. The
first letter stands for the month ("A" is January, "B" is February, etc.). The number stands for the year
("8" is 2008, "9" is 2009, etc.). The second letter stands for the working day of the month ("A" would
be the first working day, etc.). For further information, contact the Research department.
Q.
How long can floor finish extend the life of my floors?
×
A.
A.
Indefinitely. If done well, good floor finishes can make even resilient flooring last.
Q.
What equipment or special tools do I require in a floor cleaner program?
×
A.
A.
Large areas need to be cleaned with large tools like automatic scrubbers. Small areas should be cleaned with tools such as mops and buckets.
Q.
Are products from a different brand still compatible with Buckeye hard floor care products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, other product brands are typically compatible with Buckeye products. Contact your Buckeye representative for more information.
Q.
Are Buckeye floor care products slip-resistant?
×
A.
A.
Buckeye floor care products are UL certified for slip resistance. However, standing water can make any shiny surface slippery.
Q.
Can Buckeye products be used on sensitive floors such as linoleum, rubber, and marble?
×
A.
A.
Linoleum: avoid high pH products. Marble: avoid acids. Rubber floors risk being damaged with higher pH products, but most are not. Do a small product test first.
Q.
How do I clean equipment if it has been soiled?
×
A.
A.
If the soil includes polymers you will need stripper chemistry (either dilutable liquids or baseboard stripper aerosol). If the soil does not contain polymers, you can use most any cleaner degreaser but, often, the biggest challenge is establishing a good soak time. For example, placing dirty wringers in a tub of diluted stripper overnight (or over a weekend) works much better than spraying it down with baseboard stripper.
Q.
How do I know which floor care system is best for my facility?
×
A.
A.
Different locations, types of facilities, equipment, and expectations all play a role in deciding what’s right for you. Contact your Buckeye representative for the best guidance.
Q.
How many coats of seal do you recommend I apply to a stripped floor?
×
A.
A.
Sealers are terrific investments where stains are likely. They are also excellent at improving adhesion on floors that are not very porous. For these floors, only one coat of seal is necessary. For other floors, sealers can be used, but typically are not.
Q.
Should I use hot or cold water for general cleaning?
×
A.
A.
Extremely hot water can attack floor finish more easily. Icy cold water is not as good for cleaning. The best water temperature is room temperature (plus or minus).
Q.
Should I use hot or cold water for degreasing?
×
A.
A.
A cold skillet with bacon grease won’t come clean in a cold sink of sudsy water. To clean grease, use hot water.
Q.
What floor pad works best for burnishing?
×
A.
A.
Super soft, high-speed floor pads provide the best shine, but do the least amount of repair when it comes to scratches. Super aggressive high-speed floor pads do the best repair of scratches, but can leave a ‘buff haze’ behind that actually softens the look. Try softer pads first and then move to more aggressive floor pads if needed.
Q.
Are Buckeye hard floor care products biodegradable?
×
A.
A.
Many Buckeye hard floor products are biodegradable. They have been tested for readily biodegradability or inherent/ultimate biodegradability. This includes water-based floor finishes, floor strippers, cleaners, and disinfectants.
Q.
Do your floor finishes powder?
×
A.
A.
No, Buckeye floor finishes are non-powdering and formulated to have elasticity. Powdering is excessive breakup of a non-durable floor finish under floor traffic or burnishing that produces dust, requiring additional cleanup.
Q.
What does floor finish do?
×
A.
A.
Floor finish protects floors from highly abrasive soils, produces high gloss shine, and extends the life of floors.
Q.
Why is floor maintenance important?
×
A.
A.
Floor maintenance prevents dirt from getting embedded, makes floor finish last longer, restores shine, revitalizes worn floors, and extends strip cycles.
Q.
Do you make floor finishes that don't require a lot of maintenance?
×
A.
A.
Every facility is different so we recognize that a successful floor care program needs to be flexible. Whether you have high-speed propane burnishers or do not have time or resources to burnish regularly, we will tailor a floor care program⇗ to meet your specific needs – and ensure your floors look spectacular.
Q.
How do you keep floor care costs down?
×
A.
A.
You might think the answer is to buy inexpensive products – not the case. Inexpensive products yellow and powder, and require frequent and costly strip outs. The best way to maintain your floors is by implementing an effective hard floor care program using superior products that require less labor.
Q.
Can I test your products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, contact your local Buckeye representative to schedule product demonstrations. Evaluate our products and then discuss your results and feedback.
Q.
Do Buckeye floor strippers have harsh odors?
×
A.
A.
Most complaints about floor strippers having harsh odors are caused by the presence of butyl and ammonia, which Buckeye floor strippers do not have.
Q.
What is curing?
×
A.
A.
A wood floor coating is at its max resistance for scratches/scuffs after the cure time has passed. We do not recommend putting anything on the floor that will sit in place for long periods until after the cure time has passed (mats, tables, chairs, equipment, etc.). We do not recommend autoscrubbing the floor until after the cure time has passed. We do not recommend pulling out bleachers until after the cure time has passed. Cure times for Arena® water-based products is 7 days and for Coliseum® oil-based products is 2 weeks.
Q.
Is coating wood floors difficult?
×
A.
A.
No. With the Gym Bond and Autoscrubber Prep Program, coating a wood floor is fast and easy.
Q.
Are your wood floor care products biodegradable?
×
A.
A.
Arena 300 can be disposed down the drain as it is water-based. Coliseum products should be disposed according to local EPA laws.
Q.
How long can I extend the life of my wood floors with your Reflections Wood Floor Program?
×
A.
A.
As MFMA members, we follow their recommended guidelines and procedures. Information on how long a gym floor should last can be found here. Following the proper instructions with the Reflections wood floor program will meet these MFMA recommendations.
Q.
Does the Reflections Wood Floor Program work on all types of wood?
×
A.
A.
The Reflections Wood Floor Program was designed for sports flooring that consists primarily of northern hard maple wood. However, it can be applied to other substrates such as beech and birch: https://www.maplefloor.org/en/grading-rules/.
Q.
What does VOC compliant mean?
×
A.
A.
VOC stands for volatile organic compound. The federal government has put restrictions on certain product categories to reduce VOC emissions to lower ozone depletion. The VOC limit for the United States is 450 g/L for wood floor coatings, but some states are lower at 350 or 275 g/L. Canada’s VOC limit for wood floor coatings is 350 g/L.
Q.
When should I use a water-based floor coating vs. oil-based floor coating?
×
A.
A.
The Reflections Wood Floor program consists of both water-based and oil-based coatings, and are both are MFMA approved and recommended. While both provide advantages and considerations, Coliseum oil-based products will give the floor a deep, glossy, amber look. Arena water-based products are clear, dry quickly, cure quickly, and are also burnishable. However, based on the age of the floor, oil-based wood coatings are recommended for the first few recoats to allow the floor to seasonally acclimate. Polyurethanes are more elastic and allow the boards to expand and contract individually. Learn more information here: https://www.maplefloor.org/en/position-statements/
Q.
Which prep method is the best for my wood floor?
×
A.
A.
There are various prep methods available with the Reflections Wood Floor program. Past preparation history of the floor, current coating on the floor, age of the floor, available equipment, worker skills, time allotted for preparation, and cleanliness expectations will determine the best prep procedure for your wood floors.
Q.
How do I figure out how thick the wood coating should be?
×
A.
A.
For recoat purposes, all Reflections wood floor coatings should be spread between 500-600 square feet per gallon. This is suggested on all Reflections coatings literature sheets found in the Resource Center. For job planning purposes, Reflections recommends to use 500 square feet per gallon to make sure no product shortage. For questions regarding Reflections sanding sealers, see the link to literature sheets above or contact a Buckeye representative.
Q.
How do I know when my wood floor coating is dry enough to recoat?
×
A.
A.
There are many factors that determine dry times for wood coatings such as temperature, humidity, air flow, and coat thickness. Arena coatings dry to tack-free in 2-4 hours under ideal conditions, and Coliseum coatings dry to tack-free in 8-12 hours under ideal conditions. However, increased temperature and humidity can increase dry times especially with oil-based coatings.
For Arena coatings, the recoat window is 4-18 hours after tack-free which means a minimum recoat window of 6 hours.
For Coliseum products, the recoat window is 16-24 hours after tack free which means a minimum of 24 hours. Hot and humid summer months can increase this recoat time. It is recommended to walk the entire floor for tacky areas.
The floor is considered tack-free when shoes do not stick after standing on the floor 2-3 minutes. Dab a cotton ball to test areas you are uncertain about. If the cotton ball sticks or releases fibers, the floor needs more time to dry before recoating. Turn on the HVAC 2 hours after applying Arena to help with dry time. Turn on the HVAC 6 hours after applying Coliseum to help the dry time. For specific product information: www.buckeyereflections.com/resources/index.html.
Q.
How often do I need to change sanding screens or surface prep pads?
×
A.
A.
Reflections recommends changing sanding screens or surface prep pads out after 400 square feet. It also recommended to flip the screen or pad after 200 square feet to use the other side. For T-bar applicator pads, Reflections recommends a new pad on each coat.
Q.
What is the minimum or maximum temperature to apply wood coatings?
×
A.
A.
Reflections recommends temperature levels between 55 and 75 degrees, and relative humidity levels between 35 and 50 percent. For more information: https://www.maplefloor.org/en/humidity-and-environmental-recommendations/.
Q.
What should I use for daily cleaning of my coated wood floors?
×
A.
A.
The Reflections Wood Floor Program has a complete maintenance program. For light cleaning applications, use Green Light or any Buckeye all-purpose or pH neutral cleaner. For more information: www.buckeyereflections.com/content/misc/MaintenanceProcedures.pdf. Also, for MFMA daily maintenance recommendations: https://www.maplefloor.org/TechnicalInfo/Daily-Floor-Care.aspx.
Q.
Are your wood floor care products slip-resistant?
×
A.
A.
All Reflections coatings meet the MFMA guidelines for chemical and slip resistance testing. Reflections coatings that meet the MFMA guidelines will have the MFMA logo on its corresponding literature sheet.
Q.
How are your products packaged and shipped?
×
A.
A.
Reflections Coliseum products are packaged in 5-gallon metal containers and can be shipped via ground transportation. Arena wood floor coatings are packaged in 1-gallon and 5-gallon Action Pacs®, and can be shipped via ground transportation. It is recommended to store all products at room temperature, and place products near the wood floor to acclimate to the same temperature as the floor.
Q.
Are products from a different brand still compatible with your wood floor care products?
×
A.
A.
Applying Coliseum oil-based wood floor coatings on top of another brand polyurethane is compatible for adhesion as long as the floor is prepared properly and free of contaminants such as silicone, wax, dust mop treatment, etc. Contact a Buckeye representative before trying to apply Coliseum coatings on top of a water-based product for compatibility. Applying Arena water-based products on top of another brand water-base depends on the brand currently being used because special and/or additional preparation procedures may be required. Consult with a Buckeye representative for compatibility using Arena and other water-based wood floor coatings. Arena is compatible when applying over oil-based wood floor coatings as long as the floor is prepared properly and free of contaminants such as silicone, wax, dust mop treatment, etc.
Q.
What kind of tape is best to use on my wood floor?
×
A.
A.
None. Neither the MFMA nor Reflections recommends the use of any tape on wood floors. For more information: https://www.maplefloor.org/en/tape-on-a-maple-floor/.
Q.
Can I burnish Coliseum products?
×
A.
A.
The Reflections Wood Floor program recommends burnishing Arena products with a 1500 RPM burnisher or higher and light hair pad. The floor should be dust mopped and cleaned with Floortonic at 6 ounces per gallon of water and allowed to dry. Reflections does not recommend burnishing Coliseum products due the non-responsive nature of polyurethanes.
Q.
Why is my wood floor slippery?
×
A.
A.
Slippery floors usually occur due to maintenance neglect. The best defense against slippery floors are using 15-20 feet of entrance matting at each wood floor entrance and good, clean dust mops solely for the gymnasium. The use of dust mop treatments is not recommended by Reflections as they can cause buildup and make floors become slippery. Most slip issues can be solved simply by cleaning the floor with a Buckeye all-purpose or pH neutral cleaner. You can see how dirty the floor is by simply tacking a clean, tack towel immersed in a bucket of Screen Clean, wrap around a medium bristle push broom, and make a pass up and down the gym. Flip the towel over to see what you collected. After cleaning the floor, you have the option to burnish Arena 300 with a 1500 RPM or greater machine and a light hair pad. This will bring back traction and gloss. The Reflections Wood Floor Program has the most complete maintenance program in the industry. More information on proper maintenance can be found in our maintenance video here: www.buckeyereflections.com/training/index.html.
Q.
What causes peeling?
×
A.
A.
Peeling floors can occur for a number of reasons, but most common is the application of a layer of coating applied to a poorly roughened surface. Other reasons for peeling are applying a coating over a dirty surface, chemical residue left from poor rinsing, missed recoat windows, tape application, expansion and contraction of the boards, etc. More information on peeling can be found here: www.buckeyereflections.com/content/misc/PeelingFloors.pdf.
Q.
Can I use an automatic scrubber on my wood floor?
×
A.
A.
See the MFMA’s recommendations for automatic scrubbers here: https://www.maplefloor.org/en/power-scrubbers/
Q.
Can I recoat my gym when school is in session?
×
A.
A.
Yes, ArenaTM 300 has almost no fragrance at 95 g/L VOC. It has a 48-hour play time for light sports play. As long as you can close your gym for 2 days, you can re-coat your gym on your schedule.
Q.
How can I dress up my gym before basketball begins?
×
A.
A.
If you coat your gym with Arena 300®, then dressing up your gym is easy. Simply clean and condition the gym with FloortonicTM (6 oz per gallon of water) using either a mop and bucket or an autoscrubber. Once the floor is dry, burnish with a high-speed burnisher (1500 rpm or higher) equipped with a light hair pad or an aqua (light blue) pad. You will enhance the shine and bring back the playability (squeak) of the floor.
Q.
Why is my wood floor slippery and what can I do about it?
×
A.
A.
Our Reflections wood floor coatings are certified by the Underwriters Laboratory for slip resistance. If you find your floors are getting slippery, it is usually because of the very fine dust/dirt that is not picked up from standard dust mopping. For floors coated with Coliseum® oil-based coatings or ArenaTM water-based coatings, tack the floor with Screen CleanTM. This is a simple procedure. Simply soak a white terry cloth towel with Screen Clean and use a push broom to push the towel across the floor. As the towel gets dry or dirty, change it out with a fresh towel. Screen Clean is ready-to-use and leaves no residue on the floor. If you have Arena® water-based coatings on your floor you can also do a second procedure. Clean and condition the floor with FloortonicTM (6 oz per gallon of water) using a mop and bucket or an autoscrubber. Once the floor is dry, burnish the floor with a high-speed burnisher (1500 rpm or higher) using a light hair pad or an aqua (light blue) pad. Slippery floor issues are resolved!
Q.
Do I have to use an oil-based product if I want the most durability?
×
A.
A.
No, ArenaTM 300 is a 100% Oil Modified Urethane in a water-based formula. This means that you get the durability, shine retention, and depth of gloss you expect with an oil-based coating with all the benefits of a water-based formula (no harsh odor, fast dry time, quick turn-around etc.). You can achieve the same durability of oil-based coatings while getting the benefits of a water-based coatings with no loss in performance.
Q.
Does prepping wood floors take a long time?
×
A.
A.
No, with the autoscrubber/Gym Bond prep method, coating wood floors is as easy and fast as stripping a vinyl tile floor. A standard 8,000 sq. ft. gym takes no longer than 4 hours to prep the floor and prepare it for coating.
Q.
What is the autoscrub prep method?
×
A.
A.
The easiest and fastest way to prepare a wood floor for re-coating is the autoscrub method. Since Buckeye Reflections coatings are all 100% urethane, we did not endorse this method because autoscrubbers do not abrade floors very well (abrading of the floor is usually required to get urethane coatings to adhere). However, with the addition of Gym Bond in our line, this prep method is now a good option to consider.
Q.
Does prepping wood floors create a lot of dust?
×
A.
A.
It can. Buckeye Reflections endorses three types of prep methods: dry screening, wet screening and autoscrub/Gym Bond prep methods. The dry screening process means lots of dust. The only time we recommend this process is on newly installed wood floors where the floor has not been coated at least 3 times. Other than that, we use a wet prep process (wet screening or autoscrub/Gym Bond prep) that eliminates all dust. This substantially lowers the amount of labor/clean-up of prepping wood floors.
Q.
What is wet screening?
×
A.
A.
Wet screening is a prep process that eliminates dust. This can safely be done on all wood floors that have been coated at least 3 times in the past. You apply a thin layer of Screen CleanTM on the floor and screen the floor with 120 grit sanding screens (250 sq. ft. per side, 500 sq. ft. per screen). Then pick up the wet slurry with an autoscrubber equipped with a red or blue pad doing a scrub rinse (with plain water). You get all the benefits of doing a dry screen prep method with no dust!
Q.
Will wet prepping my wood floor damage it?
×
A.
A.
As long as your floor has been coated at least 3 times in the past, you can safely do a wet prep process on your wood floor. This eliminates all dust. The two processes we recommend are the wet screen prep and the autoscrubber/Gym Bond prep methods.
Q.
How soon can I resume gym floor use after coating?
×
A.
Q.
What applicator do you recommend for applying wood floor coatings?
×
A.
A.
A light-weight T-bar applicator is best for Arena® water-based coatings. A heavy-weight T-bar applicator is best for Coliseum® oil-based products. While there are other applicators that can be used, Buckeye Reflections recommends T-bar applicators for a number of reasons. For one, they are inexpensive. They are also easy-to-use. Additionally, since the weight never changes, they produce consistent results.
Q.
How often do I need to burnish my wood floor?
×
A.
A.
Burnish your floor usually no more than every 3 months. Burnishing is only recommended on water-based Arena® wood floor coatings. It is not required but certainly can help with maintaining the gloss and playability of the floor.
Q.
What is the biggest mistake people make when applying wood floor coatings?
×
A.
A.
The biggest mistake people make when applying wood floor coatings is skipping tacking the floor, and just hoping the auto-scrubber cleaned it well enough.
Q.
Our gym has good "squeak" in the morning, good traction, but my mid-day, the squeak is gone and kids are losing their footing. What is happening here?
×
A.
A.
The custodial staff leaves the floor very clean from cleaning the night before (squeaky), then as dust gets tracked in from adjacent hallways or locker rooms, the dust makes the floor lose its squeak, and you can start losing traction as well. Wiping your gym (or locker room, or adjacent hallway) with a dark cloth is a fast way to “test for dust”.
Q.
How many products can the Buckeye Eco® Element hold?
×
A.
A.
The Buckeye Eco® Element is designed for remote, satellite and focused locations, and can hold up to 3 products. It has 2 low flow fills at 1.25 gpm and 1 high flow fill at 5 gpm.
Q.
How many products can the Buckeye Eco® Edge hold?
×
A.
A.
The Buckeye Eco® Edge is designed for remote, satellite and focused locations, and can hold up to 3 products. It allows for 2 mop bucket and 1 spray bottle application with 2 high flow fills and 1 low flow fill.
Q.
How many products can the Buckeye Eco® Pro hold?
×
A.
A.
The Buckeye Eco® Pro is designed for broad spectrum cleaning, and can hold up to 6 products. It has 4 low flow fills at 1.25 gpm, 2 high flow fills at 5gpm, and 1 water only fill at 5 gpm.
Q.
How is your dilution control program economically friendly?
×
A.
A.
There are several factors that make the Eco Proportioning Program economically friendly:
- Each product is shipped highly concentrated.
- Once in use, each product is diluted at the most effective rate for maximum performance.
- Dilution rates are set so they cannot be tampered with or changed.
- Packaging contains 83% less plastic than similar sized rigid containers, which requires less raw material, are lighter in weight, and results in less shipping costs.
- Eco uses hermetically sealed, flexible packaging that allows each pouch to be fully evacuated during use, resulting in no wasted concentrated chemistry – rigid containers typically leave several ounces of wasted chemistry which could be used to make several gallons of cleaner.
- The Eco program uses reusable, plastic spray bottles that are permanently labeled within full compliance of OSHA. This results in significant savings for the facility as well as for landfills.
- Eco products work in their intended applications, require less time and labor to use, and results in significant labor savings.
Q.
Are Eco units easy to install?
×
A.
A.
Yes. The Eco Proportioning Program units are shipped ready to install. Four screws connect each unit to the wall then simply connect the water in-flow hose to the faucet. After that, install each Eco bag and then turn on the water.
Q.
How many pouches to an Eco unit?
×
A.
A.
Q.
What is the maximum capacity in a pouch (in terms of ml)?
×
A.
A.
Each Eco pouch contains 1.25 L, which is 1250 ml or 42.3 ounces.
Q.
How are Eco products packaged and shipped?
×
A.
A.
Each Eco product is shipped in a case which consists of four, 1.25 L pouches.
Q.
Is there any routine maintenance or cleaning that should be done to Eco dilution control units?
×
A.
A.
If the Eco unit(s) is going to sit unused for several weeks, it is best to ensure that the water to the unit is turned off, each bag removed from the unit, and each chemistry tube rinsed with clean tap water.
Q.
Is there cross-contamination between products if I need to switch from one to another in the unit?
×
A.
A.
No. If you are switching between ports already loaded with chemistry, each port is self-contained until the moment the chemistry is mixed with water.
If you are changing Eco pouches to a different product, the chemistry tubing is self-rinsing when the tubing is being charged with the new chemistry. In other words, when the tubing is being filled with the new chemistry, it is rinsing the old chemistry out of the tubing.
Q.
Which Buckeye Eco® products are Green SealTM certified?
×
A.
A.
There are several Buckeye Eco® products that are Green SealTM certified including Buckeye Eco® All-Purpose Cleaner E11/S11, Buckeye Eco® Glass Cleaner HD E12/S12, Buckeye Eco® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner E15/S15, Buckeye Eco® Acid Cleaner E16, Buckeye Eco® pH Neutral Cleaner E31/S31, Buckeye Eco® Floor Cleaner E32/S32, and Buckeye Eco® Heavy-Duty Cleaner E61/S61.
Q.
Which Buckeye Eco® products are available in super concentrated squeeze & pour bottles?
×
A.
A.
These Buckeye Eco® products are available in super concentrated squeeze & pour bottles: Buckeye Eco® Glass Cleaner HD S12, Buckeye Eco® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner S15, Buckeye Eco® Tub, Tile and Bowl Cleaner S17, Buckeye Eco® One-Step Disinfectant S22, Buckeye Eco® Neutral Disinfectant S23, Buckeye Eco® pH Neutral Cleaner S31, Buckeye Eco® Floor Cleaner S32, and Buckeye Eco® Sanitizer S62.
Q.
Do you have foaming hand hygiene products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture several foaming hand hygiene products including Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash, Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash Unscented, Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Wash, Hair, Hand and Body Foaming Wash, Foaming Hand Sanitizer, Foaming Hand Sanitizer Fragrance-Free, and Non-Alcohol Foaming Hand Sanitizer.
Q.
Do Symmetry hand hygiene products contain triclosan?
×
A.
A.
No, Symmetry products do not contain triclosan.
Q.
What colors are Symmetry dispensers available in?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry dispensers are available in Vivid (red), Calm (green), Alert (yellow), Prestige (black), Alpine (white), Empathy (white with blue accents), Chrome, Luxe Copper, Luxe Gold, Luxe Rose Gold, and Luxe Nickel.
Q.
What hand hygiene products does Symmetry provide?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry provides a variety of hand washes, hand sanitizers, and hand lotions. For a complete list of products, click here.
Q.
Where can I find information about Symmetry product tests against bacteria, viruses, and fungi?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry product testing is listed on individual product literature sheets. These literature sheets can be found here.
Q.
Is Symmetry packaging BPA-free?
×
A.
A.
Yes, all Symmetry packaging is BPA-free.
Q.
What are Visual Lighting Cues (VCLs)?
×
A.
A.
VCLs are flashing lights affixed to Symmetry dispensers to draw attention to the dispenser. According to the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), VCLs doubled hand hygiene compliance.
Q.
Can I put a company logo or message on a Symmetry dispenser?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Symmetry dispensers are customizable. This includes the ability to select a company logo or message to be displayed on the dispenser as well as choice of dispenser color and size. The Symmetry Hand Hygiene Program also offers several other customizable tools including posters, wall charts, and placards.
Q.
Do you offer dye and fragrance-free products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture dye and fragrance-free products including Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash Unscented, Foaming Hand Sanitizer Fragrance-Free, and Moisturizing Lotion.
Q.
Do you have alcohol-free hand sanitizer?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Symmetry® Non-Alcohol Foaming Hand Sanitizer is a rich foaming, waterless hand sanitizer that reduces common disease-causing bacteria. It contains 0.12% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), allantoin and aloe, leaving hands refreshed – even after repeated use. Symmetry Non-Alcohol Foaming Hand Sanitizer has a mild sweet fragrance with no sticky residue.
Q.
What is the Symmetry® Behavior Modification System (SBMS)?
×
A.
A.
The Symmetry® Behavior Modification System (SBMS) is a component of the Symmetry® Hand Hygiene Program. SBMS utilizes behavioral science to drive people to practice hand hygiene based on 6 key tenets: benevolence, responsibility, accountability, variation, emotion, and direction.
Q.
Do you have hand hygiene products for Point of Care?
×
A.
A.
Yes, we manufacture several hand hygiene products for Point of Care including the Symmetry® 50 ml tray table/W.O.W. bottle, 550 ml suction cup, 50 ml lanyard, 50 ml clip and holder, 50 ml suction cup, and the 550 ml anesthesia cart bracket.
Q.
What is the Symmetry® Challenge?
×
A.
A.
The Symmetry® Challenge enables you to evaluate our hand hygiene program against competitive hand hygiene programs. Your Symmetry® representative will schedule a date and time to hold a product evaluation Expo at your facility, participants will test hand hygiene products and fill out surveys, and the results are tallied and revealed.
Q.
What awareness and education materials are part of the Symmetry® Hand Hygiene Program?
×
A.
A.
Some Symmetry® awareness and education materials we offer include customizable wall charts and posters, product literature, and hand hygiene videos.
Q.
Do you have any Green SealTM certified Symmetry® hand hygiene products?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Symmetry® Green SealTM certified products include Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash, Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash Unscented, and Hair, Hand and Body Foaming Wash.
Q.
Does Symmetry® Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash contain gluten?
×
A.
A.
Based on our knowledge of the raw materials that make up Symmetry® Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash, there are no reasonable expectations that the product contains gluten.
Q.
What's the difference between antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial?
×
A.
A.
Antiseptic is a substance that prevents or arrests the growth or action of microorganisms either by inhabiting their activity or by destroying them. It is considered a germicide which kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Antibacterial is a substance that kills all bacteria, but not necessarily bacterial spores on living tissue or inanimate objects. It is not considered a germicide. Antimicrobial is a substance that contains an active ingredient with in-vitro and in-vivo activity against skin microorganisms. In-vitro means tested in an artificial environment outside the living organism. In-vivo means tested within the living organism.
Q.
Can Symmetry® hand washes and hand sanitizers remove peanut allergens from hands?
×
A.
A.
Washing hands with soap and water can remove peanut allergens. The use of hand sanitizers alone can leave peanut allergens behind on hands.
Q.
Do Symmetry® alcohol-based hand sanitizers freeze?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry® alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not freeze under common winter weather. Their freezing points would be less than minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q.
How do I interpret the lot number printed on Symmetry® product packaging?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry® boxes, cartons, bags, and bottles display a 3-character lot number code consisting of a letter, number, and letter. The code corresponds to the date of manufacture for the product batch. The first letter stands for the month (“A” is January, “B” is February, etc.). The number stands for the year (“6” is 2015, etc.). The second letter stands for the working day of the month (“A” would be the first working day, etc.). If the lot number shows a letter, number, letter and then an extra number, this means that more than one batch of a product was made in a day (a “2” is at the end of the lot number for the second batch of a product made in a day, and so forth).
Q.
What is the meaning of the date, time, and lane number listed together on the Symmetry® bags?
×
A.
A.
The date and time correspond to when the label was printed on the bag. The lane number refers to the manufacturing lane in which the bag was filled with product.
Q.
Do Symmetry® products expire?
×
A.
A.
Symmetry® cosmetic products (non-antimicrobial hand washes; hair, hand and body washes; and moisturizing hand lotion) are not given expiration dates. Per FDA regulations, hand sanitizers and antimicrobial hand washes have expiration dates printed on their packaging (boxes, cartons, bags, and bottles). All products have been tested for stability.
Q.
Can Symmetry® products be used in food processing?
×
A.
A.
Yes. Symmetry® Green Certified Foaming Hand Wash Unscented is registered with NSF as an E1 product (a hand washing compound). Symmetry® Foaming Hand Sanitizer Fragrance-Free is registered with NSF as an E3 product (a hand sanitizing product).
Q.
Are Symmetry® product bags recyclable?
×
A.
A.
Yes, Symmetry® product bags are recyclable at facilities accepting recycle #7 mixed plastics.
Q.
Symmetry® product labels read, "Keep out of Reach of Children." Can children use Symmetry® products?
×
A.
A.
Yes. It is important that Symmetry® products be used according to label directions. Adult supervision ensures appropriate use of the products for children who are too young to read or to follow directions.