Pioneering Cleaning Solutions for Concrete Floors

Great Lakes Laboratories: Pioneering Cleaning Solutions for Concrete Floors

Great Lakes Laboratories, based in Livonia, Michigan, is a company that has built its reputation on pioneering cleaning solutions for concrete floors. That means providing high-quality cleaning and surface preparation solutions for a variety of industries. With over 30 years of experience, the company specializes in offering environmentally friendly products designed to clean, etch, and prepare surfaces - particularly concrete floors. In this blog, we'll explore the history of Great Lakes Laboratories, the products they offer, and how their solutions help prepare concrete floors for Mighty Line Floor Tape and Floor Signs.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1991, Great Lakes Laboratories has steadily grown from a small company to one of the premier names in surface cleaning and preparation. They have earned a strong reputation in the industrial and commercial sectors by offering high-performance products that cater to both large-scale businesses and small operations. Their dedication to innovation, customer service, and sustainability has helped them remain a trusted name in the industry.

Ron Hoge, CEO of Great Lakes Laboratories, has been an integral part of the company's success toward pioneering cleaning solutions for concrete floors. With years of experience in both product development and customer relations, Ron's leadership has helped position the company as an industry leader in environmental responsibility and effective surface treatment. He continues to advocate for products that not only meet industry needs but also contribute to a greener planet.

Great Lakes Laboratories’ Product Line

One of the key areas in which Great Lakes Laboratories excels is in offering specialized products for concrete floor cleaning and preparation. These products ensure that floors are properly cleaned before the application of paint or adhesive floor tapes and floor signs such as products from Mighty Line Tape^®. Two of the company’s most popular products are their Extra Muscle (an extra heavy-duty concentrate), and No-Rinse (moderate duty, non-phosphate) Cleaners.

Extra Muscle PrePaint Cleaner

Concrete floors, especially in industrial environments, can become contaminated with stubborn substances like grease, oil, and other contaminants. These substances can prevent adhesive products like floor tapes from bonding properly. In these situations, Great Lakes Laboratories recommends their Extra Muscle PrePaint Cleaner. This heavy-duty, biodegradable, water-based cleaner is designed to cut through tough grease and oil, leaving surfaces ready for further treatment.

One of the key advantages of Extra Muscle PrePaint Cleaner is that it works best when used with hot water. The heat helps to thin out oils and grime, which allows the cleaner to penetrate deeper into the surface, making the cleaning process more effective. Furthermore, the product is environmentally friendly, ensuring that businesses can maintain high standards of safety and sustainability while still achieving excellent results.

Clean 'n Etch PrePaint Cleaner

Another common issue with concrete floors is smooth, polished surfaces that can make it difficult for adhesives to bond. In these cases, Great Lakes Laboratories recommends Clean 'n Etch, a powerful cleaner with phosphoric acid that also “etches” the surface. This dual-action product cleans the floor and provides a rougher surface for tape or paint adhesion - all in one step.

Clean 'n Etch is particularly effective because it doesn't require neutralization, but it does need to be rinsed off thoroughly and thoroughly dried after use, so as not to impact any adhesive cements from floor tape or signs. This product is ideal for situations where floors are particularly smooth and need a more aggressive treatment to allow adhesives to adhere effectively.

Environmental Responsibility: A Core Principle

Great Lakes Laboratories prides itself on creating products that are both highly effective and environmentally responsible. That is why they are well-known for pioneering cleaning solutions for concrete floors. As Ron Hoge explains, the company places a strong emphasis on biodegradable formulations. Many products in the cleaning industry are labeled as “environmentally friendly,” but these terms can be vague and misleading. In contrast, Great Lakes Laboratories follows rigorous European standards for biodegradability, ensuring that their products break down at least 90% within 3 to 19 days. Their cleaning products surpass even these standards, with a 95% breakdown rate within the specified timeframe.

Additionally, some customers might be concerned about the phosphate content in cleaning products, as phosphates can impact water treatment systems. Recognizing this, Great Lakes Laboratories offers phosphate-free alternatives that still maintain high levels of cleaning efficiency, catering to those who have specific environmental or regulatory concerns. 

Preparing Concrete Floors for Mighty Line Floor Tape and Signs

Yes - Great Lakes Laboratories is widely respected as a leader in pioneering cleaning solutions for concrete floors. Another leader in the floor striping business (globally!) is Mighty Line Floor Tape and Floor Signs. With their premium products, it is essential that concrete floors are clean and ready for adhesion. Mighty Line Floor Tape and Floor Signs are known for their durability and ease of use, but for them to bond effectively, the floor surface must be properly cleaned, prepared, and dry.

As Ron Hoge mentions in his Mighty Line Minute podcast, floor contaminants like grease, oil, and dirt can compromise the adhesion of floor tapes. Using products like Extra Muscle Cleaner to eliminate grease and grime ensures that the surface is clean enough to provide a strong bond. Similarly, Clean 'n Etch prepares smooth floors by providing the necessary etching to help adhesives adhere to cleaner concrete. And their No-Rinse Cleaner (moderate duty, non-phosphate) works extremely well on a great majority of concrete floors that have been well-maintained. 

By using these Great Lakes Laboratories products, businesses can ensure that their floors are not only clean but also primed for the longevity and performance of Mighty Line Floor Tape and Floor Signs. This preparation is critical to maintaining safety and efficiency in environments like warehouses, factories, and other commercial spaces where floor markings are essential for traffic flow and safety.

Customer Service and Support

Great Lakes Laboratories goes beyond just providing excellent products - they also focus on customer support. "Pioneering cleaning solutions for concrete floors" means that the Great Laks Laboratories is dedicated to working closely with clients to ensure they find the right solutions for their specific needs. Customers can reach out directly to Ron directly at 800 888-1105 for any inquiries, ensuring a personalized and responsive approach.

For those looking for more information or guidance on which products to use, Great Lakes Laboratories also offers easy access to detailed product information through their website at GreatLakesLaboratories.com. Whether you're a first-time user or a long-time customer, the company’s team is always ready to offer expertise and advice.

Conclusion

Great Lakes Laboratories has built a solid reputation as a leader in concrete floor cleaning and surface preparation, offering high-quality products. Their floor cleaning solutions help businesses prepare their floors for the effective use of Mighty Line Floor Tape and Floor Signs, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable bond.

Their commitment to environmental responsibility and high-performance products, backed by excellent customer service, makes Great Lakes Laboratories a standout choice for companies looking to maintain clean, safe, and effective workspaces. If you’re looking to enhance the adhesion of your floor tape and signs, consider using Great Lakes Laboratories’ cleaning products for optimal results.