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Depending on what part of the country you live in, 'spring' — those months that fall between February and June — is either a pleasant time many people wax romantic about in stories and movies, or it is a time filled with wet, cold, chemicals and harsh use all around for floors and facilities.

But what does this mean for facility maintenance departments? Usually more work for an already harried and busy staff.

Starting with the floor, this issue of Campus Facilities Maintenance will help you to prepare — and alleviate — some of the issues that crop up in the Spring when inclimate weather puts the staff — and the floors — to the test. Starting on page 24, Mike Weber, principal scientist for products research with P&G Professional provided some answers and tips for our readers about Spring floor care.

But what about the rest of the campus? The varied rooms all require a different cleaning procedure, which can put a strain on the facility maintenance's staff — both in terms of longer hours worked and the bottom line. In the feature beginning on page 26, we focus on microfiber products, mops and cloths — which are reported to reduce bacteria by up to 96 percent — as an alternative to more traditional products. Microfiber can save the staff time and energy and also require less chemicals — which can put some money back to the bottom line.

In his column beginning on page 34, Stephen Ashkin talks about the difference between "first-costs" verses long-term consequences — or costs — when it comes to purchasing decisions. It's more than just environmental impact and the initial sticker-shock of a larger-ticket item. In some cases, spending more money upfront on the initial purchase might make more sense. Ashkin has some interesting insights when it comes to shiny finishes, light colors, grout, recoating floors, multiple finishes, geographical considerations and light fixtures.