The Best Cleaning Methods by Flooring Type
Not all floors are created equal, and thus, not all floors are built for the same cleaning methods. While more durable types can handle a range of chemicals and liquids, others (hello, untreated wood!) require a bit more TLC. If you’ve been asking yourself how to clean different types of floors lately, then you’re in for a treat.
Flooring Types
Not all flooring types are listed here, but we’ve chosen a few of the most common that are absolutely worth a mention:
1) Hardwood (and other wooden floors)
Most people are in the dark when it comes to how to clean hardwood floors, if for no other reason than they don’t know the science behind it.
Over time, the top finish on treated wood floors wears away, leaving a dull and lackluster look in its wake. When this top finish gets worn away, it becomes much easier for dirt and debris to get trapped in the floor’s cracks. That’s why regular sweeping or dust mopping of your treated wood floors can help maintain the top finish and preserve your floor for longer.
As far as how to clean untreated wood floors goes, dust mops can work here as well for regular maintenance. However, you can achieve a deeper clean with a wet mop and bucket filled with a gallon of hot water and half cup of vinegar. We recommend using a microfiber wet mop so it evenly distributes the water across the floor, mopping parallel to the floorboards in long strokes.
Fun fact: this cleaning solutions also works wonders on treated wood floors!
2) Laminate
Like most floor types here, laminate floors will benefit from regular sweeping with a microfiber dust mop. But did you know that you should be judicious with how much water you use for deeper cleanings of laminate floors? This is because cleaning laminate floors with too much water will actually cause the laminate to oversaturate and swell. This is why you should steer clear of water when cleaning your laminate floors, and instead use a laminate floor cleaner with a wet mop.
3) Vinyl
Since vinyl floors can take a beating, they need an equally tough cleaning method to match. When it comes to cleaning vinyl floors, your best bet will be vinyl floor cleaner; it won’t damage the floor’s structure or leave unsightly streaks.
Most vinyl floor cleaners work by stripping away dirt and wax buildups while balancing the pH level of the floor. This neutralizes bacteria, debris, and other contaminants mucking up the floor, making it all easier to wipe away.
4) Tile
The trick with tile floor cleaners is to ensure that you’re diluting it with enough hot water. Because they’re made to clean rough, hard surfaces like tile (and often ceramic as well), they’re typically made with highly-concentrated chemicals that can irritate the skin. In a word, proceed with caution.
Make sure you have a good scrub brush available, too. While you can use a wet mop for cleaning tile floors, you’ll likely get a deeper clean with a scrub brush. Fortunately, the hot water and floor cleaner combo is already pretty potent, so you don’t work too hard scrubbing away.
Before You Start Scrubbin’...
Learning how to care for your floors can save you money and headaches in the long run. Pair the right floor cleaner with a regular cleaning routine and you have a recipe for success. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back our blog regularly for more updates!
