Do you sweep and mop your floor every day? Slips and drips happen often; it not only mars the look of your flooring but can also make it slippery. Furthermore, dirt and dust when layered up can also cause dust mites. Thus, we suggest you clean it regularly. But when you are pressed on time, you could run a vacuum cleaner for quick cleaning. However, there are multiple types of floorings, and each one is made using different base material. A wrong cleaning method can spoil the finish of your flooring. Thus, it is important to know and follow an appropriate cleaning method depending on the floor type. This way, you can make it last longer too.
In this article, we have covered helpful cleaning tips and tricks for a few variants of flooring.
1) Cleaning Hardwood Flooring
There are two types of hardwood flooring finishes: Waxed and Non-waxed. To determine the finishing on your hardwood flooring, run a finger across the surface. If a smudge appears on the surface, it is more likely waxed.
To clean non-waxed flooring, mix a solution of 3-4 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray it as needed and clean with a flat head mop. Make sure you move the mop with the grain. Remember to use as little solution as you can. To keep your hardwood flooring in good condition, clean the dirt or spills as soon as you notice it.
2) Cleaning Laminate Flooring
This type of flooring requires extra care while cleaning. Sweep and dust mop your laminate flooring every day to remove surface dirt and grime. You can use a commercial product which is specially formulated to clean laminate flooring. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a proper attachment. Check the product manual to understand the correct usage guidelines. For tough stains like makeup, oil, paint and so on, use acetone or nail colour remover on a cotton swab and do the spot cleaning. Again, check with the manufacturer before cleaning. Never use liquid cleaners or steam cleaners on laminate flooring as it can cause irreversible damage. Also, avoid using any type of scrubbers on this type of flooring as it can cause scratches and marks on the surface.
Marble requires delicate handling and special care to remain in top condition. To clean your marble flooring, use a good quality floor cleaner that also has disinfecting properties. We recommend the Domex Floor Cleaner, which is available in the market. Check the pack to understand the correct usage instructions and test on a small part first. Alternatively, you can also make a cleaning concoction by mixing 2 tsp. dishwashing liquid in ½ bucket of lukewarm water. Using this solution, mop thoroughly.
If you want to keep your marble floors looking their best, treat the stains as soon as you notice them. Blot with tissue papers and clean with water. This will keep the stain from leaving marks on the surface. To remove any tough stain, mix ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of water to make a thick paste. You can increase the amount of ingredients depending on the size of the stain. Apply the paste on the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Cover the area with cling film and wait for it to settle for 5-6 hours. Then dampen with water and gently scrub with your fingers to remove it. Wash with plain water.
Remember, as cutting lemon directly on the marble surface is disastrous, so is using acidic cleaners. Stay away from harsh cleaning products and scrubbers. To keep the abrasive dirt from making its way into your house, place anti-slip mats at the entrance. And clean that area twice a day.
4) Cleaning Vitrified Flooring
To keep your vitrified flooring in good condition, we suggest you mop it once in 2 days at least. Sweep your floor to remove dust particles. For the wet cleaning, take ½ bucket of warm water and mop with it. Warm water is sufficient to clean it well. For times when your flooring is looking dull, you may need to give it a thorough cleaning session. For this, mix ½ cup of white vinegar in warm water and mop with it. Since white vinegar is mild, you may use it, but sparingly. This will get your floor looking bright and glossy again. To avoid dirt marks, avoid walking on the floor after you mop. Ensure maximum air circulation. Avoid using acidic cleaning products and scrubbers.
5) Cleaning Mosaic Flooring
To mop your mosaic flooring, you can use a solution of ½ bucket of water and 2 tsp. of dishwashing liquid. Mop your floor with this solution using a sponge or a cloth. Avoid using hard-bristled scrubbers or brushes to avoid scratches on the floor. To remove any stains, mix 1 cup baking soda in 2 cups of water to make a thin paste. Wear gloves and rub this paste into the stain, using circular motions of your fingers. Wipe with a sponge and then mop again with the dishwashing solution. Allow the area to air-dry.
6) Cleaning Terracotta Flooring
Terracotta flooring gives a warm, earthy look to any space. Cleaning it is easy too. However, since it is porous, it can attract a huge amount of dirt. You need to clean it using the correct method, or it may end up looking unsightly. Sweep your floor regularly to remove dust. To mop, mix 1 cup of vinegar, 3-4 tsp. of dishwashing liquid in ½ bucket of warm water. Mop using this solution. Always use a soft sponge headed mop, avoid using a metal headed mop as it can cause scratches on the tile.
7) Cleaning Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo Flooring is more prone to scratches and nicks. So, tread carefully. Use 2-3 tsp. of mild dishwashing liquid in 2-3 cups of water. Pour the solution in the spray bottle and spray as needed and mop your bamboo flooring. You may use Vim Dishwash Gel, which is easily available in the market. Check the pack to understand correct usage instructions and test on a small inconspicuous area first to check the compatibility. Ensure that the microfiber cloth you are using to wipe the woodwork with is mildly damp. Excess moisture can damage the flooring. So, keep these floors dry. To prevent your bamboo flooring from scratches, always use protective pads beneath the furniture.
8) Cleaning a Linoleum Flooring
Add a few drops of a dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water. Spray it all over the flooring and wipe it off immediately using a microfiber cloth. The flooring should air dry almost instantly. But, if it continues to feel sticky, wipe the floor with a dry microfiber cloth to remove the excess moisture. If your flooring begins to look dull, add ½ cup of baby oil to the mopping solution. It will bring out the shine. However, be alert while doing so to avoid slips. Wait for the flooring to dry completely before entering the area. Keep children away while doing so.
9) Cleaning Vinyl Flooring
Prepare a cleaning solution using 4-5 cups of warm water, 3-4 drops of dishwashing liquid and 1/4th cup of vinegar. Pour the cleaning mixture in a spray bottle. Now, spray the solution on small areas of the floor and wipe it off using a damp microfiber cloth as you go. You must deep clean the vinyl flooring at least once a week. For this purpose, use a steamer. The vapours will dislodge the dirt collected in the grout. It will also help eliminating germs. Alternatively, you can also run a hot shower in the bathroom for some time. Remember to drench the water completely after cleaning to keep it from accumulating into the cracks or edges.
10) Cleaning Natural Stone Flooring
Acidic or cleaning agents with chelating ingredients like ammonia can severely damage stone flooring. Always read the label on the floor cleaner before using it. Disinfect the floor with Domex Floor Cleaner that contains Sodium Hypochlorite as an active ingredient. Use as directed on the pack; test on a small hidden area and rinse to check compatibility first. Add a few drops of the floor cleaner in a bucket of water and mop the floor with it. Test the product on a small inconspicuous area first to check for compatibility of the product.
11) Cleaning Porcelain Tile Flooring
To prepare your cleaning solution, mix 2 drops of dishwashing soap with 1 cup hot water. Now, add ¼ cup of vinegar to the soap solution. Pour the concoction in a spray bottle. Sprinkle the liquid on the flooring and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth as you go. For deep cleaning your porcelain flooring, run a steamer. The vapours will dislodge the stains and bacteria from the surface of the tiles and grout. Avoid cleaning porcelain tiles with products that contain ammonia or bleach.
12) Cleaning Carpeted Floor
If you have a carpeted floor, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Set the right attachment and clean the floor. Check the product manual to find out the correct type of attachment for carpeted floor. You can also use a steam cleaner for this. Check the product manual to understand the right cleaning method. You can clean your floor once or twice in a week depending on the requirement. To remove any type of stain from your carpeted floor, you can use shaving cream. Apply a thin layer of shaving cream directly on the stained area. Allow it to settle for 30-40 minutes. Then take a cotton cloth or tissue papers and blot the area. Now, mix ½ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of water and pour in a spray bottle. Now, spray the solution on the stained area and wipe with a cotton cloth. Avoid using any liquid cleaners on your carpet as it can cause stains, discolouration and damage the finish.
13) Cleaning the Grout
The grout between your floor tiles can get dirty too. Mix ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of water to form a cleaning paste. Take a soft-bristled, old toothbrush and scrub this solution gently on the grout. Remember to be gentle while doing this. Test on a small inconspicuous area first to check the compatibility.
There you go! Try these tips to clean different types of flooring and have your home look clean as well. Your floors are the first thing you step on when you or a guest enters your home. Also, your floors reflect the cleanliness of your entire house. So, keep your floors clean, and you will automatically feel like keeping the rest of your home clean as well.
We suggest you clean your floor every day or once in 2 days to keep it in top condition. Use a floor cleaner with disinfecting properties to keep your home free of germs. Also, when you are pressed on time, you can simply run a vacuum cleaner on any type of floor. Make sure you use the correct attachment; refer to the product manual for usage instructions.