How to Properly Clean Any Type of Floor

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of health and hygiene. This was had many of use paying closer attention to how we clean our homes, from the kitchen counters to the floors. So how to you keep different types of floors clean and spotless? Learning how to properly clean any type of floor will not only help you keep your floors crystal clean but will also save you a lot of time.

Every different type of flooring requires specific maintenance and a distinct type of cleaning. This means if you have different flooring in your home, you need to learn best ways to keep each floor clean and hygienic, as well as stain free and damage free.

On that note, read on for the best tips to keeping your floors clean!

Tips on How to Properly Clean Any Type of Floor

Regardless of the type of floor you are cleaning, there is always the first common step that applies to all flooring types, which is sweeping or vacuuming the floor.  Always start with this before heading into deep cleaning steps described below.

Cleaning Hardwood Flooring

Here’s how to deep clean a hardwood floor:

Step 1: With the help a small squirt of a wood floor cleaner and a damp cloth, spot-treat any sticky spots on your hardwood floor.

Step 2: Next, use a damp microfiber pad to clean the floor. In the case of stubborn stains or marks, you may need to use more advanced methods for wood floor deep cleaning & restoration.

You can use wood floor cleaners specifically made for this kind of surface, or make your own. But the most important thing is that you should not use too much water on these floors.

Step 3: This extra step is only necessary for waxed hardwood floors. If your floor is waxed you should avoid using a damp mop or cloth since even a small amount of water can ruin it. In this case, you should instead:

• Sweep
• Dust Mop
• Vacuum the floor regularly

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring may not be as delicate as hardwood floors, but some cleaning products and techniques can still damage this type of floor. According to North American Laminate Flooring Association president Bill Dearing, getting water under laminate flooring can damage your floor.

Therefore we recommend the following ways to clean this type of floor:

• Vacuuming the floor or
• Dry mopping
• Spot cleaning with a slightly damp mop

However, here are the few key things you should keep in your mind:

1. Use your vacuum cleaner only in tile mode.
2. Damp-mop only when necessary.
3. Replace any damaged planks instead of polishing them

Cleaning a Cork Floor

These beautiful natural-looking floors are also highly porous, which makes it susceptible to water damage. So, how do you clean this type of floor?

According to Green Cleaning Coach Leslie Reichert, you can keep your cork floors clean through these practices:

• Washing the cork floors once a week
• Wiping spills immediately
• Avoid scratching by vacuuming the floor too often.

Furthermore, to ensure you keep your cork floor’s natural look, try using a solution of vinegar and soapy water instead of commercial cleaning products.

Cleaning Tile Flooring

Tile floors are one of the easiest floors to clean, regardless of whether they are ceramic and porcelain tiles. Unlike the above flooring, tiles aren’t susceptible to water damage, and they are quick and easy to clean.

Here are some of the best ways to clean your tile floor:

• Use a natural floor cleaner and a mop, or
• Use a steam cleaner for a super deep clean of both grout and tiles.

Tip: To prevent scratching or dulling the finish of your tiles, avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning Vinyl Flooring

Just like tile flooring, vinyl flooring is pretty straight forward to clean. All you’ve got to do is:

• Start by spot-treating any sticky areas
• Using a damp cloth or a neutral cleaner to mop the floor.

However, there are few practices that you should avoid to keep your floor in good condition, one of which is pouring water directly on to the floor. It’s best to avoid this as this may cause water go underneath the floor. Instead, use a water and white vinegar solution to wipe off any mop streaks after cleaning your floor.

Cleaning Natural Stone Flooring

Natural stone flooring is one of the most delicate types of floors, and won’t do well with abrasive cleaners or acidic detergents. The best way to clean natural stone flooring is with pH-neutral, gentle cleaners.

Therefore, the best ways to clean natural stone flooring is:

• Use a steam cleaner for stubborn dirt
• For unsealed stone tile, clean with hot water and a microfiber mop

Overall, as said earlier, different flooring means different cleaning processes, which is why it is essential to learn how to properly clean any type of floor. To promote a hygienic environment, regular deep cleaning is essential.