Floors are such a fundamental element of a home that it makes a big visual impact when they can look their best. While tile floors can handle a nice wet mop, you don’t want that anywhere near your hardwood floors. Knowing exactly how to treat each kind of floor means that they both look and perform better under daily use.
As cleaning service experts in the Kingwood, Atascocita, and Humble area, we’re offering up some pro tips on how to keep your floors looking clean without damaging them in the process.
Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, and Laminate Floors
Water is the #1 enemy of hardwood and laminate floors. Wood floors swell when they get wet, and while a quick wet down and wipe up for spot cleaning might not have any impact, continuously cleaning your hardwood floor with water will slowly but surely cause your floor to warp and eventually come apart. Similarly, laminate floors are susceptible to water and soap because of the glue they use to stay in place. Over time, water and soap will cause the glue to lose it’s attachment and your floors will start coming up.
Tip from Floor Cleaning Pros: Vacuuming or dry mopping with a microfiber duster or mop, and then spot cleaning with a slightly damp mop will help keep water out of the wood, but keep in the clean. Vacuuming on this surface should be done on the “tile” setting if your vacuum allows for different heights.
Bamboo wood flooring is a special case. Bamboo floors need vigilant sweeping or microfiber dust-mopping, as it is prone to scratching from everyday dirt and sand tracked in from the outdoors.
Tile and Vinyl Floors
Tile floors are incredibly resilient when it comes to water. That’s why you’ll often see them in kitchen or mud room areas. Vinyl floors are, however, extremely susceptible to water damage, similar to wood laminate floors. Over time, water and soap will work away at adhesive and eventually your floors will start to warp, bubble, and come up.
Tip from Floor Cleaning Pros: While tile floors will handle water in the cleaning process, it is not necessary to use a great deal of cleansers or cleaning agents in order to get a sparkling floor. For spot cleaning, a 16 ounce bottle can take 1/4 cup vinegar and a single drop of dish soap to take care of most clean up jobs. This can be used for a quick mop up as well. For deep cleaning, a steam cleaner does wonders for both tile and vinyl floors.
Stone Floors
Stone floors are a lot like tile floors – they’re extremely resilient to foot traffic, moisture, scuffs, and general wear and tear. But natural stone floors often have uneven surfaces that make it difficult to vacuum or mop, leaving behind dust and dirt. Sealed stone floors are a little bit easier to manage, but the approach to cleaning them are not as obvious as you would think.
Tip from Floor Cleaning Pros: For real stone floors that are sealed, a specially formulated pH neutral cleaner should be used to clean the floors. For unsealed stone floors, hot water should be the only thing used for cleaning, as the stone can absorb the chemicals and become damaged.
Carpets
Ah, carpets. They’re quiet, comfortable and never get too hot or cold. But they’re magnets for dirt, filth, hair, stains, and more. They’re one of the most difficult floor types to clean well, especially if your’e dealing with longer fabrics like shag. For carpets, a regular vacuuming session takes care of the base level of the dirty work and you should probably be vacuuming at least once a week to prevent a buildup of dust and grime.
Tip from Floor Cleaning Pros: For carpets that stained or for periodic deep cleaning, stains should be spot treated, and a steam carpet cleaner should be used. Use the manufacturer’s instructions, and turn on fans and A/C units to speed floor drying time. Wait to bring furniture back into the room until the floor is completely dry, as a damp carpet can cause stains and dyes to leach off of furniture.
As for any sort of residential cleaning tips, please make sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for both flooring and for the tools used to clean it. A clean house is all about reducing clutter and regular maintenance, including periodic deep cleaning.
Maid Zen Cleaning Service is Happy to Help
For North Houston customers, recurring, one-time, move-in or move-out, and make-ready cleanings are all possibilities with Maid Zen Cleaning Service. Please call (832) 229-1053 to schedule and appointment for an in-home estimate.
