It's that time of year again - time for spring cleaning! While many people focus on dusting and decluttering, one area of the home that often gets overlooked is the floors. But fear not; with a little elbow grease and some of our handy tips, your floors will look beautiful in no time.
Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits of clean floors, there are several other reasons why keeping them tidy is essential. Dirt and debris can scratch and damage floors over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Dirty floors can also harbour germs and bacteria, posing a health risk to you and your family. So, not only will a clean floor make your home look great, but it will also keep your family healthy and safe.
Before we dive into the specifics of cleaning different flooring types, here are some general cleaning tips that apply to all floors:
One way to protect your floors and reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets tracked in is to use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas. Place a doormat at each entrance to your home and use area rugs in living areas and hallways.
Shoes can track in dirt, mud, and other debris that can scratch and damage your floors. Instead, encourage your family and guests to remove their shoes at the door.
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining the beauty of your floors. It's important to sweep or vacuum your floors at least once a week to remove any loose debris. You should also mop your floors regularly using the appropriate cleaning solution to remove any dirt or stains. A little bit of elbow grease can go a long way in keeping your floors in tip-top shape.
Spills and stains can quickly damage your floors, especially if they are not addressed immediately. If you spill something on your floors, clean it immediately using a damp cloth or paper towel. For stubborn stains, use a cleaner that is specifically designed for your type of flooring. Trust us; your floors will thank you for it.
While steam cleaning can be a great way to deep clean your floors, it's not recommended for all types of flooring. The heat and moisture of steam cleaning can damage hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate floors. Instead, use a damp mop with the appropriate cleaning solution. Keep your floors looking their best without turning them into a sauna.
If you're not comfortable cleaning your floors or if you have a large area to clean, consider hiring a professional. A professional cleaning service can deep clean your floors and remove any stubborn stains without damaging them. Plus, they have all the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done right.
Pets are great companions, but their nails can scratch and damage your floors. To prevent this, make sure to trim your pets' nails regularly. Long nails can also be uncomfortable for your furry friends, so it's important to keep them short for their well-being. Keep your floors looking their best without sacrificing your pet's comfort.
Home improvement projects, such as painting or remodelling can be messy and damage your floors. Protect your floors by covering them with drop cloths or cardboard. If you need to walk on your floors during the project, wear soft-soled shoes to avoid scratching them. You wouldn't want your floors to be caught in the middle of a DIY disaster.
Now, let's get into the specifics of cleaning each type of flooring.
Carpet is like a cozy hug for your feet, but it's also a dirt and allergen magnet. So, if you want to breathe easily, regular cleaning is a must. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner to suck up all that dirt and debris lurking in your carpet fibres. Don't forget to use the brush roll to agitate those fibres for maximum cleaning power!
Stains happen, but they don't have to ruin your carpet. Grab a carpet stain remover and follow the instructions carefully. Otherwise, you could be left with a stain that's even worse than before. For a deep clean, consider a carpet cleaner, but make sure to choose the right one for your needs and read the instructions carefully to avoid any carpet catastrophes.
Once your carpet is clean, resist the urge to walk on it immediately. Wet carpets can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which is no fun for anyone. Let it dry completely before stepping foot on it.
Hardwood floors are like fine wine - they get better with age. But just like wine, they need proper care and maintenance to maintain their elegance and longevity.
Sweep your hardwood floor regularly to keep it free from dirt and debris. Abrasive materials can scratch your beautiful hardwood surface, so use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a floor-brush attachment to avoid unsightly scratches. The same applies to engineered hardwood.
When cleaning your hardwood floor, avoid using water, soap, or vinegar, as they can damage the finish or cause discoloration. Instead, use a hardwood floor cleaner specifically designed for hardwood flooring. Follow instructions to avoid using too much cleaner and leaving a residue on the surface. After cleaning, remove any excess moisture from your hardwood floors. Use a dry mop or a clean cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Lastly, avoid dragging heavy furniture across your hardwood floors, wearing high heels, or letting your pets go wild. These can all scratch and dent your beautiful floors. Instead, use furniture pads to protect the surface and consider using blinds or curtains to protect your floors from excessive sunlight.
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to hardwood that won't break the bank. It's easy to maintain, versatile, and available in various styles and colours that cater to different tastes. Here's how to keep your laminate floors looking their best.
Sweeping or vacuuming prevents dirt and debris from causing scratches or damaging the laminate's surface. When cleaning, use a product specifically designed for laminate flooring to avoid ruining the laminate or causing discoloration.
After cleaning, be sure to dry the surface entirely to prevent moisture from damaging the laminate. Avoid using too much water, as it can cause the laminate to swell, and nobody likes a swollen floor.
Although laminate flooring is durable, there are some things you should avoid to prevent damage. Dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floor can cause scratches and dents. Similarly, sharp objects can leave permanent marks on the surface. So, watch what you're dragging and treat your laminate floors with care so they can stay beautiful for a long time.
Tile flooring is a great choice for areas of the home that are exposed to moisture and spills, like kitchens and bathrooms. They're easy to clean but can become discoloured over time. Here's how to keep your porcelain tile floors looking their best.
Sweep or vacuum the floor often to prevent dirt from embedding in the grout lines. Use a tile and grout cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to clean the floor, avoiding abrasive materials and harsh chemicals that can damage the tile or grout. To clean the grout lines naturally, use a mixture of baking soda and water and a grout brush. For stubborn stains, you may need a commercial grout cleaner. Rinse the porcelain tiles thoroughly with water and let them dry completely before redecorating with your furniture.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) (or Luxury Vinyl Plank) is a premium and cost-effective flooring option that offers the natural beauty of stone or hardwood and the durability and versatility of vinyl that adds a touch of luxury without costing a fortune.
Owners should regularly sweep or vacuum the Luxury vinyl tile floor to prevent dirt and debris from scratching or damaging the surface. Use a cleaner specifically designed for Luxury vinyl flooring to clean the floor with a mop or a soft-bristled brush. After cleaning, soak up the excess water and let the floor dry completely before applying a vinyl floor polish or wax to protect against scratches and discoloration. If you treat this durable option correctly, your feet will thank you for the soft touch, and your wallet will thank you for the soft price.
Spring cleaning your floors can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can keep your floors looking beautiful and well-maintained all year round. Remember to prepare your space, avoid common mistakes, and most importantly, use the correct cleaning products for your surface. If you want to purchase floor cleaning products or need a consultation on which cleaners you should be using, come by one of our FloorsPlus locations today to shop for products and get expert advice.
The best method for cleaning hardwood floors is to sweep or vacuum them regularly to remove dirt and debris. Then, use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner to clean the surface without leaving any excess moisture.
It is not recommended to use a steam mop to clean hardwood floors. The high heat and moisture can damage the finish and cause the wood to warp or buckle.
A canister or upright vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment is the best vacuum for hardwood floors. The attachment should have soft bristles to prevent scratches and damage to the surface.
It is recommended to clean hardwood floors at least once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas.
We recommend Finitec Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner; available at any of our FloorsPlus locations.
It is not recommended to use a steam mop to clean laminate floors, as the high heat and moisture can cause the laminate to warp or buckle.
To remove stubborn stains from laminate floors, use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a laminate floor cleaner. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
A canister or upright vacuum with a hard floor setting and a soft-bristled attachment is the best vacuum for laminate floors.
It is recommended to clean laminate floors once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas.
The best method for cleaning tile floors is to sweep or vacuum them regularly to remove dirt and debris. Then, use a mop with a mild tile cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the surface.
Yes, vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner for tile floors. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to clean the surface.
To remove grout stains from tile floors, use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stained grout, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with water.
It is recommended to clean tile floors once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas.
We recommend Armstrong Once N Done Ceramic & Stone Floor Cleaner; available at any of our FloorsPlus locations.
To clean textured tile floors, use a soft-bristled brush or a mop with a soft cloth to clean the surface.
The best methods for cleaning high-traffic areas on floors depend on the type of flooring. For hardwood and laminate floors, sweep or vacuum regularly and use a damp mop with a floor cleaner as needed. For tile floors, sweep or vacuum regularly and use a mop with a mild cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. For all types of flooring, use doormats to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floors, and use furniture pads to prevent scratches and damage.
To protect floors from future damage, use doormats at all entrances to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floors. Use furniture pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage, and avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floors. Clean up spills and stains immediately to prevent them from seeping into the flooring or causing discoloration. Finally, consider using area rugs in high-traffic areas to provide additional protection and reduce wear and tear.
