Spring is approaching and you are probably thinking to do a spring cleaning in your home or commercial space. It is a good old tradition that is aligned with seasonal changes to let the fresh air in after a few months of winter that forced you to keep the windows closed while the heating system was always on.
Flooring is no exception to spring cleaning. The only consideration is how to protect your flooring material against cleaning chemicals that are being used inside your space. Each material requires a specific cleaning method and each one is also prone to damage by certain chemicals.
That is why in this article, we are reviewing cleaning methods for different materials so you can take care of your flooring while spring cleaning.
How to clean different flooring materials?
There are many flooring materials available in the market but some of them are most popular in residential or commercial flooring:
- Hardwood
You should start with sweeping or vacuuming your hardwood floor with a hard floor attachment to clear any dust and dirt. Then mix one-fourth of a cup multi-surface cleaner in a gallon of water. Mop the floors avoiding liquid pool creation that might warp and streak the hardwood. There are also disinfecting wet mopping cloths available that clean and disinfect at the same time. Either one you choose, allow the floor to air dry completely.
Avoid using natural remedies such as vinegar or lemon juice because they are too acidic for hardwood that will dull the look after a while.
For stain cleaning of chewing gum or candle wax use ice cubes in a plastic bag to harden them and then remove with a plastic knife or scraper. - Laminate
Start by choosing a laminate-specific cleaner because other products might be oil based that leave residue on the surface and can damage protective sealant. Even with the right product, don’t spray it directly and instead apply it to the mop or wiping cloth. You can also make your own DIY laminate cleaner by combining 1 teaspoon of colorless and unscented dish soap with a gallon of warm water.
After vacuuming or sweeping the dust, apply the cleaning solution to the mop or wiping cloth and drain the water completely. Don’t allow water pool on laminate flooring and let the floor to air dry. - Carpet
Deep cleaning your carpet flooring is a good practice for spring clean which is often done by professional services that use machinery.
But when cleaning on your own, vacuuming is the best way to clean carpet flooring, just not with a strong vacuum especially if you have a soft carpet. The strong pull of the vacuum might damage the fabrics and after a while the density will be lost. A lightweight vacuum with an adjustable beater bar is always a good option. Features such as dirt cup and washable HEPA filter are also environmental friendly options compared to disposable bags and filter models.
If there are spots and spills, you can remove them with carpet shampoo but immediately absorb the moisture with paper towel or absorbent cotton cloth. Avoid oversaturation as it can trap moisture in the carpet and lead to mold and mildew. Allow the carpet to completely air dry as long as it takes. - Natural Stone and Ceramic Tiles
Natural stones are sensitive to the PH of cleaning solutions as they can mar the surface so lemon juice, vinegar and ammonia based solutions are not safe. A neutral-pH all purpose cleaner is a good choice but you can also make your own by combing a neutral-pH dish soap with warm water just enough to create slight foaming.
Start by vacuuming or broom sweeping and then mop the floor with enough of the cleaning solution without creating water pool or too much foam. A rotating microfiber mop handle or a wet mop is good choice. Refresh the bucket solution as much as needed so you won’t clean with a dirty mop. Allow the floor to air dry.
The same method can be applied to Ceramic and Porcelain tiles.
The grout is a different material which is often porous that absorbs dirt and grease so it should be deep cleaned. Spray the grout with a commercial grout cleaner that is safe for natural stone. Use an old soft toothbrush to gently scrub the grout lines. - Polished Concrete and Decorative flooring
In contrast to the rough surface of old concrete, polished concrete is perfectly smooth and seamless that makes cleaning easy. Dry vacuuming along with wet mopping is often enough but you can add a PH-neutral cleaner for a better hygiene. Avoid ammonia, bleach or even vinegar as they can destroy the integrity of finishing material.
Decorative flooring is also cleaned with the same method. - Luxury vinyl
Luxury vinyl is affected by the PH of cleaning solution as ammonia or bleach will destroy the shiny finish and leave behind a dull look. So choose a pH-neutral cleaner.
Vacuum or sweep the floor and then mop with the mixture of warm water and cleaning solution in right ratio. The mop or wiping pad should be well drained to avoid water pool that might leek to the edges. Change the water mixture as needed to avoid spreading the dirt all over the floor. - Resinous coatings
Resins such as Epoxy or Urethane flooring are highly durable that is why they are often used in commercial spaces such as cannabis facility or auto shops. However, some cleaners such as soap-based ones can leave a haze behind that dulls the shine. Warm water moping is often enough but deck scrubbing brush is also a good choice. Start with vacuum cleaning with a soft brush attachment then wet mop the surface.
For a deep cleanse, use a hard-foam mop and hot water to clear dirt built-up. You can also use 2-3 ounces of clear ammonia mixed with a gallon of hot water for second round of mopping.
For stain removing, lightly scrub with a soft deck brush or kitchen scrubbing sponge and warm water. Avoid steel wool or harsh chemicals as they are too abrasive. Don’t use acidic solutions either such as citrus or vinegar as they can break down the epoxy catalyst. - Rubber
Rubber is a soft and yet durable material that is not easily damaged. That is why it is commonly used in gym flooring however harsh chemicals such as acidic solutions can erode the rubber material.
Start with dry vacuuming and then damp moping with a mild detergent and enough water. Avoid too much water and refresh the solution frequently to avoid spreading the dirt.
For a deep cleanse, use machine cleaning services that combine vacuuming, mopping, rinsing and drying while using a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft brush. Let the floor dry completely.
Final words
Spring cleaning is a good practice to take care of your flooring material but regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the year is essential for the health of yourself and your flooring. Of course the frequency really depends on the food traffic inside your space. Immediate cleaning of spills is also essential to protect your flooring material.
The important point is to be careful with the cleaning chemicals that you are using inside your space. The sprays that are used on the walls might splash on the floor and if they are not safe for your flooring material, damage might occur. Drain cleaners are specifically important to watch since they are strong base or acids that can seriously damage your flooring material. Also, don’t use abrasive tools that might scratch the surface.
Your flooring material can last longer if you buy them from a professional flooring supplier such as Renodiz flooring because we know everything about flooring materials and guide you with the best practices for cleaning and maintenance to avoid the possibility of any unwanted damage.
Wherever you are in Vancouver either North Vancouver or West Vancouver or maybe in Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Coquitlam, Port moody, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Delta, Whistler, Squamish, Abbotsford and Chilliwack, Renodiz is always ready to offer its excellent services as we have been doing for over 14 years.