There is a lot of confusing information regarding how to properly clean your floors on the internet. Different floors require different care, which is what most homeowners tend to forget. Using the wrong method to clean a vinyl floor can lead to irreparable damage and scratching.
Traditional wet mopping is still the best way to clean many types of floors. Cleaning pads in combination with sweepers are great for daily cleaning of dust and light floors, but a good, thorough weekly wipe is the right solution to keep your floors thoroughly cleaned.
Cleaning industry veterans at Dust And Mop share the best methods and products to clean any type of floor in your home.
Floor Cleaning 101
If you go the traditional mop route, hardwood floors can be cleaned once a week with a simple fine soap and water solution paired with a microfiber mop. Make sure to use a damp mop because too much water on finished or unfinished wooden floors can cause warping. If your floor is waxed, use either a damp or dry mop twice a week, as even small amounts of water can cause warping.
Try using a damp mop to clean stains, but never use commercial floor cleaners or polishes. Avoid acidic solutions when cleaning hardwood floors as they can tarnish the finish over time.
If you notice your water getting dirty after a few scrubs, make sure you replace the solution and start all over again. As soon as you are done, wipe the floors again, this time using just clean water and a damp mop. Rinse with a cloth or sponge, wipe with clean water and wring out any excess moisture from the mop and floor to avoid accidental soap buildup.
To keep vinyl floors shiny, use a microfiber dust mop to absorb dust and dirt that accumulates on the floor. Vinyl floors are the easiest to handle, and you only need to avoid abrasive tools as they scratch way too easily.
Making Sure Your Floors Stay Clean
If the furniture appears a bit dirty when you move it and keeps leaving stains and dust on the floor, it is best to clean it before you begin cleaning the floor to avoid doing the same work twice. Mix a few drops of detergent and hot water and use it to clean the furniture legs and the bottom of the furniture if you cannot move it.
On a weekly basis, wipe high-traffic areas such as the hallways, kitchen and bathroom to keep your flooring in the house regularly fresh. You should swipe and vacuum high-frequency areas such as the dining room and kitchen as often as possible while hardwood floors should be mopped once a week.
How To Avoid Damaging Your Floors
If you are uncertain about what material your floor is made of, play it safe and use a mild soap solution to clean it. Sealed floors should be cleaned with a cleaner recommended for your type of sealing.
If you have mostly wooden floors in your home, use a hardwood mop or a specialized cleaning agent for wooden floors. Make sure to dilute the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as a high concentration may damage your floors. Regular sweeping and a weekly dry mop will help keep dirt and dirt away even in the kitchen.
Any wooden floor can be damaged by even the smallest amounts of water so use only as little water as you can on the surface and use a vacuum cleaner to handle the dust.
