Cleanliness in the house is not only about aesthetic pleasure and well-being. The absence of dirt in a home is a good prevention against “sick building syndrome” when people become ill after staying in a house for a long time. This is due to psychological factors and the quality of the cleaning. Keeping the space clean is essential because it affects the guests’ opinions and the physiological and mental health of the people living in the building. So, let’s take a closer look at floor cleaning methods that help achieve high-quality results with minimal effort.
Caring for Different Flooring Materials
Usually, one universal cleaning product and approach are used to clean this significant part of the house. But in this aspect, “universal” is a misnomer. It is critical to choose different cleaning products and methods for each material. Only then will the floor retain its original appearance, and you won’t have to change it quickly.
How to care for a tiled floor?
Among the different types of floors, tile makes a house look special, but it is best suited for warm climates. This material is quite cold, so walking on the floor feels good on hot summer days. Cleaning a tile or ceramic floor is quite simple. For this, warm water and mild soap are all you need. You can also purchase a special tile floor cleaner. Using a steam mop to wash this type of surface is quite convenient as it requires only water. So, there is no damage to the grout. It is advisable to choose a device that has several modes, for example, vacuum + steam.
Moreover, a steam mop does not leave streaks that are so difficult to remove after cleaning different types of floors. An additional advantage is the high-quality steam disinfection. However, when caring for a tiled surface, you should avoid products that contain ammonia or acids, as these substances can discolor the grout.
Cleaning hardwood floors and wood floors
For the best quality work, you should know the distinction between these surfaces. In the first case, solid wooden planks are used. Such floors are quite expensive, but they are the most natural. And the smell of real wood pleases the house’s inhabitants for a long time. Hardwoods, such as oak, cherry, or maple, are usually used for flooring. As for wood floors, they can include massive natural and artificial wood, which is covered with a hardwood veneer on a plywood base.
Combining several methods is the best way to clear hardwood floors. Begin with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris. Some devices even have special settings for wood. A microfiber cloth will also be useful. After that, you can use liquids for cleaning. Water mixed with vinegar will be effective. However, when cleaning, make sure you use the minimum amount of it. Do not leave puddles on the wood, as it easily absorbs moisture and deteriorates. To avoid this, wipe the coating with a dry towel.
And how to clean wood floors? Is this process different from the one used for hardwood floors? There are no striking changes, but due to the use of artificial materials and a plywood base, it is worth taking more care to protect such surfaces from moisture. Any spills should be wiped up immediately.
How to clean laminate flooring?
This surface has many advantages. It makes the room cozy and tidy. At the same time, the flooring is quite practical and versatile, so it fits any design. But how to clean laminate floors? Ordinary water and soap will not do. You need to use a special product for cleaning such materials and a high-quality mop, preferably made of microfiber. You should never use a steam cleaner in such cases. Also, when caring for a laminate floor, be sure not to get too much moisture on it. This damages the material, causing it to swell and bubble. If stubborn stains appear on the floor, you can use a cloth slightly moistened with acetone, but remember that this remedy applies only to contaminated areas.
Caring for marble floors
Cleaning hard floor surfaces requires a special approach to different types of materials. Some are easy to handle, while others can be more challenging. For example, when caring for a marble floor, you need to know the characteristics of this material. It is a porous stone, so you need to choose detergents with special care. Importantly, it is pH-neutral. Moreover, such a material as marble is quite expensive.
You need to wipe the marble floor with a dry cloth to get rid of dust and dirt. After that, it is recommended to use special marble cleaners and a microfiber mop. Do not use products containing vinegar, ammonia, or citrus oil solution. As a result of a chemical reaction, these substances can cause discoloration of the material. Please note that such a smooth stone as marble is easily scratched. Therefore, do not use anything abrasive when cleaning.
How to clean a bamboo floor of dirt?
Bamboo is an effective and environmentally friendly material for flooring in the home. Due to its rapid growth, bamboo can also be relatively cheap. Caring for such a floor is somewhat similar to caring for a regular hardwood surface. Cleaning consists of ordinary vacuuming or wiping with a brush. Do this with smooth movements along the fiber. This way, cleaning will be most effective. However, it is necessary to clean it quite often, as mess and dust have a more destructive effect on bamboo than on other materials. Poor maintenance can cause damage and scratches on the floor. When choosing a detergent for this material, pay attention to its aggressiveness. The substance should be gentle on the coating. Moreover, use water carefully. An excessive amount has a bad effect on bamboo, as well as a steam mop and vinegar.
Caring for linoleum flooring
This is a practical, moisture-resistant type of flooring. As a rule, it is made of cork and wood pulp. That’s why you shouldn’t use a steam mop or excessively hot water when cleaning. This can significantly damage the floor. To achieve maximum cleaning efficiency, use a special linoleum cleaning concentrate. Alternatively, you can create your cleaner. Mix a few drops of soap and one glass of vinegar with water. This will help you clean the floor quickly. A microfiber mop with a spray bottle is best for this.
Cleaning a stone floor
This type of surface is a real rarity in modern homes. Moreover, such a floor is quite expensive, so it is worth making an effort to take care of it. First, determine what the of stone that covers your floor. Usually, granite, limestone, or travertine are used for such purposes. To clean them, a mop, warm water, and a few drops of soap are what you need. However, you should not use substances containing ammonia or vinegar for cleaning. This can ruin the floor by degrading the sealant and generally making the stone more vulnerable to stains and damage. It is worth remembering that the surface has natural gaps. So, do not use too much water, as it can get into them and cause mold.
How to clean carpet?
Carpeting is great for cold climates because it helps retain heat. It also provides additional noise insulation. However, such surfaces collect more dirt because the pile retains dust. So, it’s worth cleaning the carpets regularly and thoroughly. To prevent them from getting dirty quickly, you should not walk on such a surface in shoes. Moreover, the surface should be vacuumed frequently. This will help maintain the cleanliness and color of the carpets. For the most effective results, a vacuum cleaner with touchscreen controls is the best choice.
What to do with a concrete floor?
This is a rare flooring option in residential buildings. However, there are no limits to human imagination, especially in home design. Nevertheless, this material is more often used in garages and utilitarian rooms that must also be kept clean. Concrete is a durable and low-porosity material, so this floor can be easily kept clean. To begin with, you just need to vacuum and then mop everything. Nevertheless, do not use acidic products. They are harmful to this type of floor.
Tips for Floor Care
The cleanliness of your home starts with the floor. It’s where most dirt and germs accumulate. That’s why taking special care of this part of the house is crucial. Let’s look at a few tips to help save the excellent condition of floors with different types of coating.
- Use rugs. Piles retain dirt well. Therefore, it is worth placing small rugs in the areas near the doors. The front door is a priority because most dirt gets on the floor from the street. Place rugs on both sides of the front door. Thanks to the variety of these useful accessories, you can choose the best options for any design.
- Ideally, you should clean the floor every day, especially if you have a large family and pets. However, if you are a single person, try to clean at least once every few days. You should wash the floor once a week. This advice applies to aesthetics and hygiene alike. A lot of germs collect on the surface. If you are a busy person and lack time to clean, try to pay attention to at least the places that are used the most. For example, the kitchen and bathroom usually require cleaning more often than other rooms.
- Deep cleaning of the floor is recommended once a month. It involves repairing scratches, cleaning grout, and applying polish.
- Take good care of your pets, especially after a walk. The cleaner our animals are, the better the condition of the floor and the entire home. Groom your pets. Comb and bathe them. This makes cleaning the floor much easier. Trim your pets’ nails on time. It will reduce the risk of scratches on the flooring.
- Choose cleaning products responsibly. Many options are available on the market today, so you can choose the best solution for your floor and wallet. At the same time, don’t forget to read the composition of the product and make sure it is not harmful to you or the materials in the house. Pay special attention to the instructions. Yes, it’s not some sophisticated technique, but you should have a basic understanding of how much water to mix the product with.
- If you can’t decide on a substance for washing for a long time, ask about the properties of a mild detergent. In combination with warm water, it is suitable for most types of surfaces (tile, wood, vinyl, etc.). The pH of the substance should have a neutral value. This detergent can be used daily, as it effectively removes stains, even oil, without damaging the surface, which helps keep the floor clean for as long as possible.
- Use a polish. It improves the overall appearance of the coating materials and extends their service life by creating a protective layer. This prevents scratches, scuffs, stains, and general wear and tear. Moreover, polishing gives the floor an extra shine.
Many materials are used to build, repair, and furnish modern homes. The approach to cleaning them should be determined depending on the type of coating. That’s why you must know exactly what you should use to clean different surfaces with the highest quality. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage.
Remember that new technology helps achieve perfect results. If you don’t have time to shop, you can buy a powerful vacuum cleaner from AENO https://aeno.com/category/home-and-clothing-care/vacuum-cleaners. Moreover, a steam mop can improve and significantly speed up cleaning. With a strong stream of vapor, it removes dirt and destroys germs. This device from AENO https://aeno.com/category/home-and-clothing-care/steam-mops will be an impeccable tool in your house. With it, housekeeping will be comprehensive, effective, and, most importantly, fast and high-quality.
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