Floor cleaning is one of the vital chores in your cleaning list after you have finished the decluttering, dusting, and vacuuming the floor. And it is the toughest of all the work. It is understood the right treatment to be done on the kind of floor you have at your place. Not every floor requires the same kind of cleaning.
If the floor is not cleaned regularly, the dirt, dust and grime build up over a long time and would get stubborn for it be to removed. Some tips on preventing the dirt to get on the floor are –
- Use the doormat at the entrance
- Take off the shoes before getting inside
- Ask the guest to also do the same
- If you have the pets, groom them regularly
- Wipe off any spills on the floor immediately
- Best way to clean different types of floors
Never use soap-based detergents to mop the laminated floors as it can leave a dull film on the floor. Also, ensure to avoid over-wetting. Never use wax polish as it will make the floor slippery.
Laminate
Use a dilute solution of water and vinegar to remove the stains and marks. Nylon scouring pads and steel wool can leave the scratch mark on the laminated floor, so never use it either. Stubborn marks like the shoe polish can be moved using nail polish remover as it contains acetone. WD-40 is also effective on the stubborn stains on the laminated floor.
Wood
Wood floors should be only be swept and damp mopped. Using too much water to mop the wooden floor will cause the wood to swell and split. The waxed floor should be occasionally re-polished using wax. But use the wax sparingly as the excess will leave the residue that attracts dirt. Apply the non-slip floor polish when you notice worn patches.
Polish and dirt build up on the waxed floor over time and the only way to clean it to remove the wax thoroughly and re-apply it. Use the moistened cloth with white spirit to remove the wax and dirt and wipe it away with the crumpled newspaper. Use abrasive pads to scrub the stubborn dirt. Damp-mop the floor after the wax is removed and leave it dry completely. Apply a fresh coat of polish on a small section each time.
Stone
Stone is more susceptible to stains. Use resin sealant to protect. Vacuum the sealed stone and mop with a mild detergent solution. To remove grease and oil from the stone floor use a stain remover.
Vinyl
Sweep the vinyl floor with a soft brush or vacuum and then damp mop the floor using a mild detergent. Ensure to rinse thoroughly to remove the water to avoid the watermarks. Use a cloth dipped in neat washing liquid or white spirit to remove scuff and rinse it off.
Ceramic and tiled
The ceramic and tiled floor needs minimal maintenance. Sweep and wash the floor using a mild detergent solution and rinse with clean water. Do not use a wax polish, as it makes the floor slippery.