Spring Cleaning: Freshen Up Your Floors
Now is the perfect time to give your home a good scrub down as we transition from one season to the next. Today’s blog post is all about how to properly clean all of your floors without damaging them.
Laminate Flooring
Get your laminate floors sparkling clean with this simple, two-step process. First, use a dry dust mop to remove the hair, dirt and debris. Then follow up with a damp mop (not a wet mop). When using a damp mop on laminate floors you need to follow one rule: don’t use too much water or cleaning solution. Always use cleaners recommended by the manufacturer of your flooring. This information should be readily available on their website. Too much liquid can seep in between laminate boards and cause swelling. This can permanently damage the laminate.
Hardwood Flooring
When choosing cleaning products for your hardwood floors, always first refer to those recommended by your manufacturer. Using the wrong maintenance products could possibly void a warranty. Certain cleaning solutions may be too harsh for hardwood. Avoid oil or ammonia-based cleaners, they can dull the finish. Look for products that are specifically made for cleaning hardwood floors, preferably one which has a neutral pH. Unsure about the cleaner you’re using? Go to the manufacturer’s website or consult with our knowledgeable staff and we will recommend the right cleaner for your hardwood floors.
Some websites recommend using a mixture of water and vinegar. We don’t. It could damage your hardwood floors because the acid in the vinegar can etch the finish on your hardwood floors and make them look dull. Play it safe and avoid DIY floor cleaners.
Tile Flooring
When it comes to cleaning your tile flooring, use a soft dust mop to clear off any dirt, hair, dust and debris. After your floors are clear of dust, hair, etc, apply a mix of water and white vinegar (3:1) with a wet mop. Depending on how dirty your tile floors are, you might need to do it twice and grout lines may need some special attention. You can do this as often as needed since the solution is mild. The results are usually excellent, especially if you maintain your floors in this manner. For really stubborn stains you may need to use a professional tile and grout cleaning company for the first cleaning in order to get the tile back to, or as close as possible to, it’s original condition. Then proceed with an approved cleaner or the water/white vinegar solution on a regular basis.
If you properly and routinely clean your tile, hardwood and laminate floors, spring cleaning will be a breeze! In the market for new flooring? Give us a call at 317-879-8474 or visit our website today.
