Spring is here, the birds are chirping, the sun is out and the flowers are blooming. It’s a time of rebirth and rejuvenation – no wonder why so many people take this opportunity to throw open the windows and clean house.
You likely have many different types of flooring throughout your home, from hardwood to tile. It can be confusing knowing the best ways to clean each type. Here are some spring cleaning tips for all flooring.
Hardwood
Your hardwood flooring may look pretty durable but it’s actually more fragile than you think. It needs extra special care during spring cleaning. Never let standing water accumulate on the floors, as it can seep into cracks and cause warping later. Clean hardwood flooring by sweeping or vacuuming first. This will get up all the crumbs, dust bunnies and dirt. Next, you can damp-mop the floor with a flat-head mop and microfiber pad.
Go with the grain as you clean. You can control the amount of cleaning solution through the use of a spray bottle. Spray a heavy mist or squirt a half teaspoon every two square feet. Avoid abrasive cleaning products on your hardwood flooring, as these can scratch, pit and gouge. Check with the manufacturer of your hardwood floor for cleaners they recommend.
Tile
Tile flooring is common in kitchens, sun rooms and bathrooms. First, you’ll need to sweep or vacuum up all the loose dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs and other debris. You only need warm water to clean ceramic tiles. Make sure to get specific types of cleaners for the right surface, for example a safe cleaner for bathroom flooring. If you absolutely must use a cleaning agent, inquire with the manufacturer as to recommendations. Avoid using a sponge mop, as it can push dirt into the grout areas. Instead, use a rag or chamois-type mop.
Vinyl
Occasional mopping is usually all that is needed to clean vinyl flooring. This should get most built-up dirt off. Use a few capfuls of clear, non-sudsy ammonia and warm water to safely spring clean your vinyl flooring.
Laminate
First, vacuum the floor using the wand attachment. Then, use a dust mop or damp cloth with a mild detergent and warm water. Wipe up wet areas quickly and allow the floor to thoroughly dry. That’s because laminate flooring can be very slippery right after cleaning. Spot clean stains with a non-abrasive sponge or rag.
Carpet
First, do a general vacuuming of your carpets. Then, shampoo them. You can rent your own machine or hire an expert. You only need to do this once a year. Vacuuming will only do so much. You need a more powerful shampooing machine to truly remove dirt and grime that has become trapped deep in your carpet’s fibers.
Contact Designer Wood Flooring
For more spring cleaning tips for your floors, contact us today. We specialize in hardwood and tile flooring installation and repair.
