Many homes have a good mix of floorings, such as hardwood, tiles, and carpets. If the same is true for you, then you know how annoying it is to keep them all clean. Each flooring type has its own properties and cleaning requirements. And what can be used to clean one type of flooring can’t be used for another.
If you have hardwood flooring, vinyl, carpets, and tiles in your home, a regular cleaning day can quickly become overwhelming. If you are not sure where to start or how to clean a particular type, don’t fret.
1. Natural stone
Natural stone flooring like granite, limestone, and marble are some of the most popular and luxurious materials out there. No two natural stone flooring are alike, even if they are cut from the same mineral. When cleaning natural stone, you need to understand the characteristics of the specific mineral and how it interacts with common household cleaning products.
All stone flooring shares one common trait, however: they cannot be exposed to acidic products. That means you cannot use vinegar when cleaning natural stone surfaces. Ammonia and bleach will ruin the mineral as well. Your best option is a pH-neutral mild cleanser to ensure the minerals are not damaged during the cleaning process.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl is a standard flooring option for bathrooms and kitchens. Best of all, it is effortless to clean. All you need is to mix vinegar, dish soap, and warm water, and you are good to go. Use a spray bottle to cover vinyl surfaces and wipe it clean with a mop or microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, you can safely steam vinyl flooring to remove stains and bacterial growth.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood is one of the most popular home flooring options. The classic rustic look lends a sense of ruggedness to any room. However, hardwood floors require specialized attention to keep it clean. One wrong move and you could permanently damage the surface.
The first thing you should do is to check whether the floor is treated with a finish or not. If the wood is untreated or has a wax finish, you don’t need to do any special washing. You will still need the occasional sweeping and mopping, however. For floors with a polyurethane finish, you can use a pH-neutral cleaner mixed with warm water. Use a damp mop for cleaning and a microfiber cloth for drying.
4. Tile
Tile is a popular alternative to vinyl for bathroom and kitchen flooring. While it looks similar to synthetic or natural stone, it is nowhere as fussy when it comes to cleaning requirements. All you need for cleaning tile is to mix vinegar, soap, and warm water. Like other floor types, use a damp mop for cleaning and a dry cloth for drying.
5. Carpet
When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, carpet is in a different category altogether. You’ll have to use specialized carpet shampoo to keep your carpet clean. For isolated stains, mix vinegar and baking soda to create a cleaning paste. Add the cleaning paste to warm water and scrub it on the spot with a brush or sponge.
These pointers will help you keep your home flooring clean and spotless. These tried-and-tested methods will also protect the material from premature damage and wear and tear. It’s best if you clean on a regular schedule, not when the surface has become noticeably dirty.
