Keeping your house clean and dirt-free is essential for healthy living. While every corner of your house should be properly cleaned, your flooring deserves special attention. If you have any kids and pets in your home and guests keep showing up frequently, your floors would generally invite more germs and bacteria, making them unsafe for your family members.
If you have a big house with different types of floors in other spaces, cleaning them would be tedious since not all floors can be cleaned using the same method. To make it fairly easier for you, we have prepared an exhaustive guide that covers all the different types of floors available and the best way you can use to clean them.
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Types of Floors and How to Clean Them
Homeowners who opt for different floor types for different rooms will have to adopt a unique cleaning method that works best for the respective floor. Let's quickly explore the different types of floors and the proper ways to clean them.
Linoleum Floors
Linoleum flooring is made using renewable and natural resources like cork dust, mineral pigments, linseed oil, and wood flour. You can easily find this type of flooring in most commercial and residential settings. Although it is naturally resistant to bacteria, water, and stains, you must clean it routinely if the floor experiences high footfall daily. The best way to perfectly clean Linoleum floors is by vacuuming and sweeping.
It can help remove loose debris and dirt from the floor. You can then use a damp cloth or mop to wipe the floor. If the flooring has become very dirty or stained, you should use a mild detergent or the best floor cleaner to lift the dirt. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and opt for pH-neutral cleaners safe for Linoleum.
Vinyl Floors
A popular flooring choice, vinyl flooring is highly durable, versatile, and affordable. It is made using PVC and CPE and is easily available in various patterns, styles, and colours. If you have vinyl flooring in your residential or commercial space, try to protect it from moisture.
Don't let it sit for longer if you notice any spills on the vinyl flooring. Immediately wipe it using a non-abrasive wipe to avoid damaging the floor lamination and vinyl adhesion. You can keep vinyl floors clean using a mild floor cleaner. It would be best if you got the best floor cleaning liquid made using natural ingredients.
Slate Floors
Floors made using slate are durable and have a distinct aesthetic appeal. Since slate flooring is available in various shades of red, black, purple, grey, green, etc., you can find them in many places. If you have slate floors, you should first use a light broom to sweep all dust and dirt from the surface. After sweeping, you can use a mild mixture of warm water and vinegar to clean the floor. Just wipe the floor using this mixture, and you will have a clean floor.
Carpet Floor
Carpet flooring is mainly found in residential settings because of its noise-reducing properties and warmth. It is the softest flooring made using interwoven fibres. To get the perfect carpet flooring, a premium quality carpet is generally glued to the floor, or the edges are tucked for a seamless finish.
If you have carpet flooring, you must clean it at least twice every week. You can run a vacuum over the flooring to remove dust and microbes. If any harsh stains have developed on the flooring, you should use a mild yet the best floor cleaner ideal for carpet flooring. Use these cleaning liquids with a hard-bristled brush to remove tough stains. A mild carpet shampoo can also work.
Hardwood Floor
Hardwood floor is primarily made of oak wood, but people also have hardwood flooring made of cherry and maple. Since there are numerous hardwood flooring finishes, you must pick a cleaning method that doesn't affect the finish. For example, if your hardwood flooring has a wax finish, don't use water to remove dirt and dust from the surface. A broom, vacuum, or mop would do a better job at cleaning wax-finished hardwood floors.
If you have a hardwood floor with a polyurethane finish, using a microfiber wipe and a mixture of warm water and mild soap would give better results. Avoid using vinegar on polyurethane-finished hardwood flooring because it can cause the finish to fade with every wash.
Terrazzo Floor
It is the most sustainable flooring option because it is made using plenty of natural materials. Houses in high-moisture areas mostly have this flooring because terrazzo flooring is resistant to water, bacteria, and stains. This flooring option is more attractive and durable than all the numerous types of floors.
Sweeping or vacuuming is the best way to clean terrazzo floors. Once you've removed loose dirt and debris through vacuuming, use a damp mop or cloth to wipe the floor. Just remember not to soak the surface. You can also use a mild floor cleaner while mopping the floor for the best results.
Ceramic Floor
One of the most long-lasting and durable flooring options, ceramic flooring is made using clay that is fired in a kiln. Ceramic flooring is mainly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture spaces.
To keep it clean and dirt-free, mop it regularly with a mild floor cleaner. Regular brushing can be done to keep the grout clean. Ensure you invest in the proper sealers to prevent any discolouration of the grout lines.
Marble Floor
Lastly on the list is marble flooring. If the footfall is high on your marble floors, you should routinely clean it by dusting and damp-mopping. To keep your marble floors clean, use pH-neutral cleaning agents with hot water to prevent discolouration of your marble floors. Keeping soft mop heads at home for regular cleaning is also an excellent idea.
Everyday Things You Must Do to Protect Your Flooring
Now that you're aware of numerous floor types and their best cleaning methods, you wouldn't face challenges trying to keep your floors clean. If you want your floor to retain its sheen and finish, you can follow specific tips. Dusting/vacuuming your floor daily, using suitable matting, and wiping off any spills immediately are the best ways to protect your flooring. Following these tips will help you keep your floors squeaky clean.
FAQs on How to Clean Various Types of Floors
What are the Different Types of Floor Cleaning?
There are numerous types of floor cleaning, like vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing, etc. You should choose the ideal floor cleaning method based on your flooring type. For example, you can take the help of carpet extractors to clean your carpet flooring. Speciality cleaning machines are also available for different floor types, so you can consider getting one for your space.
What is the Correct Order of Cleaning a House?
Although the correct order of cleaning a house can vary from one person to another, a standard order would start with decluttering the space and organizing things. You can then proceed with dusting, wiping surfaces, vacuuming, or cleaning floors. You can then begin cleaning your bathroom and kitchen, washing windows, and making your beds.
What is the Best Product for a Floor Cleaner?
The best floor cleaning product would depend on the type of flooring you have. If you are looking for an effective cleaner that would work with most floor types, get yourself a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid getting a floor cleaner with bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals. You can get a natural floor cleaner from Herbal Strategi, as the brand only manufactures natural or organic products.