How To Clean These 7 Different Kinds Of Floors
PHOTO: Yueke
The cost of flooring installation in a regular home can exceed $2,000, and that's just for residential spaces, not even considering the larger commercial spaces. The next time you look at your well-worn, high-traffic floors, think about that figure. Then, consider where you'd rather spend that amount of money. Remember, this figure reminds you that instead of spending a significant amount on replacing floors, it's more cost-effective to invest time and effort into maintaining them. But how exactly do you maintain your floors? Different types of flooring require different maintenance approaches. Although floor maintenance can easily be overlooked amidst the busyness of life, it's important to remember that well-maintained floors are long-lasting. Every cent spent on maintenance saves you from costly repairs and replacements, keeping your floors looking great. Here are seven different types of floors and how to clean them.
PHOTO: Yueke
1. Concrete Floors – Apply a commercial sealer to your concrete floors to safeguard them from moisture and debris, which can penetrate the naturally porous surface. – Dust the floor before cleaning it with a standard cleaner. – Consistently scrub and wax concrete floors to keep them shiny.
PHOTO: Yueke
2. Vinyl Floors – Moisture is the biggest enemy of vinyl flooring. Never let spills sit for long and thoroughly wipe up all moisture with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, such as a dry microfiber towel, to avoid damaging the vinyl laminate and adhesive. – Use a gentle, neutral floor cleaner safe for vinyl surfaces for deep cleaning, and avoid washing the floor.
PHOTO: Yueke
3. Terrazzo Floors – Ensure your terrazzo floors are sealed with a proper terrazzo sealant. This protects the marble surface's adherence to the concrete base, regardless of the amount of foot traffic or frequency of cleaning. – Since terrazzo naturally has a glossy finish, you only need to maintain it by cleaning with water, a mild neutral floor cleaner, and a mop to keep it looking pristine.
PHOTO: Yueke
4. Linoleum Floors – For daily upkeep, simply dust or vacuum linoleum floors, followed by a quick pass with a damp mop. – For seasonal maintenance and to remove inevitable heel marks and occasional scuffs, apply a generous amount of linoleum-friendly floor wax. Finish by buffing with a slightly damp cloth for a perfect shine every time.
PHOTO: Yueke
– Maintain the shine of your tiles by regularly mopping with a wet mop and a neutral, mild floor cleaner.
– Clean the grout by brushing it regularly.
– While an appropriate sealer helps prevent grout discoloration, regular scrubbing, dusting, and mopping are still essential for upkeep.
PHOTO: Yueke
– Apply a marble sealer to close the micro-pores of this natural stone. Its porous nature makes it susceptible to moisture and prone to retaining dust and dirt, so a good sealant is essential.
– Clean marble floors with hot water and a pH-neutral cleaning agent to prevent discoloration and protect the sealant.
– Use soft mop heads to clean the surface.
– Maintain cleanliness by dusting and damp-mopping daily.
PHOTO: Yueke
– An essential rule for cleaning wood floors is to avoid water at all costs! Water can dull the finish and often causes irreversible stains. Unless your wood floors are treated with polyurethane, never use a wet mop or wash them with water. Keep the floor dry and promptly wipe up even the smallest spills.
– Regularly dust and wipe the floor with a soft mop, and always use suitable polishing materials.
– For deep cleaning, use only a wood-specific floor cleaner and allow it to soak in for a guaranteed shine.
PHOTO: Yueke
In addition to specific care for different types of flooring, here are some daily practices to keep your floors in top condition, regardless of their material:
Dust/Vacuum Daily: Regular dusting or vacuuming prevents dust from settling on your floors and sticking to the surface, which can make it harder to remove later.
Wipe Spills Immediately: Quickly clean up spills to prevent moisture from damaging the finish of indoor floors or discoloring natural stone like marble. For wood floors, which are particularly sensitive to moisture, prompt cleaning is essential to avoid damage and stains.
Use Proper Matting: Strategically place mats around your home or business to catch dust and debris before they reach your floors. Choose the right type of mat for each area to maximize effectiveness.
Invest in Floor Protection: Equip your space with appropriate mats and floor protection solutions tailored to your flooring type and commercial needs. Contact Carpet Rentals at 1-800-346-6287 to connect with a flooring and matting expert for personalized recommendations!