Floor Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Have you ever had a friend recommend a great new floor cleaner only to discover that it made the floors in your home look streaked, cloudy and older?

Not every floor is alike and that means that not every floor cleaner will work on it. So what’s a desperate homeowner to do?

The most important floor cleaning tip to remember is to get to know your floors.

Once you fully get to know the type of materials your floor is made from, you will be able to choose the right type of cleaners to use for an effective and scrub down.

How to Clean Floors:

Whatever cleaning method you choose for your floors, be sure to take manufacture’s suggestions seriously. Check your floors manufacturer to see what cleaning products they recommend.

Some will offer a list of specific brands, while others will only recommend certain types of products. They know what works best (and is safest) for their flooring, so be sure to use only the products they most recommend.

If you are unsure about the safety of a product, call the company who made your flooring and ask.

Finally, be sure to use specific cleaning aides for specific jobs.

For instance, when trying to remove gum from any type of flooring, hold an ice cube on it first to stiffen the gum. Tar can be removed from linoleum flooring using peanut butter and oil stains can be lifted from wooden floors with mineral spirits.

Ceramic Tile:

Whether you have glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles, stay away from any kind of abrasive cleaners – they can scratch or pit your tiles . Opt for an all-purpose cleaner instead.

Linoleum:

The best way to keep a linoleum floor clean is to give it a good wax seal and then use vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner to wet mop it when your family tracks dirt across its surface. A fine grade steel wool dipped in floor wax can be used to gently rub away scuff marks. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners and soaps or too much water on this type of flooring.

Marble:

The best way to damp mop a marble floor is by using clear water or a solution of ½ cup fabric softener to one gallon of water.

Wood:

Solvent based cleaners and polishers are best for wooden floors that have been shellacked or lacquered. A one-step cleaner polisher works well, and takes a lot less time and energy. Always apply cleaner by mopping or stroking it with the grain of the wood and be sure to blot up nay excess when finished.

Remember, all floors are unique and keeping them looking their best requires learning how to care and clean them properly.

Hopefully these floor cleaning tips can help you keep your floors looking their best for years to come.