How Should I Clean My Floors?

Now more than ever in this pandemic take care of your home floors!

COVID-19 is still targeting many communities and as we approach flu season please take care of your health!!

Today, I will briefly go over the common types of floors and recommend how to best mop them.

First, do you know what type of floors you have in your home?

Probably you have a mixture. That’s good right?

You must be careful with the cleaning products you do utilize. Not every product can work its magic.

Let’s first see if you can identify which one or ones you have.

• Wood with polyurethane

• Glazed ceramic tile

• Linoleum

• Vinyl

• Laminate

• Terrazo

• Bamboo

• Concrete

• Stone

• Brick

• Cork

Now, do not begin mopping right away. If you haven’t adopted these simple steps already, begin now!

Sweep or vacuum the floors to remove any loose dirt and debris. Rid of the larger particles to avoid dragging and dissolve into smaller pieces when mopping.

If the area of dirt and debris is wet do dry before sweeping or vacuuming.

Wood with polyurethane

Wood with polyurethane is normally the fancy title for the majority of hardwood floors we now see in homes.

For cleaners on these wooden floors it is best to use white vinegar and water. If you are not a fan of white vinegar odors it is recommended to find commercial cleaning products targeted for polyurethane.

Glazed ceramic tile

AVOID oil-based and acidic cleaners. Oil-based will cause buildup and attract grime to the grout. Acidic will damage grout and even lighten the color. Rather simply use water and all-purpose cleaner.

Vinyl

If you know your floor was installed since 1970 then it’s likely no-wax vinyl. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water.

Waxed vinyl is more sensitive so do use ONLY water.

Linoleum

Don’t confuse it with vinyl.

If unwaxed, it is okay to use a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water.

If waxed, simply use lukewarm water.

Laminate

It is best to use white vinegar and water.

Don’t use detergents, waxes, polishes, and most importantly all-purpose cleaners. You will make the floors dull!!

Terrazo

Use only warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.

AVOID waxes or sealers. They will make the floors slippery. The last thing you need is to injure yourself!

Bamboo

Just like majority of wooden floors today bamboo floors are coated with polyurethane.

Hence, you can use the same products to clean wood floors with polyurethane.

Concrete

Concrete floors are very porous. Simply use warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.

Stone

If the floors within your home then it is most likely sealed with a stone sealer. In similar fashion to concrete floors use a pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner and warm water.

Stay away from citrus based cleaners as it will damage marble and limestone.

Brick

Brick floors tend to absorb spills and stains. For indoor brick floors they are sealed with most likely a masonry floor sealer.

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water.

Cork

For cork floors do not allow water to sit. It will certainly swell your floors. You may use warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.

How Do I Mop?

Materials needed:

• Mop

• Bucket

• Water

• Cleaner specific for your floor type

Fill the bucket with warm water unless your floor type is linoleum.

Add a small amount of cleaner.

Always read any manufacturing labels for best results!

Start at the farthest corner of the entrance in your home. In other words, work from the back until you reach the front.

Place the mop within the bucket with the mixture and before placing into the floor wring it very well.

Don’t let water seep through any cracks there may be. In addition, too much water on a mop can drag dirty water to cleaner areas.

Mop in back and forth strokes. Overlap the strokes as you move around the floor.

Tip: Minimum 2 passes over each area.

This will ensure that you have not left any residue on the floor.

If the water on the bucket gets too dirty, you may have to replace with fresh water and mixture.

Flush dirty water down the toilet. Don’t do it in the sink!!

Care for your mop once done.

Try to buy mops with washable mop heads so you can simply place it in the washer and will be ready to be used quicker than the old fashion way.

Keep your floors and mops in great condition. It will make your daily clean easier!