Flooring Cleaners
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
What do I need to clean my floors?
There are so many varieties of flooring materials found in our homes and other buildings, that a person who wants to clean them, may feel overwhelmed. When a known manufacturer is associated with a type of flooring, the simplest method of cleaning is that which they will have provided. If you've lost the instructions that came with the flooring or it was installed or laid down by someone else, then the manufacturer can be contacted via the web or phone. The most common types of flooring found in homes are: Vinyl, carpet, unfinished concrete flooring, Ceramic Tiles and both real wood and laminate (or engineered).
What materials do I need to clean my floor?
Keeping flooring clean, no matter what it is, helps the finishes last a lot longer and the flooring will also be kept looking newer and fresher. Hardwood Flooring, those made from real wood, are protected by a sealer which penetrates and then a layer of polyurethane, shellac or varnish. Some wood floors have been painted, so those need a different kind of attention. Some floors are very lightly protected by a wax coating. Always avoid too much water, on wood or any other flooring. It could seep through a worn part and damage the components. Clean spots with damp cloth. Wax should not be applied to a poly finish. If you do not know which manufacturer made your flooring, you can use a general cleaner on your hardwoods. If you use a water based cleaner on wood, it can turn white. Laminates are durable and need little maintenance. Usually all that's needed is a sweep. If you have to clean them, use a damp mop only, plus a little detergent.
What can I use to clean my carpets?
Carpets are like little vacuum cleaners for dust particles. They just suck them down to the floor and trap them within their fibers. Use a good vacuum yourself to suck the particles right back out, and use it at least twice a week. A HEPA filter works well if anyone in your family is allergic. If you clean wall to wall carpet do not let it get too wet. It could shrink and then will look warped. Dirt is easier to suck out than mud, so let muddy spots dry first. Rugs benefit by a deep cleaning every year or year and a half.
What do I use to clean my linoleum floors?
Linoleum has a very eco-friendly nature so is now coming into higher usage again. It has a tight surface so is stain and dirt resistant. If this type of flooring becomes porous, scrub with detergent then refinish. Vinyl flooring is thought of and often called a no-wax floor. Large sheets can be finished with polyurethane in the factory. They are inexpensive and all that's need to install them is glue. Use a mild detergent and a mop to clean vinyl. For ceramic tile, a sweep and mop with mild detergent will clean them. Do not use too much water and rinse off the detergent before it dries. For unfinished concrete floors, sweep and vacuum then mop. Concrete can also be sealed and this will make it very low maintenance.
