Different floors require different cleaning methods and treatments, and you could do more harm than good if you get it wrong. Whatever type of floor you have, follow these top floor cleaning tips and tricks to help you get the flooring in your house spotless and sparkling, and keep it that way.
Choose the Right Cleaner
You should not use a carpet cleaner on a wood floor, or vice versa, as you are likely to do more damage than good.
For the best clean, and to ensure you do not cause any damage, always choose a cleaning detergent that is designed for your flooring type.
Mop Weekly
When it comes to vinyl or tile flooring, nothing beats traditional damp mopping. Mopping floors may seem pretty straightforward, but there are several things you should consider.
You should choose a mop based on your floor type. Traditional string mops and strip mops are great for textured floors such as ceramic tile flooring. However, for smooth flooring, opt for a sponge mop.
Many people often make the mistake of not having a second bucket of water for rinsing the mop. Using a rinse bucket helps to stop the cleaning solution from becoming dirty, ensuring a better clean.
Fill the Buckets Correctly
If you are mopping, be sure to fill the buckets correctly. Fill one with clean water for rinsing, and the other with water and detergent for cleaning. Unless otherwise specified, fill both buckets with hot water, as this will clean better and faster than warm or cold water. Add the detergent after the water. It may be tempting to use more detergent than advised in an attempt to try and speed up the cleaning process or get better results. However, this can have adverse effects. An over-concentrated solution will be harder to rinse, so it is best to just follow the instructions on the product.
Use A Damp Mop
If floors get too wet, they may become damaged and will take much longer to dry, so you should not use a sopping wet mop.
Make sure that after you dip your mop into the water, you wring it out with a wringer or by hand to ensure the mop is damp and not too wet.
Mop Methodically
Start at the end of the room that is furthest away from the door and then work backward towards the door so you do not walk over any area that you have mopped. Standing and walking on areas that have not been mopped will prevent tracking and minimise the risk of slipping.
If you are using a sponge mop, you should mop in straight lines, but if you use a rag mop, mop in a figure of eight motion, to get the most out of your mop.
Once you have finished cleaning an area, rinse your mop thoroughly in clean, hot water. Be sure to wring it out to remove as much dirty water as possible before rinsing the mopped area.
Regularly Sweep / Vacuum
While mopping and carpet cleaning is essential to getting floors clean, the key to keeping them clean is to sweep or vacuum every one to three days. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming your flooring will also help to prolong its life and maintain its finish. Sweeping or vacuuming just before mopping will make it quicker and easier to mop, and will help you to identify any stubborn spots.
Combat Stubborn Spots
When you do encounter particularly dirty or sticky areas, use a sponge to rub back and forth over the spot to remove the grime, before continuing with sweeping or mopping.
Let Everything Dry
Make sure you thoroughly rinse out your mop and mop buckets, then allow them to dry completely before you put them away.
You should also let your floor dry completely before you or anyone else walks on it.
Hire A Cleaner
If you are short on time, or would simply prefer to leave it to the professionals, you may want to consider hiring a cleaner to take care of your cleaning for you.
Time For You specialises in providing properly screened and vetted domestic cleaners to private households to provide you, our client, with more time for you.
Click here and simply enter your postcode to find a cleaner near you and let us take care of the cleaning, so you do not have to
