Flooring is of different types and that is why you need to apply different cleaning methods. Different floors have different requirements for maintenance which should be followed if you want to keep the floor in good condition.
Well-maintained and premium quality floors last longer than floors that are poorly maintained. So, it is always a better approach to choose a specific method of cleaning the floor and stick to it.
In this blog, we are going to discuss how to clean different types of floors and what are the most preferred methods for floor cleaning.
Cleaning Methods for Every Floor Type
First of all, let’s discuss the most common methods that can be applied to every floor type without worrying about its material. These are the general methods that do not demand high maintenance and are easily applicable.
Follow these steps to clean floors of every type:
- Sweeping: The first step to cleaning the floor is to sweep the floor to remove dust and debris. The alternative to sweeping is to use a vacuum machine.
- Preparation of Cleaning Solution: Mix the cleaning solution with warm water according to the dilution ratio mentioned on the bottle of cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may vary according to the floor type. pH-neutral solutions are mostly recommended for floors.
- Mopping: Dip the mop in the cleaning solution and start mopping the floor by applying considerable pressure.
- Cleaning the Spills: If there are any spills you need to scrub the area with a brush to make the floor spotless.
- Rinsing with Water: Some floors need to be rinsed with water after mopping.
- Floor Drying: Dry the floor with a clean cloth or turn on the fan.
This is the general and most common method used for floor cleaning of every type.
7 Different Kinds of Floors and How to Clean Them
As we have discussed the general method, now let’s look into different kinds of floors and the method to clean them.
1. Ceramic Floors
The most common method to clean ceramic tiles is to use warm water and mild soap. You can begin the ceramic floor cleaning by sweeping the floor and then moping it with mild floor cleaner. Use a brush to clean the grout. For cleaning grout lines, use baking soda and vinegar mixture for thorough cleaning. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry it after cleaning.
2. Marble Floors
Dusting and damp moping on a daily basis is the best way to clean marble floors. These kinds of floors are porous and are more prone to discoloration so always use pH-neutral cleaning solutions. Use a soft bristle mop, dip it in the cleaning solution, and gently rub it against the floor. Avoid the use of scrubbing brushes that have hard bristles.
3. Concrete Floors
Cleaning concrete floors depends on the level of dust and debris on the floor. Sweep the floor to remove dirt and mop it with a pH-neutral concrete cleaner. Use a scrub brush with hard bristles to remove stains from the concrete floor. You can also use the commercial sealer to seal the floor and prevent the dust from entering the pores of concrete.
4. Wood Floors
The most important thing to keep in mind while cleaning the wood floor is to avoid water at any cost. Water can damage the wood flooring and can dull the finish. Never use the wet mop and if any spill occurs dry it immediately if you want to keep your wood flooring in good condition for a longer time.
The best way to clean wood floors is to use wood-specific cleaners and soft mop. Also, use an appropriate wood polisher for your floor.
5. Vinyl Floors
Just like wood floors, avoid moisture while cleaning vinyl floors. Use pH-neutral floor cleaner and a soft head mop to clean the vinyl floor and then use a dry microfiber towel to clean the floor to avoid any kind of moisture. Never use abrasive scrubbers on vinyl floors as they can damage its lamination.
6. Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo floors are polished and embedded with aggregates so always use a gentle cleaning approach while cleaning them. Sweep the floor and then mop it with mild floor cleaner. It is recommended to use floor cleaner which is specific for terrazzo floors. After that, dry the floor with a clean cloth. As terrazzo floors are already shiny sweeping and mopping is enough to keep them clean for a longer time.
7. Linoleum Floors
Cleaning linoleum floors only requires sweeping and dusting or gentle moping on a regular basis. To keep the linoleum floor shiny, you need to polish it with linoleum floor wax when it loses its shine.
Tips for Different Floor Types
There are some tips that you should follow while cleaning different floor types:
- Vacuum your floor every day because dust accumulation can damage the floor.
- Immediately clean the spills because the moisture can damage the flooring.
- Use pH-neutral cleaning solutions to prevent the flooring from damage.
- Avoid using hard bristle brushes to prevent scratching.
Read here what is difference between commercial and janitorial cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the 5 techniques for cleaning floors?
Here are 5 techniques for floor cleaning:
- Sweeping
- Moping
- Spill Cleaning
- Rinsing with Water
- Drying
2. What are the best floor cleaning techniques?
The best cleaning technique depends on the type of floor you are going to clean. The recommended cleaning method for all floor types is to vacuum or sweep the floor first, use a pH-neutral cleaning solution to mop the floor, clean the spills, and then use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the floor.
3. What are the cleaning procedures in each floor type?
Cleaning procedures vary with the floor type and material. But mostly the common method for each floor type is sweeping and mopping. However, the use of water depends on the specific flooring.
4. What is the most common and preferred method of cleaning floors?
The most common and preferred method for cleaning the floor is sweeping followed by mopping. For hard floors, damp mopping is preferred, and for floors like wood and vinyl avoid the use of water.
5. How often should you clean floors?
The frequency of cleaning floors depends on the usage and foot traffic. Mop your floor daily if it has high foot traffic and if it’s low then you can clean it weekly. Try to clean the floor daily if you live in a polluted area because dust can accumulate on the floor and then damage it.
