While warmer weather is calling us to spend more time outdoors, your floors could probably use a thorough spring cleaning, and it will be a task that will make your home shine.
Where do you begin? Well, that depends on the type of flooring you have in each room. Not every floor covering is going to require the same kind of deep cleaning treatment, and some will require a little more care than others.
We have rounded up these tips to simplify the process for you.
Vinyl
Most luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl are waterproof, so feel free to use a wet mop on these floors.
- Use either a cleaning solution with a neutral pH or use homemade vinegar and warm If your floors are really dirty, add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid to your vinegar-and-water mix. Then, go over the floors again with clean warm (not hot) water to get rid of any residue.
- Stay away from abrasive scrub brushes: Although vinyl flooring is pretty durable, using an abrasive cleaning pad can scratch its protective wear layer.
If you come across a stubborn spot or stain, clean the spot with a soft-bristled brush. A baking soda and water paste will often take care of food stains, while rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover will take care of stains from cosmetic products. Be sure to wipe away any residue with water and a clean cloth.
Laminate
Laminate can sparkle with just a little spring-cleaning attention:
- Sweep your floors.
- Spot-treat any stains or tougher-to-clean areas with an approved cleaner.
- Read the manufacturer warranty and care instructions that came with your laminate. Your manufacturer will likely have specific deep-cleaning suggestions.
With just a little work your laminate floors will look like new.
Carpet
Schedule a professional carpet cleaning from a highly-rated service that offers steam cleaning.
If you want to deep clean your carpets yourself, rent or purchase a carpet cleaner to freshen and revive your floors.
Give your carpets a thorough vacuuming and spot-treat any stains. You should spot-treat stains as soon as they occur, but if you have missed a few, use a stain remover and be sure to completely absorb the moisture with paper towels.
Take a close look at the state of your carpets. If there are any tears or damage, have them repaired or replaced, since loose threads and tears will likely get worse and are unsightly. They can also pose a tripping risk.
If you are not happy with your carpeting after you give a thorough spring clean, it’s probably time to upgrade. You’ll be glad you did, too. Today’s carpets have come a long way in terms of maintenance.
We have options from the best in the carpet manufacturing business. Come visit our showroom and speak to one of our flooring experts.
Hardwood
If you have beautiful hardwood floors, you will want to take steps to keep your wood floors looking their best:
- Start with sweeping. Clear away any dirt, dust bunnies, or debris by sweeping or using a microfiber mop. You can use a vacuum on the bare floor setting – using a beater bar can damage hardwood.
- Spray the floor with a light mist of either a recommended wood floor cleaner or a mild pH-neutral cleaning solution, then buff dry with a clean cloth. If using a mop, apply just enough of the cleaning product to make the mop damp, since using too much moisture will saturate the wood and can damage your flooring.
If you have old hardwood floors that have seen better days, ask a professional about refinishing or even replacing them. We have a great engineered hardwood flooring selection, all of which are easier to clean and maintain.