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So you already know about the different types of flooring for your home, and since you’re spending your hard-earned money on new floors, make sure you take great care of it so it’ll last.
How to Clean Stone Floors
Do not use acidic cleaners (including vinegar or lemon) as it can cause etching. Do not use ammonia-based cleaning detergents as it can wear down the stone floors’ sealant. To clean interior stone floors safely, you can use:
- Gentle pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Cool water
- Twist mop
- Microfibre cloth
- Non-scratching sponge
Use a diluted cleaner solution in cool water — it shouldn't be too concentrated or it will damage the stone floors and also require more water to clean . Mop quickly in an ‘S’ pattern. To target stubborn dirt on your stone flooring, use the soft side of a sponge and not its scouring pad, rubbing along the grain of the marble. Dry immediately with a clean and soft microfibre cloth.
How to clean wood laminate floors
Wood and wood laminate floors are beautiful but not easy to look after. Too much moisture will cause warping, while too much oil and residue will actually dull it. If you have wood laminate floors at home, you will need these cleaning tools:
- Warm water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Vinegar
- Soft-bristle broom or vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
- Twist mop
- Microfibre cloth
The best way to clean your wood laminate floor is to go for what the manufacturer sells, but you could also just use a solution of warm water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid and a capful of vinegar. Sweep or vacuum before mopping with the solution, rinsing the head of the mop every few minutes. Wring it out well, trying to get as much water out as possible each time. Use a soft cloth to buff dry.
How to clean vinyl flooring
Durable and long-lasting, the cleaning process for vinyl flooring is quite straightforward. However, avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the vinyl flooring’s surface and cleaners that leave a sticky residue.
- Hot water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Vinegar
- Soft brush or vacuum cleaner
- Sponge mop
Sweep or vacuum your vinyl flooring first. Loosen stubborn dirt with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Mix one cup of vinegar in a small bucket of hot water, using a sponge mop to clean. Wipe dry.
How to clean concrete floors
Concrete is porous and uneven. As floorings, concrete tends to be “dusty”, which can make it troublesome to clean. The cleanliness of the cleaning tools you use is also a factor in maintaining your concrete floor’s colour tone. If you have concrete floors, you will need these cleaning tools at home:
- pH-neutral cleaner
- Hot water
- Stiff-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner with a floor brush attachment
- Mop
Sweep and vacuum your concrete floors often, and mop occasionally with a solution of a few drops of cleaner in a bucket of hot water. Make sure the mop is clean to begin with, as concrete absorbs dirt and stains easily. For tougher grease stains on your concrete floors, wet the area and apply a "paste" of detergent powder and hot water. Scrub off after 10 minutes. Mind that this might result in a slightly lighter patch, as the area would be “cleaner”.