Whether you rent or own your home, you want to ensure that your flooring stays clean, sanitized, and in good condition. In order to do this you must learn the different types of cleaning methods your flooring requires. Odds are that your home or apartment has several different types of flooring, each with its own unique set of needs. Here is a quick look at the most common types of floors and how they need to be cared for on a weekly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
Carpeting
If your floors are carpeted you will need to vacuum a minimum of two or three days a week to pick up pet hair, dirt, and debris that may not be easily visible on your carpets. Every 12 to 18 months you want to deep clean your carpets with a steam cleaner. You can buy or rent the equipment or hire an outside company to perform this deep cleaning. After your floors are deep cleaned, or when they are brand-new, you may want to scotch guard your floors to help them resist stains. In between your deep cleaning, you may need to spot clean areas that are subject to spills or pet stains.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors need to be dust mopped on a regular basis. If dust mopping is not your preference, you can also opt for an electric wood floor vacuum. On a quarterly basis you want to deep clean your floors with a steam cleaner designed for hardwood, laminate, and tile. You could also mop with a damp (not soaking wet) mop but that has been soaked in a mild cleanser or wood floor cleaner. Wood floors are susceptible to water damage, so any time you have a spill ensure that it is cleaned up immediately and allowed to air dry. To prolong the life and appearance of your wood floors, place runners and area rugs in high traffic areas, such as hallways.
Tile
Ensure that you sweep or vacuum tile floors with a hard floor vacuum 1 or 2 times a week. You also want to clean tile at least once a week with a mop and a mild, nonabrasive cleanser. To deep clean tile, steam clean with a steam cleaner designed for hard surfaces.
Resilient Floors
Floors made from vinyl, cork, linoleum, or laminate can all be cleaned in the same manner as tile floors. You have to use a mild cleanser or a mixture of half water and half vinegar to clean with a damp mop. For areas with high traffic or areas that have a computer desk, you want to put down runners that will protect these fragile floors. None of these floors should be cleaned with abrasive cleansers or with abrasive brushes or cleaning tools, as they are all prone to scratches. When these floors are scratched it can lead to discoloration as dirt and grime begins to fill in the areas that are scratched.
Once you invest in the proper tools and cleaning supplies designed for cleaning your floors, you will be able to perform your weekly, quarterly, and yearly cleaning and maintenance with minimal energy or effort.
Byline
Henry Morrison writes on a variety of topics including cleaning, home maintenance, home improvement, architecture and others as well. Henry recommends that those looking to learn more about commercial cleaning services visit http://anagovirginiabeach.com/.
Image credit goes to ionaflooring.co.uk.