Floor cleaning for beginners | How to Clean Your Home Like a Pro

Cleaning your home floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are lots of ways to make your floors cleaner without stressing yourself. The best way is to clean them the way they are meant to be cleaned. You need to know what combination of products and techniques work best for the floor type you’re cleaning. Whether you need to clean hardwood floors, laminate floors, ceramic tile or any other commonly used flooring, this blog will guide you on how to clean your floors with different cleaning tools, products, techniques and to help you find which ones would work best for your floor types. With a variety of flooring materials being made by different manufacturers all over the world, it will be impossible to give you answers to cleaning every flooring material in the market. But we will do our best to provide you with cleaning information for the most commonly used flooring ranging from wood to concrete to, tile, carpet and stone . By the end of this article, you’ll be able to clean your floors like a pro! In this article I am going to give you information on: What you need to know about your floor before cleaning learn about Some common floor covering types The equipment and cleaners used on those floors learn about the different methods of cleaning for each type of flooring mentioned how to maintain your floors and keep them always looking sparkling What you need to know to maintain squeaky clean floors In order to maintain squeaky clean floors, good floor cleaning and maintenance require some knowledge of: The type of floors you have, on every area of your home, and the best practices for cleaning them. This includes knowing how to protect them from getting dirty regularly, how to clean, when to clean, and the best kinds of products and/or equipment and processes to use. Floor cleaning is not always a fun thing to do, and if you don't know what you are doing, you will end up destroying your floors. Regardless of the type of floor you want to clean, there are two things you have to apply correctly and they are the cleaning products and the cleaning process. The wrong product may not be effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains from the floor. In addition, the wrong product may actually damage the floor. If you use the wrong floor cleaning process, you may also not achieve the desired results For example, using a harsh chemical cleaner on a delicate floor surface could etch or discolor the finish. Alternatively, using an ineffective cleaning method could simply leave the floor sticky or dirtier than before. Scrubbing too hard with a brush can wear away the finish or damage the surface of the floor. Conversely for carpet cleaning, if you use the wrong carpet cleaning product, you could end up damaging the carpet. The wrong product might be too harsh and strip away the protective coating on the carpet fibers. This could lead to the fibers becoming matted and discolored. The wrong cleaning process could also damage the carpet. If you use an incorrect carpet cleaning product or process, you could end up damaging the carpet beyond repair. In some cases, using the wrong cleaning method can void the manufacturer’s warranty. If you use too much water when shampooing the carpet, it can cause the backing to loosen and the carpet to shrink. It’s important to always read the labels on carpet cleaning products and follow the directions carefully to avoid causing any damage. I am providing you with a general recommendation for cleaning most floors whether they are wood, stone, tiles, concrete or composites. Detailed cleaning processes of most of the common home flooring material will be explained below. keep reading. The floor cleaning method Where do you start? With my experience in home cleaner, I recommend that you start from the innermost part of your home. If you need to clean your bathroom floor, then that is where you begin and work your way outwards. The reasons are two folds, as you clean, those inner areas they get dry first and are ready for use. The second reason is that, you avoid stepping on the areas you have already cleaned as you move outwards. How to prepare a floor for cleaning Sep 1. Move obstacles, sweep, dust and/or vacuum In order to clean a floor, the first step is to move the furniture or any other obstacles out of the way. This will give you access to the entire floor so that you can clean it thoroughly. Once the furniture or obstacles are moved, you can begin dusting using a hand broom, micro fiber duster ,sweeping or vacuuming the floor with the right vacuum cleaner if necessary. Use a dust pan to pickup any dirt from the floor. If you don't have where to keep the furniture, you can move the furniture to one corner of the room, clean that area and move the furniture back. Be sure to get into all of the corners and crevices so that the entire floor is well dusted. Sometimes dusting and vacuuming are not enough and, you will have to go further by using other tools and cleaning products But to keep it simple I will be talking about basic floor cleaning using basic floor cleaning tools like: Cleaning equipment You’ll Need dust mop, or broomFloor cleaning solution for the specific floorWater Hand gloves scrubing padsMopTowels Step 2. Choosing the right floor cleaning detergents and mops At this stage some floor cleaning methods might require deep cleaning that might need floor cleaning machines where a wet/dry vacuum will be needed.cleaning detergents, a mop an a bucket.Concrete and some stone and old hardwood floors might require scrubbing/stripping and waxing. Your detergent and mop are essential tools. And depending on your floor type, the decision is yours. choosing the right mop The most common types of mops to be used are wet mops, spin mops . string mops, sponge mops, and flat mops. String mops are the most traditional type of mop and are composed of a cotton or synthetic string head that is attached to a handle. Spray mops may be used on most floor types, including finished hardwood and laminate as well as vinyl and linoleum. Swiffer Wet Jet, which also offers disposable pads, is a good example. Additionally, it’s soft enough to be used every day for light dirt and dust. Sponge mops have a sponge head that is also attached to a handle and are great for cleaning up spills. Some of the best mops are made of microfiber cloths and durable construction. Cleaning agents The choice of cleaning agent and type of cleaning depends on the type of floor you have. The recommended way is to purchase a cleaning agent based on the type of floor that you have. Choosing your cleaners Choose a cleaner before mopping. Apple cider vinegar is a great daily cleaner as it is safe for cleaning most floors. This cleans well without diminishing the floor finish quality but make sure you rinse the floor well with warm water.You can also use a commercial product. You'll need a product for waxed vinyl floors. step 3 Mixing your cleaning agent You can use cleaning vinegar on floors, including laminate wood floors, luxury vinyl tile, and the majority of hardwood floors. Warm water (1 gallon) and vinegar (1/2 cup) should be combined in a bucket. To avoid over wetting the floor, use a sponge or microfiber mop and wring it out thoroughly. Frequently rinse the mop head. Because the solution won’t leave behind residue or streaks, there’s no need to rinse. The vinegar also acts as a sanitizer. Vinegar shouldn’t be used to clean limestone, marble, or granite. Particularly cleaning vinegar, the acid level is too high for the material and can etch or harm the sealant, especially if it is allowed to remain on the surface. step 4 Cleaning . Moping the floor The are two ways to mop the floor The string mop method To mop the floor using the string mop method, first wet the string mop in a bucket of water and wring it out so that it is only damp. Then, starting at one end of the room, run the mop back and forth across the floor in straight lines. Be sure to overlap each stroke so that you don’t miss any spots. Once you’ve gone over the entire floor, go back and mop any areas that seem to need more attention. Be sure to rinse the mop in the pail of water frequently to avoid spreading dirt and grime around the floor. The microfiber pad Wet the microfiber pad, then thoroughly wring it out. Drop it to the ground with the microfiber side facing up so that you may attach it to the mop head. Place the mop head over the pad after that. Thanks to the hooks and loops that resemble Velcro, the pad will immediately stick to the head. You are now prepared to mop. Spray a small area of the floor with cleaning solution using a spray bottle, then mop it up. It’s time to wash the pad in the sink if it begins to show signs of wear. Depending on what is on the floor, each pad should typically clean 500 square feet before needing to be rinsed. Sticky residue might need to be rinsed more frequently. Back and forth, mop in an overlapping pattern. That’s it, really! Simply mop, rinse the pad, and do it again. No bucket or wringing out is required. use a steam cleaner for very dirty floors Using a damp microfiber mop, wipe the floor in small portions as you go after spraying it. For routine deep cleanings, a steam cleaner can be used to clean tile and grout. The steam kills bacteria and removes stains. Assuming that your floor type can handle wetness like vinyl, after mopping, always rinse. Even if the product doesn't require rinsing, don't skip this step. Newly cleaned floors may have a sticky film or soap residue. Mop with clean water. You can also pour water on the floor and wipe it up immediately. Cleanly dry the floor for a nice finish. When the floor is completely dry, you can then put back the furniture back to their places. Do this regularly and you will keep your floors in good shape Removing spot stains Therare times when you might have to remove soms spot stains on your floor. Over time, your floor can become stained and spots can form. However, there are ways to remove these stains and spots. With a little elbow grease, you can get your floor looking clean and new again. First, you should identify the type of stain and choose the appropriate cleaning solution. Next, you should apply the solution to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes have passed, you should scrub the stain with a brush or sponge. Finally, you should rinse the area with clean water. Step 5. Rinsing It's crucial to rinse the floor after mopping. Even if the product you're using doesn't call for rinsing, we strongly suggest that you don't omit this step. Your freshly cleaned floors may have a film of soap residue left behind. After mopping, rinse the floor with a bucket of fresh water. A tiny amount of water can also be applied to the floor and promptly wiped off with a cloth. Use a clean cloth or towel to dry the floor for a great finish. Above I have described the general floor cleaning process, This post will teach you about the proper floor cleaning and upkeep. To do this effectively in your home you would need some understanding of the kind of flooring and where they are situated in your home like bathroom, kitchen or living room as each floor area might need special way to clean. Dry the floor There are a few ways that you can go about drying your floors after cleaning them. One way is to simply let them air dry, which will work fine in most cases. However, if you want to speed up the process or if you live in a humid area, you can use a fan to help dry the floors. Another option is to turn on the air conditioner which will quickly help in drying the floor. Also, knowing the different types of floor and what materials they are made of will help you determine the best cleaning solutions and tools to use on those floors, giving you the best results possible. What is a floor? You should be aware that the word floors and flooring or floor coverings are mostly used interchangeably. A floor is a structure’s walking surface. There are various types of floors, from simple dirt to many layered surfaces. Floors can be made of any material that can handle the intended load, including stone, wood, bamboo, metal, and concrete. What are floor coverings? Floor coverings are materials that are used to cover the floor. These materials can include carpet, tile, linoleum, and hardwood. Floor coverings can be used for both aesthetic and functional purposesAesthetically, floor coverings can add color, pattern, and texture to a room. The selection of floor materials are influenced by a number of elements, including cost, durability, aesthetics,insulation, noise reduction, comfort, and cleaning difficulty Why do we clean floors There are several reasons why we clean and maintain floors. First, floors can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. Second, floors can become stained and dirtied over time, making them difficult to clean and requiring more effort to maintain. Third, they can be slippery, posing a safety hazard. Fourth, they can harbor dust., allergens and other particulates that can accumulate over time . If these particulates are not removed, they can eventually lead to flooring damage or even health problems. Sixth, cleaning floors can help improve the overall appearance of a home. If these particulates are not removed, they can eventually lead to flooring damage or even health problems. Finally, regular cleaning can help to extend the life of your floor and keep it looking its best. How to Clean Floors Properly With Different Techniques and Products When it comes to cleaning floors, there are many different techniques and products that can be used. It all depends on the type of flooring - hardwood, laminate, linoleum, and so on. Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to test out different techniques on a small area first to see which works best for your flooring. For example, you can mop with a water-based cleaner first to see if that's effective. If moping doesn't work, try using a cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. But you have to know your floor type. Once you've determined the best cleaning method for your flooring, it's time to get to work! Cleaning floors with different techniques and products is a necessary part of maintaining a clean home. Know your floor types It is important to know the types of floors in your house in order to clean them properly. Although there are several flooring material available, there are four main floor types - Carpet, hardwood or laminate, vinyl, and tile; they also come in different variety to meet different consumers tastes. These are all common choices for flooring which are very popular today. Each type of floor requires different cleaning methods depending on how dirty they get. For example, carpeting needs a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar while hardwood or laminate floors need one with the crevice tool and a damp cloth. Tile floors can also be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner with the beater bar and water in the reservoir. Precaution to take prior to cleaning To clean these floors, first make sure that the floor is completely dry. Next, use a mop or sponge with water only if the flooring is dirty. Do not use water if the flooring is clean - water will cause damage. To clean laminate floors, use vinegar, CLR (chlorine bleach), or warm water. For hardwood floors, use a cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. Finally, for tile floors, use a cleaner that is specifically designed for tile floors. By knowing the different cleaning methods and products that are best for cleaning flooring, you will be able to clean your flooring properly and protect it from damage Equipment and cleaners used on those floors No one wants to cleaning floors to be a chore, but it's important to clean them properly to avoid damage. There are many different techniques and products that can be used to clean floors, and it all depends on the type of flooring and the condition of the floor. When cleaning hardwood floors, for example, steam cleaning is a popular choice because it leaves the floor dry and clean. Conversely, for carpeting, a vacuum cleaner with the beater bar is best because it deep cleans the floor. The most common floor cleaning material include: A vacuum cleaner with a beater bar A mop or sponge with water only Vinegar, CLR (chlorine bleach), or warm water. A floor cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, laminate floors, and tile floor How to clean Marble it is very easy for marble to get stained. Compared to other stones, marble is a little more difficult to clean. It has very little stain resistance and cannot be cleaned with any acidic or oil-based products since they would damage the rock's luster and gloss. Use neutral cleaners, mild liquid dish washing detergent diluted with water, or stone cleaners to clean marble surfaces. Soft cotton cloths and clean rag mops should also be used. How to Clean Hardwood Floors No matter how much you love your wood floors, they'll start to look dingy and dirty over time. That's why it's important to clean them regularly and use the right techniques to get the job done. Here are four cleaning tips for hardwood floors:Clean your floors regularly using one of the many cleaning techniques, like steam cleaning or mopping.Use vinegar or Bissell carpet cleaner to clean hardwood floors.Make sure to vacuum your flooring after every cleaning session to get the most out of your cleaning efforts.Don't forget to stain-proof your flooring by using a stain-resistant flooring product. If the floor is really dirty, you might want to do some deep cleaning. Find out how to deep clean your hardwood floors. How to Clean Tile and Grout Floors Cleaning floors is essential to keeping them clean and free of dust, dirt, and bacteria. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to clean floors properly, depending on the type of flooring. For tile and grout floors, use a mop and bucket. For hard-to-reach areas, use a brush on a stick scrubber or vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment fitted for tiles and grout. Always wear gloves when cleaning floor surfaces asbestos, dust, and dirt can be harmful if inhaled. Finally, to clean flooring in a hurry, use Tilex or Mr. Clean Magic Erase. How to Clean Carpeting Carpet cleaning is one of the most important tasks you can do to keep your home clean and healthy. There are many different ways to clean carpets - some require special equipment, while others can be done with common household products. Before cleaning, be sure to read the product's instructions carefully to avoid doing more damage than good. Be sure to vacuum carpets at least once a month to keep them looking and smelling great! How to Clean Laminate Flooring Cleaning laminate flooring can be a pain, but it's essential for keeping your flooring looking great. Make the process easier by using the right products and techniques. Start by cleaning with a cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring. Make sure to dampen the surface before spraying, as this will help disperse the product more evenly. Next, use a sweeping or mopping technique that is gentle and water-based. Do not use suds, as this will damage the flooring. Finally, always clean up any spills and debris immediately. How to clean vinyl floors First and foremost, use a non-abrasive cleaner on a droplet basis - this will protect the surface and prevent scratching. When using an abrasive cleaner, use warm water and a cloth to work it into the dirt and grime. Afterwards, apply stain remover before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush. Finally, rinse the floor well with clean water. Tips for cleaning floors with different products and techniques -Cleaning laminate flooring with a cleaner specifically designed for this type of flooring will prevent damage and ensure a clean surface. -To clean vinyl floors, use warm water and a cloth to work the cleaner into the dirt and grime. Afterwards, apply stain remover before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush. Finally, rinse the floor well with clean water. -For stone floors, mop or bucket clean the floor using warm water followed by sponge mop cleaning when needed; vacuuming is also an option but should be used on high carpeting Cleaning floors is a necessary part of keeping a clean home, but it can be a daunting task. That's why it's important to have a few tips under your belt when it comes to cleaning floors. The first and most basic step is to use a broom and dustpan. If the flooring is particularly hard to clean, reach for a vacuum cleaner with extension tubes. For carpets, pour water on the floor and apply a carpet shampoo. Then, scrub using your hands or an upholstery cleaner brush. Finally, mopping is usually the best solution for tile or hardwood floors. To clean them safely and effectively, use 409 spray followed by a mop or bucket of warm water and detergent solution. How to clean terracotta tiles Start by rinsing the surface with warm water and a mild detergent. Pour enough clean water over the area to cover it completely, then sprinkle white vinegar on top. Let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge until the surface is shining. Rinse off any residue with clear water, then dry the tiles thoroughly. In order to prevent harming the tile, terracotta should never be cleaned at pressures greater than 1100 psi and with the proper attachments. To remove any stains, special cleaning agents are used; if the area has previously been sealed, a separate technique is used. How to cleaning a Cork Floor The best way to clean a cork floor is to use hot water and detergent. Make sure the floor is completely wet before cleaning it with the cleaner. Rub the cleaner on a mop or sponge, then dampen it with more hot water. Wipe off any residue until the floor is clean. Sweeping or dust mopping a cork floor daily to remove dirt and reduce the chance of particles scratching and wearing down the finish is one of the most crucial maintenance procedures. Since cork is flexible and soft, it makes sense to clean it with only soft materials. Sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom, wipe the surface with a soft sponge mop, and dry the floor with a soft microfiber cloth. Always use moderate amounts of water while cleaning a cork floor. When accidents happen, grab paper towels right away, cover your pet's water bowl with extra padding, and never pull furniture when moving them. Avoid steam cleaners as well because they could damage the finish on your floor. On a cork floor, avoid using strong or abrasive cleaners. Natural cork can be safely cleaned with vinegar and water. If not, go with a pH-balanced cleaner or water-diluted cork floor detergent. How to cleaning a Linoleum Floor Clean linoleum floors by using a water-vinegar-dish soap solution after sweeping up dust and other particles is the best method. Once a day should be set aside for dusting, once a week for mopping, and once or twice a year for deep cleaning. How to cleaning Natural Stone Flooring Stone surfaces can be cleaned using a few drops of a neutral cleaner, stone soap (such as products from Lithofin), or dish washing detergent mixed with warm water. For optimal results, use with a fresh, soft towel. Streaks can be caused by using too much soap or cleaner. Use caution when applying lemon, vinegar, or other acidic products to marble or limestone. Useless scouring creams and powders contain abrasives that could scratch the surface. To get rid of any filth, sweep or vacuum the floor.A gallon of warm water can be added to a bucket and used alone, or a tiny bit of a stone floor cleaner can be used. You may start cleaning by dipping a microfiber towel into the bucket, ringing it out well, and attaching it to the mop handle. Alternatively, you can use a standard wet mop. Starting in the farthest corner of the room, wash the floors carefully in the direction of the door. Give the flooring time to air dry Cleaning Porcelain Tile Flooring Regularly sweep, vacuum, or clean your porcelain floors. Small grit particles can damage the material's surface and wear away at protective coatings on both glazed and unglazed porcelain, gradually dulling them. As quickly as you can, remove stains, and flush away any leftover materials. Always read the label from the manufacturer. On unglazed porcelain tiles, avoid using any colored products because they could stain them. When cleaning, make sure the area is appropriately ventilated for air quality and evaporation. If using any chemical cleaners, wear gloves, safety goggles, and open windows to prevent lung damage from inhalation. On a porcelain floor, never use steel wool or any other abrasive materials. These may ding the tiles' surface and cause scratches. How to clean Terrazzo Floors Because they're made of different materials, cleaning them requires special techniques and products. cleaner designed for terrazzo floors is key for preserving the finish. Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with the correct attachments and be gentle while cleaning - even with tough stains. After being vacuumed or swept, they can be cleaned with neutral pH cleaning solutions. Additionally, terrazzo can be dry- or wet-buffed. In either case, the surface will have a high gloss finish while being non-slip. It can tolerate buffing at extremely fast speeds and 2500 psi of high pressure cleaning because it is such a tolerable flooring surface. How to maintain your floors and keep them always looking sparkling There are several ways to maintain your floors and keep them always looking sparkling. One way is to sweep them regularly with a broom and then mop them with a damp cloth. Never allow dust or debris to settle on your floor for long without cleaning them up. Steam cleaning is a great way to remove dirt, dust, and allergens from hard-to-reach areas. Another way is to vacuum them regularly with a vacuum cleaner by creating a regular cleaning schedule. You can also use a floor cleaning machine to clean your floors when necessary to keep them always looking clean. Depending on your floor type, Granular bleach strips can be used to kill bacteria and eliminate odors quickly, while baking soda scrubbers are perfect for wood or laminate floors to scrub the surface and get rid of tough dirt buildup. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the most effective ways to clean floors? There are many different ways to clean floors, but steam cleaning is one of the best methods because it can remove dirt, dust, and allergens. Granular bleach strips can also be effective at eliminating bacteria and odors, while baking soda scrubbers are great for removing tough dirt buildup on wood or laminate flooring. Remember to use hot water and a mop when cleaning hardwood floors to protect them from damage. Is it necessary to vacuum my wood floor every day when I'm using a floor cleaner on it?No, it is not necessary to vacuum your wood floor every day when using a floor cleaner. However, vacuuming after you clean the floor with a cleaner will help to remove any excess dust and debris that may have been left behind. How can I clean marble floors properly? Marble floors are difficult to clean because of their high polish and the fact that marble is a porous material. To clean marble floors properly, use a cleaning solution made specifically for marble which will dissolve polish and remove built-up dirt, dust, and grime. Use warm water and a soft cloth to sponge or scrub the floor in small circles until it is clean. Avoid using hardwood cleaner on marbles as this can damage the flooring. What is the safest way to clean my wood floors? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the safest way to clean wood floors depends on the type of flooring, cleaning product, and cleaning method used. Generally speaking, however, it is best to use a cleaner that is specific for wood floors and hot water when cleaning them. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning with any type of cleaner in order to avoid skin exposure and respiratory irritation. How often should floors be cleaned? In general, it's recommended to sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas like kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, foyers, and corridors every one to three days and to mop them once a week. A good mopping is necessary to keep floors clean, but regular sweeping or vacuuming is necessary to preserve the finish and lifespan of the flooring. This is due to the fact that it gets rid of grit and grime that could harm the floor when stepped on. The optimal time to mop is when the floor appears to need it, according to cleaning experts. The majority of individuals assume they already know how to mop a floor, yet a common error is forgetting to use a second bucket for rinse water. The practice of rinsing the mop in the same water used to wash the floor while using only a bucket of wash water is quite popular. Utilizing two buckets—one containing a water and detergent solution and the other containing clean rinse water—is the superior strategy. Another option is to rinse with new water in a sink basin after using one bucket for washing water. How often should I mop my floor and what types of mops are best for the task? You should mop your floor as needed to clean it of dirt, dust, and debris. A mopping solution that is specifically designed for hardwood floors will help to dissolve polish and remove built-up dirt, dust, and grime. When mopping your flooring use a soft mop pad or sponge made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool. What are some of the best floor cleaners to use? Some of the best floor cleaners include vinegar, baking soda, and water. Vinegar can be used as a cleaner for floors, windowsills, and other areas where bacteria is a problem. Baking soda is effective at cleaning grime and dust mites from surfaces and it also helps to clean hardwood floors. Finally, water can be used to mop or clean dry areas on wood floors What are some other precautions that one needs to take when cleaning floors? When cleaning floors, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection to avoid skin exposure and respiratory irritation. Avoid using hardwood cleaner on marbles as this can damage the flooring. Finally, mop your floor as needed to clean it of dirt, dust, and debris. What type of cleaners do I need for my floors? A heavy-duty cleaner that can remove tough stains and dirt. A milder cleaner for regular cleaning and maintenance. An anti-bacterial cleaner to help keep the bathroom clean and free from germs. A natural cleaner made from ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. Conclusion Cleaning floors is important in order to keep your home clean and free of bacteria. When cleaning floors, be sure to use a floor cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. Clean regularly. Additionally, wet the mop before sweeping and make sure to clean around furniture and areas that are difficult to reach. https://www.thecleaningauthority.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch https://www.youtube.com/user/RealHomesMagazine https://go.redirectingat.com/