Cleaning Different Types Of Floors
Floors come in all shapes, sizes and materials. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when carrying out the floor cleaning. The all-purpose cleaner that works on one kind of material can end up dulling another. Popular DIY solutions like the vinegar or ammonia-based formulations that are quickly whipped up at home to deal with stubborn titans can end up ruining the floors. Continuous scrubbing of the surface with tools that are just a bit too abrasive will gradually cause the surface itself to lose its lustre. The floor is one of the largest structures in the premises, and its state is bound to have an effect on the rest of the premises. You want to ensure you get things done right to protect your installation. Let’s go over the measures that should be put in place.
Hardwood floor cleaning
These timeless floors are popular for their strength, durability and natural charm that they bring to the space. However, they are affected by aspects that one would ordinarily consider “safe”. For instance, while water is taken to be a universal cleaning agent, using a soaking wet mop on the floor can lead to water stains or damage the floor. This is because the wood is hygroscopic, abrading the excess water from its surroundings. So, during the floor cleaning here, ensure that the mop has been properly wrung out.
With regards to the choice of cleaning product, it is insisted that you only work with products that have been particularly developed for wood floor cleaning. These are formulations whose pH will be safe for the floor, while still providing the desired strength to remove the debris that is stuck to the surface. Vinegar, ammonia-based solutions, lemon juice and other popular “DIY hacks” will end up damaging the wood floor.
Caring for marble floors
These installations are elegant, with the natural process that results in the formulation of marble and other natural stone floors ensuring that no two slabs are ever truly alike. Marble flooring is a high strength material, and the additional gloss that comes when the surface is polished adds to its appeal, especially with the depth of the sun’s reflection in the material. However, this very feature also means that any scratches that are made on the structure will be very prominent. As such, you should only carry out the floor cleaning with soft tools, staying away from abrasive equipment such as scouring pads. Here, you should also avoid acidic cleaners such as vinegar, as they will react with the stone itself, “eating it away”.
Ceramic tiles and grout troubles
The maintenance here is a breeze. Routine wet mopping will keep the floor in optimal condition. Grout cleaning is where the emphasis is at. Being absorbent, the grout readily picks up dirt and grime, and requires thorough scrubbing as part of the floor cleaning. Having a sealer applied to the grout will ward off the dirt and liquids that would have been absorbed. Ensure that the cleaning agent used here is suited for grout cleaning, in order to get rid of the grime without putting the structural integrity of the joints and rest of the installation at risk.
Granite floor care
Harsh cleaning agents are a threat to granite – from vinegar and bleach, all through to hydrogen peroxide. They will dull the surface, and also cause the sealant to get gradually weakened. Steel wool, scouring pads and similar abrasive tools are also a no-no, given that they will easily create scratches on the surface. The last thing you want is to create marks and damage the granite floor, especially since repair jobs can get quite costly here. Floor cleaning products used should be specifically safe for granite floors, and stick to soft tools for the dusting and mopping.
Deep cleaning linoleum floors
Floor care here is generally a breeze., where you can work with a mild detergent that is mixed with warm or hot water. However, ensure that you don’t use excess water, or leave puddles on the floor, as these can result in the structure getting damaged. The water can end up making its way underneath those small openings that are between the sheets of linoleum, increasing the risks of mould and mildew damage. This is because the linoleum floors are susceptible to damage from excess water. Also avoid high alkaline agents for the floor cleaning, as this will result in discolouration and cracking of the floor. Ammonia-based formulations will easily strip the finish from the linoleum and ruin it.
Unlike other flooring options mentioned here, you can use vinegar-based cleaners when working on linoleum installations, The pH of the formulation will complement that of the material. Mildly acidic clears though are usually enough when dealing with those stubborn stains.
Hire Professional Floor Cleaning Services
Once in a while, it is recommended that you get professionals to come in and give your floor a deep clean. Here, it is thoroughly scrubbed using industrial-grade machinery, getting rid of those tough dirt spots and ingrained stains. What’s more, a professional company that is been in operation for years has the personnel needed to work on expansive areas within a short time – and the floor cleaning crew have experience in dealing with the different kinds of materials and stain problems. This is to ensure that the spots riddling the surface can be dealt with without posing a risk to the underlying floor structure.
When hiring a firm to provide the floor cleaning services, carry out some “online digging” about their services. This includes scouring the web for reviews about the company from social media platforms to business directory listings. Going over the comments that have been left behind by others who had hired the floor cleaning company will paint a picture of how the company runs its operations, and its commitment to customer satisfaction. As you speak with the company representative, feel free to ask any questions about the kind of cleaning methods that will be used, the equipment that they will bring on board, and any preparations that you need to make on your part in readiness for the day of the floor cleaning.
