Tips For Taking Care Of Your Hard Surface Floor
With many homeowners confronting the fact that carpets are not exactly easy to keep clean, they are choosing to have hard flooring instead. These come with their own range of benefits depending on the particular material in question. Sure, the floor cleaning here is relatively easier – but the wrong measures will ruin the installation. Here is a look at the different kinds of floors, and what is expected when dealing with them.
Ceramic tiles
Here, the main consideration is if the ceramics are glazed or not. Glazed tiles have high stain resistance, and can handle a wider range of cleaning formulations being used on them. When unglazed, the ceramic will be porous, and strong soaps will easily damage the structure. All-purpose cleaners can be used here. Whichever the case, avoid cleaning the ceramic floors with acids or harsh abrasives. Sealing the tiles is highly recommended to ensure their long-term structural integrity.
Concrete floors
These are usually the flooring choice for garages. Their porous nature causes them to have a high absorbency and stain easily, and they also tend to generate lots of dust. All-purpose cleaners can be used here as well. Some DIY hacks like using kitty litter to soak substances like oil and grease can come in handy. To protect the concrete floors from staining, a commercial sealer is needed. Note that a thorough floor cleaning will be required before applying the sealant. Sweep away the loose dust, scrub the surface with the cleaner, then rinse the floor. You can freely use a hose to wash away any soapy residue.
Natural stone floors
These are diverse, ranging from marble installations, to slate tiles. Here, applying a sealer is a matter of priority. These floors have enhanced absorbency, and will readily soak up any spills that wind up on them. For the routine floor cleaning, stick to pH-neutral or mild cleaning agents that have been developed for use on the particular floor in question. Avoid formulations like vinegar, lemon-juice solutions or ammonia-based products, as these will be a threat to the aesthetics and structural integrity of the floor.
Wood floors
Both dirt and water are an enemy to wood floors – ironic, right? The “universal cleaning solvent” can easily damage the wood floor, yet it is needed as part of the process of getting rid of the dirt and grime that are accumulating on the surface. Since it is hygroscopic, the wood tissue absorbs water when there is a moisture gradient between it and its surroundings – which happens when wet mopping the floor. This risks water damage occurring – which is why it is insisted that you should wring out the mop properly before proceeding to work on the rest of the surface.
The choice of cleaning agent matters as well. For instance, when ammonia is used on the surface it will dissolve the lignin of the wood. Vinegar causes the finish coats that have been applied to become dull, and it also damages the wood tissue. Harsh cleaning agents, including acidic products, should be avoided for the task. Instead, use floor cleaning products that have been specifically developed for wood floors. Emphasis here is on the “floor” formulations. Don’t use cleaners for wood furniture on the floor, as these tend to leave behind residue on the surface, which in turn increases the risks of slip and fall accidents.
All-Round Floor Care
Here are extra measures to put in place that apply to all floor types:
– Get entrance mats
Limiting the amount of dirt that gets into the indoor space is the first step in minimising the threat to your floor. Entrance mats play a big role here. In fact, it is recommended that you have mats on both sides of the door. That way people accessing the building will wipe off the bulk of the dirt on the mat outside the house, and the remainder on the mat that will be placed just inside the door.
Note that the mats selected here should be compatible with the particular type of floor. Rugs with plastic or artificial rubber backings come with glue and additives that will ruin hardwood floors. Those with synthetic backing can even stick to the surface instead of simply gripping it, and when you try to move them during the floor cleaning they will rip the surface. On the other hand, natural rubber is safe for the wood floors, or materials like wool which are breathable. Rubber-backed mats and rugs are also harmful to vinyl floors since these have chemicals that will react with both the natural and synthetic rubber. With the case of laminate, the latex-backed rungs will cling to the surface and leave a sticky residue which will be difficult to remove. For the laminate floors, rubber material also causes reactions with the surface, leading to more air and moisture and air being trapped between the mat and the floor – increasing risks of moulding and discolouration. On the other hand, it is perfectly safe to use these rubber mats and rugs on tiled floors. The only threat here would be if the grout wasn’t correctly sealed.
– Shift around the furniture regularly
This is particularly beneficial in evening out the wear. That way you won’t have sections of the floor that are too faded and discoloured in comparison to adjacent areas. You will notice that those sections that are frequently walked on will have a different appearance compared to the areas under the furniture. When moving the furniture, remember to lift and carry the items, instead of dragging them across the surface. This is to reduce the risks of the floor getting scratched.
– Get occasional deep cleaning services
Bringing in the floor cleaning professionals to give your installation a thorough scrub will enable you to revitalise the surface, and get rid of the troublesome stains and dirt spots that will have accumulated over time. They have the equipment needed for the task, as well as specialised cleaning agents that are not easily available over-the-counter. This enables them to employ processes that will deliver quality results, with the relevant safety measures being put in place to protect the floor and the occupants of the building.
