Introduction
Now that awareness about sustainable practices is on the rise, homeowners are looking for stylish but eco-friendly ways to decorate their houses. Bamboo flooring has become a popular choice among flooring types because it uniquely combines elegance, sustainability, and durability. It is made from bamboo, a highly renewable resource that does not require fertilizer or pesticide. Bamboo floors provide an aesthetic appeal to any indoor space.
However, to maintain bamboo flooring's elegance and increase its life, it requires proper care and cleaning. This comprehensive guide will discuss the best maintenance methods for cleaning bamboo floors so they can last for many years to come. So keep reading!
Understanding Types of Bamboo Flooring
While bamboo flooring looks aesthetic, there are some things you have to do right with it to make it last long and remain as beautiful as ever. However, different kinds of bamboo flooring need slightly different cleaning techniques. There are three main types: horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven. Understanding the various kinds of bamboo flooring is very important for proper care and maintenance.
In Horizontal Bamboo Flooring, the bamboo strips are stacked horizontally, and they depict the bamboo’s natural growth pattern, hence giving it a more traditional appearance. On the other hand, Vertical Bamboo Flooring has strips glued down vertically, presenting a more uniform appearance. Horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring is softer and more susceptible to scratches. They need cleaning with a soft-bristle broom to avoid scratches. For wet cleaning, a damp microfiber mop will be perfect to avoid excess moisture that is harmful to the flooring.
When shredded bamboo fibers are compressed under intense heat and pressure, Strand-woven bamboo is obtained. It is a harder and more resilient floor. However, harsh chemicals should be avoided.
How to Clean Bamboo Floors? Step-By-Step Guide
Tools You May Need
- Soft-bristle broom or vacuum
- Microfiber mop
- Bucket
- pH-neutral floor cleaner
- Dry cloth
Step 1: Remove the Debris or Dirt
Firstly, just remove dust and dirt from the floor. Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep the floor carefully. You can also use a vacuum fitted with a bare floor attachment to sweep loose dirt and debris. Nevertheless, do not use a vacuum that has a beater bar because it will scratch up the bamboo surface.
Step 2: Mix the Cleaning Solution
Add a couple of drops of mild dish soap or pH-neutral all-purpose tile cleaner to water. Avoid using harsh acidic cleaning agents, especially bleach or pure vinegar, as they can damage the surface and gradually wear off any finishing or sealant.
Step 3: Mop the Floor
Soak a microfiber mop in warm water. Make sure that it is only damp and not wet to avoid excess moisture that could destroy bamboo floors. Mop the floor in the direction of the bamboo grain, section by section for comprehensive cleaning. You can also use an electric mop on major areas while being convenient.
Step 4: Clean Stains and Spills
In case there are any spills, just sop them up immediately with a sponge or dry microfiber cloth. You can also use a sponge mop as it absorbs water more efficiently.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
After mopping, make sure the floor is completely dry. Use dry microfiber cloths or soft towels to remove any remaining moisture. This prevents water damage and keeps the bamboo in good condition.
How Often to Clean Bamboo Floors?
Daily sweep
Sweep dust, dirt, or debris on a daily basis. For dry cleaning, a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment is the best option. This prevents scratches and maintains the gloss of the bamboo floors making them look clean and polished.
Weekly cleaning
Mop the floors with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner once a week. Use a microfiber mop and make sure it is lightly damp and completely wet to avoid excess moisture seeping into the bamboo planks.
Monthly deep clean
Every month, carry out an intensive cleaning session. Move furniture and rugs to clean the areas that are left out in weekly cleaning. For monthly deep cleaning, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner that is safe for bamboo floors with microfiber mops.
Polish every 2-6 months
Use specifically designed polish for bamboo floors to restore shine as well as protect the finish of your floor. Polish the bamboo floors depending on the level of foot traffic and wear.
High Traffic: Polish every 2-6 months.
Low Traffic: Polish every 6-12 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Bamboo Floors
Bamboo flooring requires special attention as compared to other tile floors. There are some precautions that you must take if you want to maintain your bamboo floors for a longer period.
1. Avoid Excessive moisture
Bamboo floors are sensitive to moisture. Using too much water can cause warping, swelling, or discoloration of the planks. You should always use a slightly damp mop, not a wet one. A microfiber spray mop is a better option for this purpose, as you can regulate the amount of water you use, preventing over-wetting.
2. Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Cleaners that are too acidic or alkaline can break down the protective layer of the bamboo flooring and the moisture during mopping will start to creep in. Therefore, you must avoid any harsh cleaners that have pure vinegar, bleach, ammonia, etc to protect the finish of your floor. Use cleaners that are pH neutral and specially designed for bamboo or hardwood flooring.
3. Ignoring Spills
If the spills are left unattended, water can create stains and damage the top surface of the bamboo floor. Instead of letting them dry on their own, quickly soak up these spills using a microfiber cloth or sponge so the water does not penetrate the flooring.
4. Don’t Use Abrasive Tools
If there is any stain, don’t use abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff-bristle brooms as they can scratch and dull the bamboo surface. Instead, using the soft-bristle broom or a microfiber mop is suitable, as it keeps the finish of the floor smooth.
5. Avoid Wax and Oil-based Products
Using wax-based or oil-based products can leave residue on bamboo floors, making them slippery and making cleaning difficult. However, this does not happen when you use products specifically designed for bamboo or hardwood floors.
What Cleaners Should You Not Use On Bamboo Floors?
Acidic, abrasive, or harsh chemicals can damage the finish of the bamboo floors, hence causing discoloration, or weakening of the bamboo over time. Cleaners that should not be used on bamboo floors are:
- Pure Vinegar
- Cleaner Contains Ammonia
- Bleach
- Wax-based
- Oil-based
- Furniture Polish
Instead, opt for pH-neutral cleaners designed for use on hardwood or bamboo floors to ensure they remain clean and well-maintained.
Conclusion
Bamboo is a durable and resilient flooring type. However, it is susceptible to wear and tear and requires gentle care. To protect the finish and surface of bamboo floors, it is best to avoid abrasive scrubbing tools and harsh chemical cleaners.
To maintain the gloss of bamboo floors, clean debris daily, damp mop the floor weekly with pH-neutral cleaner, and deep clean once a month, so the bamboo floors retain their appearance. By taking precautionary measures, bamboo floors can continue to improve interior spaces with their durability and eco-friendly appeal.
Explore More Flooring Cleaning Guides
If you have different types of flooring in your home, you may want to learn the best ways to care for them as well. For detailed guides on how to clean various flooring types, check out our articles on
- How to Clean Vinyl Floors
- How to Clean Concrete Floors Like a Pro
- How to Clean Hardwood Floors
- How to Clean Laminate Flooring
Understanding the specific cleaning needs for each type of flooring will help maintain their beauty and longevity.
FAQs
Can bamboo flooring be wet-mopped?
Too much water can creep into the bamboo flooring causing swelling, warping, or discoloration over time. Therefore, it is best to use a damp mop and avoid an overly wet mop.
Is vinegar safe for bamboo floors?
Fully concentrated vinegar should never be used on bamboo floors as it can corrode the surface. However, diluted vinegar acts as an effective and natural cleaner. By mixing water (¾) and vinegar (¼), you create a safe and economical cleaner. Keep in mind that it is crucial to dilute the vinegar adequately, as full-strength vinegar can potentially harm bamboo surfaces. After application, ensure the floor dries completely using a dry microfiber cloth or towel.
How to clean bamboo floors without streaks?
To clean bamboo floors without streaks, sweep all the dust. Next, lightly damp the microfiber mop into the pH-neutral solution and mop along the bamboo grain to avoid streaks. Don’t forget to immediately dry the floor with a clean cloth to achieve a streak-free look.
