How to Clean Every Type of Floor like a Pro?

Depending on the interior, different house rooms have different flooring types. Since every flooring type has specific care and cleaning instructions, cleaning all the floors can become tedious. However, clean floors are essential for maintaining a safe, healthy, and positive environment in any home. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) emphasizes that "regular floor cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your home but also contributes to a healthier living environment.

When you have the right knowledge about the methods and cleaners used for various types of floors, you will find cleaning therapeutic. It is best to follow the specific instructions for each floor type, if you want to keep your floor long-lasting.

This article will provide a detailed guide on how to clean every type of floor, making it look its best for years to come without damaging the finish. So, let's dive into the best practices for achieving that fresh, polished look every time!

Different Floor Cleaning Methods

Dry Sweeping

As the name suggests, dry sweeping doesn't involve water. A broom, dust mop, or microfiber mop is used to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floors. It is ideal for cleaning hardwood, tile, and laminate floors. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) suggests incorporating daily sweeping to prevent dirt buildup that can damage surfaces over time.

Vacuuming

You can also use a vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning. Vacuuming is perfect for removing dirt, dust, and even pet hair if you have carpets and rugs. However, some floor types may need a specific cleaning mode to avoid damage, so set the correct mode.

Wet Mopping

To remove stains, grime, etc., you can use a damp mop dipped in water or an appropriate cleaning solution. Wet mopping is perfect for hard floors like tile, vinyl, and sealed hardwood. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when wet mopping, use a cleaner suitable for your floor type and avoid excess water, as too much moisture can damage certain flooring materials.

Steam Cleaning

You can opt for deep cleaning floors and carpets with steam cleaning once a month. This powerful method uses high-temperature steam to sanitize surfaces without harsh chemicals. National Floor Safety Institute suggests steam cleaning as an effective method for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors, as the high temperatures can remove dirt and kill bacteria without harsh chemicals. However, remember steam cleaning is not good for cleaning hardwood floors, because the excessive moisture can lead to wood planks swell and expand.

Spot Cleaning

If there are any spills or stains, immediately clean the spot so it doesn't set in. Dip the cloth or sponge in a gentle cleaner and treat affected areas when something spills on the floor.

Scrubbing

Scrubbing is necessary for tough stains and deep-set dirt, especially on tile and grout. Use a scrub brush for more rigorous cleaning, focusing on high-traffic areas. It is important to be careful while using scrubbers, said an in-house R&D team member of Yocada. Use soft scrubber pads for delicate surfaces like hardwood, while more abrasive pads can be used for tough, non-sensitive surfaces such as tile or concrete.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood flooring is difficult to maintain and requires more than routine cleaning. Dirt and dust dull the shiny surface of the hardwood floor, leading to scratches and deterioration of the top surface with time. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recommends regular sweeping and periodic mopping to maintain the beauty and integrity of hardwood floors.

Therefore, remove the dust daily using a soft broom or a vacuum. For wet cleaning, use a microfiber mop dipped in the right cleaner. Using the wrong cleaning agents on your hardwood floors, like harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and oil-based products, can damage the floor's finish. Therefore, use mild pH-neutral cleansers designed specifically for hardwood flooring.

Natural Cleaners for Hardwood Floors

• A mixture of baking soda and water works really well for water stains. White vinegar diluted with water also easily removes water stains from hardwood floors.
• Tannic acid, present in tea, is another home cleaner that can give your hardwood floor an impressive shine. Dip the mop in the tea solution and clean the floor with it.

Recommended Tools For Hardwood Floors

• Even small amounts of water can damage hardwood floors, especially the wax-finished type. Therefore, an electric mop is suitable for hardwood floors as its fiber mop head has excellent water absorption and abrasion resistance.
  

  Electric Mop Cordless with Automatic Cleaning Bucket Rotary Spray Mop

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• You can also use a sponge mop to dry the hardwood floor, as the sponge head effectively absorbs moisture without harming the hardwood surface.
  

  Sponge Mop With Extendable Telescopic Long Handle

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How to Clean A Vinyl Floor?

Vinyl floors are a popular flooring choice due to their ability to withstand tough conditions, even in high-traffic areas. However, dirt buildup can remove the shiny appearance of vinyl tiles. Therefore, it is important to clean the floor with a broom or vacuum daily. Use a pH-neutral cleaning agent for wet cleaning. You can also opt for natural cleaners like apple cider vinegar mixed with water or baking soda paste to maintain and restore the shine of vinyl.

Natural Cleaners for Vinyl Floors

• Mix 1 cup apple cider vinegar in a gallon of hot water to remove dirt and grim.
• Baking soda paste is perfect for removing tough stains. Apply the paste to the stain, dry it, scrub with a sponge, and wipe with a damp cloth.
• Diluted alcohol does wonders for removing ink, tomato, or blood stains from vinyl floors.

Recommended Tools for Vinyl Floors

• A microfiber dust mop is recommended on vinyl floors as it efficiently cleans corners, pet hair, and dust.
  

  Dust Mop with 2 Reusable Washable Pads

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• Since over-wet mops can lead to warping and other damage to the vinyl floor, you can use a microfiber spray mop as it allows you to apply just the right amount of cleaner, preventing potential damage to vinyl floors.
  

  Yocada Microfiber Spray Mop for Wood Floor Cleaning with 2 Washable Mop

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How to Clean Laminate Floor?

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective option that mimics the look of hardwood, stone, or tile. Its smooth, sealed surface resists stains and dirt, making regular maintenance effortless.

You can dry sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris easily. Occasional damp mopping with a laminate-safe cleaner keeps the floor looking fresh. However, it's important to avoid excessive moisture and harsh cleaners, as laminate is sensitive to water and can warp if exposed to too much liquid. Overall, with proper care, laminate flooring is quite easy to keep clean.

Natural Cleaners for Laminate Floors

• Castile soap, made from natural oils, is a safe option for cleaning laminate floors. Mix a few drops with water, mop the floor, and dry immediately with a clean cloth.
• Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the laminate floor and clean it with the mop.

Recommended Tools for Laminate Floors

• Laminate floors that are not waterproof are prone to damage by the moisture. You can use a microfiber flat mop and bucket set, as it cleans the dirt and grime without leaving any excess moisture on the floor, and the bucket offers effortless draining.
  

  Microfiber Flat Mop and Bucket Set Floor Cleaner

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How to Clean Bamboo Floor?

Bamboo flooring enhances any room's aesthetic and is quite easy to clean. According to the guidelines provided by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), always use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner to avoid damaging the bamboo floor.

Therefore, after sweeping the dirt and debris, wet clean the floor with a pH-neutral all-purpose tile cleaner solution. If 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.

Avoid harsh acidic cleaning agents, especially bleach or pure vinegar, as they can damage the surface and gradually wear off any finishing or sealant. Moreover, don't use abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff-bristle brooms, as they can scratch and dull the bamboo surface.

Natural Cleaners for Bamboo Floors

• Use cleaners that are pH neutral and specially designed for bamboo flooring.
• Fully concentrated vinegar should never be used on bamboo floors as it can corrode the surface. However, you can mix water (¾) and vinegar (¼) to create a safe and economical cleaner for bamboo floors.

Recommended Tools for Bamboo Floors

• To easily sweep all the dust and dirt, use an upright broom and dustpan set.
  

  Upright Broom and Dustpan Set

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• To avoid watermarks on the bamboo floor, use a microfiber Self-Squeeze flat mop. The mop comes with a wringer, so you can easily squeeze out the dirty water.
  

  Spin Microfiber Self-Squeeze Flat Mop

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How to Clean Tile Floor?

Tile floors are generally easy to maintain with regular sweeping and mopping using mild detergents. Make sure to rinse the floor completely after mopping with the cleaning agent, as it prevents a dull film from forming on the tiles.

Dirt accumulates in the grout, giving the floor an unclean look. Therefore, you can clean the grout lines with a mixture of baking soda and water. Steam cleaning is perfect for deep cleaning, as the steam easily removes the stains. You can also stop dirt from entering your home by placing area rugs and mats in high-traffic areas.

Natural Cleaners for Tile Floors

• Apply a mild detergent and warm water solution, then scrub the tiles and grout lines gently with a soft-bristled brush or sponge mop.
• For tougher stains, hydrogen peroxide can be used either on its own or mixed with baking soda to form a paste. It disinfects and brightens grout, making it look new.
• For grout lines, baking soda paste can be applied directly to the stain.

Recommended Tools for Tile Floors

• A tile scrubber brush can effectively clean the kitchen and bathroom tiles with a triangular, non-scratch pad.
  

  Yocada Tub Tile Scrubber Brush

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• Floor squeegee broom removes dirt and hair easily and dries the tile floor surface efficiently.
  

  Yocada Floor Squeegee

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How to Clean Marble and Stone Floors?

Marble is porous and can scratch easily, so it requires specialized care. To clean marble tile floors, sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for marble and mop the floor with a damp microfiber mop. Always ensure that moisture does not saturate the marble, so wring the mop properly. You can also use an electric spray mop to control the water.

Avoid harsh acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon at all costs, and clean regularly with pH-neutral cleaners to maintain their finish and avoid damage to the surface. Moreover, steam mops are not recommended for stone tile floors because the high heat and excessive moisture can seep into the porous stone, causing damage such as cracks and discoloration.

Natural Cleaners for Marble and Stone Floors

• A few drops of pH-neutral Castile soap mixed with warm water can gently clean marble and stone floors without harming the surface.
• A mix of one part rubbing alcohol and four parts water can be used to clean and disinfect marble and stone floors.

Recommended Tools for Marble and Stone Floors

• Stone tiles are porous, and water seeps into the floor. Therefore, use a mop and wringer bucket set, as the two sponge heads are absorbent and easy to dry.
  

  Yocada Mop and Bucket with Wringer Set

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• The commercial cotton mop is perfect for larger areas and deeply cleans and absorbs dirt, water, dust, hair, debris, etc.
  

  Yocada 36" Commercial Industrial Cotton Mop

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How to Clean Concrete Floor?

Concrete flooring is easy to maintain due to its durable nature. With regular maintenance and occasional deep cleaning, concrete floors can last long in top condition.

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. For routine cleaning, a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap works well. Use a mop or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface gently. Rinse properly to avoid water streaks. After cleaning, allow the floor to dry completely.

You can also apply a sealer to protect the surface from future stains. Also, avoid using strong chemicals, including abrasive brushes, that can destroy concrete surfaces.

Natural Cleaners for Concrete Floors

• For light rust stains, use undiluted lemon juice on the affected area and let it dry. Then, scrub with a wire brush. Avoid scrubbing for painted concrete floors.
• For oil and grease spots, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on it and let it sit overnight. Then, clean with a mixture of dish soap and water and scrub the stain with a stiff brush.

Recommended Tools for Concrete Floors

• A push broom brush with bristles that are strong enough to clean the surface but not too harsh to damage the floor's surface is ideal for concrete floors.
  

  Yocada Push Broom Brush

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• The strong PET bristles of commercial black broom and dustpan set make it suitable for cleaning concrete surfaces.
  

  Commercial Black Broom and Dustpan Combo Set

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How to Clean Carpet Floor?

Carpet floors are the easiest places to accumulate dirt and dust. Therefore, cleaning them regularly is important to keep the carpet new and for the health of the house's residents. You can vacuum weekly to remove surface dirt and prevent it from embedding in the fibers of the carpet.

For spot cleaning, it is important to act quickly, blot the stain with a clean cloth, and use a mild detergent mixed with water to gently lift the stain. For a deeper cleaning, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods for thoroughly cleaning carpets, as it penetrates deep into the fibers, lifting out embedded dirt and allergens.

Natural Cleaners for Carpet

• Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer used to freshen up carpets and remove stains. Sprinkle a generous amount over the carpet, let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or overnight for stronger odors), and then vacuum thoroughly.
• For a natural carpet freshener, mix lemon juice with a little salt to create a paste. Apply this to stained areas, especially those with stubborn odors, then blot with a damp cloth.

Recommended Tools for Carpet

• The professional bristles of a commercial black broom and dustpan set help in the effective cleaning of carpets.
  

  Commercial Black Broom and Dustpan Combo Set

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Tips to Maintain Floors for Longer

How to Clean Extremely Dirty Floors?

To clean extremely dirty floors, it is best to deep clean the floor. Start by clearing the area of furniture and debris. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and grime. For stubborn stains or heavily soiled spots, apply a cleaner or stain remover appropriate for the floor type and let it sit as directed to break down the dirt.

For hard floors, use a heavy-duty floor cleaner mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mop the floor with this solution, changing the water frequently to avoid spreading dirt. Rinse and dry the floor completely. A regular cleaning routine after the deep clean will help maintain the floor's condition and prevent future build-up.

How to Remove Spills and Stains from the Floor?

Act quickly to clean spills and stains to prevent them from setting. For hard floors, sop the stain with a sponge or dry microfiber cloth. You can also use sponge mop as it absorbs water more efficiently. For water stains, gently rub the area with a mixture of baking soda and water or use a white vinegar solution. After that, use a mild cleaner appropriate for the floor type and wipe the surface with it.

How Often to Clean Floors?

The frequency of cleaning depends upon the floor type and traffic level. For high-traffic areas, sweep or vacuum daily to prevent dirt buildup. Also, mop the floors with an all-purpose hardwood floor cleaner every week. Use a microfiber mop and make sure it is lightly damp to avoid excess moisture seeping into the hardwood planks.

Every month, carry out an intensive cleaning session. Move furniture and rugs to clean the areas left out in weekly cleaning. For a monthly deep clean, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner that is safe for hardwood floors.

Conclusion

Maintaining clean floors enhances the appearance and hygiene of your home. By using the right cleaning methods for each type of flooring, whether it's dry sweeping, vacuuming, wet mopping, or steam cleaning, you can effectively manage dirt, stains, and odors. Regular care according to each floor type ensures the floor shines for a long time. Due to your cleaning routine, your home starts looking more efficient and inviting.

Yocada offers a range of specialized cleaning products designed to make floor care easier and more effective, no matter what type of flooring you have. Explore Yocada's full line of cleaning products and discover how their innovative tools can help you achieve a spotless home with less effort.

FAQs

How to Disinfect Floors?

Vacuum the floor to eliminate dust and debris, and mop with the disinfectant solution. Rinse it with clean water. Finally, dry the floor thoroughly before walking on it or placing furniture to prevent bacterial growth or moisture damage.

Does Vinegar Clean Dirty Floors?

Vinegar is a popular natural cleaner and can be effective for cleaning various types of floors. Its acidic nature helps to break down dirt and grime, and it can disinfect and deodorize surfaces. However, its suitability depends on the floor type. You must avoid concentrated vinegar at all costs. Always dilute the vinegar by mixing it with water before using it on any floor.

How to Make Your Floors Smell Good?

To make your floors smell good, use odor-eliminating floor cleaners that contain essential oils or natural fragrances to leave a fresh scent. You can also mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to mop the floor. Adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or lemon, to your cleaning solution can infuse a pleasant fragrance into your space.