Our floors are the most used item in our homes and it takes a lot to keep them clean. Because there is so much foot traffic throughout a home, your floors will inevitably get scuffed and dirty. If you don’t know how to care for the specific type of flooring in your home, you could actually cause more damage. So, we’ve put together some guidelines for cleaning your floors that should help you regardless of your flooring type.
What Are the Different Types of Flooring?
This list is not exhaustive, but the following flooring types are common to many households.
1. Hardwood
Defined as any wood planking that can be used either aesthetically or structurally as a floor, this type of flooring is very popular. Hardwood floors come in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs and types of wood, such as oak, hickory, walnut, etc. Bamboo is often lumped into the hardwood floor category even though it is actually a grass.
2. Laminate
This type of flooring seeks to emulate a wood or stone floor with a photographic applique layer placed under a protective clear-coat. Laminate flooring is an option that is easier to install and care for when compared to wood or stone flooring, which consequently, has made it a popular choice for homeowners.
3. Tile
Tile flooring is made of pieces of ceramic, stone, metal, clay, or even glass. These are usually in the shape of squares and are fitted together to create a design. Depending on the type of tile, they are attached to the base floor with either a mortar or a synthetic adhesive.
4. Linoleum
Linoleum refers to a durable and often decorative flooring made from solidified linseed oil, pine resin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and other mineral fillers. Most linoleum flooring today is actually PVC rather than true linoleum.
5. Carpet
A carpet is a floor covering that has a pile made from wool or other fibers with some type of backing to hold the pile together. These are versatile floor coverings with ancient origins. Often the term carpet is used interchangeably with the word rug because they are similar in appearance and function.
Tips for Cleaning Your Floors
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
A hardwood floor needs to be treated like a piece of wood furniture. Unless they have been treated with polyurethane, you should never use water to clean them. The best method for cleaning a wood floor is to dust and polish them with a soft mop and then use wood-specific cleaners for extra sanitation and sheen.
Laminate Floors
Similar to cleaning a wood floor, you should avoid using water on laminate flooring. However, it is okay to occasionally use water so long as you don’t soak the floors or leave the water standing. A microfiber cloth or a dry mop will be invaluable assets in keeping this type of floor tidy.
Tiled Floors or Walls
Tiled floors should be sealed to help prevent discoloration and assist in the cleaning process. Once the floor has been sealed, regular mopping and brushing of the grout are the most efficient ways to clean it.
Linoleum
The best way to clean a linoleum floor is simply by mopping with an all-purpose cleaner. This type of floor should also be waxed regularly to protect them from scratching. It is best to avoid harsh cleaners, hot water, and scouring when cleaning a linoleum floor.
Cleaning Carpets
Cleaning the carpet in your home should be a regular habit. Vacuuming will keep them tidy, but eventually you will need to have them deep cleaned to remove stains, allergens, and bacterial buildup. A professional carpet cleaner can help you decide how to clean your carpets and how often they should be cleaned. They can provide you with a chemical cleaning or a steam clean. Having your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis will keep them in better condition and help reduce allergies and the spread of germs.
Dalton flooring has been doing business as a Carpet and Flooring store in Southgate for 40 years. We also have a new location in Rochester Hills, MI. Whether you visit our store or choose to have samples brought to your home for a Free In-Home Estimate, we have a range of flooring designs and products to help you achieve your desired goals.