Keeping your floors clean and shiny requires tailored cleaning techniques based on the type of flooring you have. Different materials demand specific care to maintain their appearance and longevity. Here’s a guide from house cleaning experts to help you achieve spotless floors:
Asphalt Floor Tiles:
- Mop with a solution of 1 cup fabric softener in ½ pail of water.
- Avoid flooding the floor to prevent adhesive and grout damage.
- Remove scuffs and marks with fine-grade wool and liquid floor wax.
Brick Floors:
- Mop and vacuum brick floors thoroughly.
- Seal with a commercial sealant to protect the porous surface.
- Use a solvent-based wax sparingly; remove buildups with a wax stripper.
- Never use acids, soaps, or adhesives on bricks.
Ceramic Floors:
- Glazed ceramics are stain-proof; unglazed tiles should be sealed.
- Mop with an all-purpose cleaner; dry with a soft cloth.
- Strip unglazed ceramic tiles annually and rinse thoroughly.
Concrete Flooring:
- Sweep carefully and clean with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Apply a commercial sealer to protect the porous surface.
- Absorb oil and grease with kitty litter; clean with a heavy-duty floor cleaner.
Slate Tile or Flagstone Floors:
- Natural stone floors are porous and rough; apply a commercial sealer.
- Use a lamb’s wool pad to apply two thin coats of acrylic floor finish.
- Occasionally strip, rinse, and reapply wax to preserve the floor.
Linoleum Floors:
- Use fine-grade steel wool to remove marks.
- Avoid hot water and solvent-based products; steer clear of scouring and flooding.
- Use a one-step polish or an all-purpose cleaner for quick cleanup.
Marble Floor Tiles:
- Seal unpolished marble with a commercial sealer.
- Mop with all-purpose cleaner or a mix of fabric softener and water.
- Test water-based or paste wax in a small area to avoid discoloration.
For homeowners unsure about proper floor cleaning, professional house cleaning services can ensure damage-free, thoroughly cleaned floors.
