How to Clean and Maintain Hard Floors: Tiled, Stone, Cement, Vinyl, and Laminate
We might loosely divide floors into soft and hard. Soft floors are carpeted floors. The others, tiles, stone, vinyl, laminate or even occasionally cement, are hard floors. Timber, is also a type of hard floor but that is different again, and timber floors have their own cleaning blog. Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of most hard floors is not too difficult. It’s just that we need the appropriate method for each type of hard floor.
Tiled Floors
Sweeping and Vacuuming – Regularly sweep or vacuum tiled floors to remove dust and debris. This prevents dirt from getting embedded in the grout lines. Use a soft brush attachment with the vacuum.
Mopping – Use a damp mop with warm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for tile. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the tile finish. Never use soapy types of detergent as these leave soap scum on the tiled floors. This soap scum attracts dust and dirt.
Microfibre – Using a microfibre mop or cloth to clean tiles can be useful. These do not require cleaning fluids. Instead, the fine fibres pick up almost all dirt, dust and bacteria. So microfibre mops are good for a quick daily clean, not a deep clean.
Steam Mops – These are a more recent development, and they work especially well on tiled floors. Steam mops do not require any cleaning fluid. Instead, they turn plain water into steam to do the cleaning. This may be the quickest way to do a deeper clean.
Grout Cleaning – Grout lines will accumulate dirt and become discoloured over time. This is worse if they are not sealed. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply with a stiff brush and scrub gently.
Stain Removal – For tough stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray this solution on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Or combine baking soda and water to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing clean.
Stone Floors
Sweeping and Vacuuming – Use a soft broom or vacuum with a brush attachment to clean stone floor. This prevents scratches on the stone floor surface.
Mopping – Mop with a damp cloth using warm water. Never use acidic or abrasive cleaners which can damage the stone.
Microfibre Mops – These can give a good general clean to stone surfaces. The do not require chemicals, they rely on steam produced from plain water.
Special Stone Cleaners – Always use the cleaning products specifically formulated for natural stone. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The people who installed the floor should have given instruction on the appropriate cleaning methods.
Sealing – Stone floors must be sealed periodically to protect against stains and moisture. Sealing frequency depends on the type of stone and usage level.
Some stone floors do not respond well to steam cleaning. We advise against steam mops unless the manufacturer has advised otherwise.
Cement Floors
Sweeping and Mopping – Sweep or use a dust mop daily to remove loose dirt and debris.
Damp Mopping – Use a damp mop with water and a mild cleaner. Avoid using too much water, as it can seep into the cement and cause damage.
Heavy-Duty Cleaner – For heavily soiled cement floors, use a heavy-duty cleaner diluted according to the product’s instructions. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse well.
Stain Treatment – Remove oil and grease stains with a degreaser. For some stains, a mixture of water and baking soda can be effective.
Vinyl Floors
Sweeping and Vacuuming – Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the surface.
Mopping – Mop with a mixture of warm water and a vinyl floor cleaner. Avoid using any abrasive scrubbers.
Stubborn Stains – For stubborn stains, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Rub gently and rinse with clean water.
Avoid Excess Water – Excess water can be a problem with some vinyl floors. It can seep into the seams and edges, causing the floor underneath to warp. Always use a damp, not wet, mop.
Laminate Floors
Sweeping and Vacuuming – Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment.
Dry Mopping – Use a dry microfiber mop to pick up dust and dirt.
Damp Mopping – Use a damp mop with a laminate floor cleaner. Avoid excessive water, as it can seep into the seams and cause swelling.
If you find stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Apply this with a cloth and rub gently. Always wipe this clean with fresh water.
General Tips for All Hard Floors
- Place mats at front doors and other entryways to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto the floor.
- Use furniture pads/coasters under chairs and tables to prevent scratches and dents.
- Always wipe up spills immediately, lest they cause stains and water damage.
- Avoid chemicals cleaners which often risk damage to the finish of hard floors. Always use cleaners specifically designed for your floor type.
- Arrange regular deep cleaning to maintain the appearance and longevity of your floors.
With straightforward yet appropriate cleaning methods all hard floors can remain immaculate for years to come. For professional results, consider hiring a cleaning company that specializes in hard floor maintenance. Our home and office cleaning in Sydney CBD company has the expertise and equipment to handle any flooring type with care and precision. This keeps home, business, shops and offices looking their best.
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