When it comes to maintaining your flooring, learning the best way to clean floors by each type makes all the difference. Whether you’re wanting to learn how to clean your carpet by hand or looking for the best ways to clean your hard surface flooring, Floor Concepts has you covered. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to clean hardwood floors, laminate floors, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors.
What is the Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors?
Although there are 5 different types of wood flooring, the best way to clean the most popular hardwood floors (solid hardwood and engineered hardwood) is the same. However, how you clean hardwood floors does differ from how you clean other common types of floors. This is because the basic structure of hardwood floors is made of, you guessed it, wood. So let’s talk about how to keep your hardwood floors clean.
What to Use to Clean Hardwood Floors
- Dust mop or vacuum
- Hardwood floor cleaning product
- Microfiber towel
Avoid using any type of cleaner that promises to restore luster, polish, or add shine. Not only can these types of cleaner interfere with future coats of wood floor finish, but they can also be slippery, creating a fall hazard. You’ll also want to avoid using any type of steam mop or vacuum as this can warp the wood.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
1. Dust Mop or Vacuum
The first step, and sometimes only step, to clean your hardwood floors is to dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt, dust, pet hair, and any other loose debris that has accumulated. If you choose to use a vacuum for this step, use a vacuum that allows you to turn off the beater bar, otherwise you can damage the surface of your hardwood floors.
2. Use a Hardwood Floor Cleaning Product to Mop
You shouldn’t mop your hardwood floors with water and regular soap. Instead, deep clean your floors with a cleaning product made specifically for hardwood floors. Dampen your mop with the cleaning product, wring it out to remove excess liquid, and wipe down your floors.
Once you’ve mopped with a hardwood floor-approved cleaning product, rinse your mop with clean water. Once the cleaning product has been rinsed out, wring out the excess water and wipe down your floors with the mop dampened with clean water.
3. Wipe Up Excess Water
The final step to clean your hardwood floors is to take a clean microfiber towel and wipe up any excess water. This will keep your hardwood floors protected from standing water.
How often you’ll need to deep clean your hardwood floors will depend on how much foot traffic your floors see. At minimum, you’ll want to sweep and mop at least once a week. With all of the cracks in hardwood floors, it’s easy for dirt to build up. As more dirt builds up, the duller your floors can begin to look. Regular maintenance is essential to preserving the appearance and longevity of your hardwood floors.
What is the Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors?
When considering laminate flooring pros and cons, one of the top pros people list is that it’s easy to clean. And while it is relatively easy to clean, there are still special considerations to take into account so that you can keep your laminate flooring looking new for years to come.
What to Use to Clean Laminate Floors
- Soft-bristled broom or vacuum
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber mop
- Distilled white vinegar
- Mild dish soap
You’ll want to double-check that your mop is a microfiber mop. A sponge mop can do the opposite of what you want – push dirty water into grout lines, making the floor dirtier than it was to begin with, and can also cause your laminate to peel or bubble. Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach as these can damage the laminate as well.
How to Clean Laminate Floors
1. Sweep or Vacuum
Using a soft bristled broom or vacuum, remove dirt, dust, and other debris from your floor. Similar to cleaning hardwood floors, only use a vacuum that allows you to stop the beater bar.
2. Create Your Cleaning Solution
Next, mix 1 gallon of hot water with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Mop and Scrub Your Laminate
Now you’re set to damp mop your laminate flooring. Wring out any excess water and cleaning solution before mopping. To get into the grout or deep clean any high-traffic areas, use a soft-bristled brush dipped in the cleaning solution.
Once you’ve cleaned your floor, rinse out the mop and brush with clean water. Then, using clean water, use a damp mop to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. If there is no standing water left on the floor, allow it to air dry.
To keep your laminate floors looking new, spot clean and sweep at least once a week. With just a little effort, your laminate flooring can stay as beautiful as the day it was installed.
What is the Best Way to Clean Vinyl Floors?
When it comes to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring 101, the first thing people want to know is, how easy is it to clean? It’s actually easier to clean and maintain than both hardwood and laminate floors. Why? Because it’s waterproof.
What to Use to Clean Vinyl Floors
- Broom or vacuum
- Chamois or steam mop
- Acrylic finish
How to Clean Vinyl Floors
1. Sweep or Vacuum
Yes, this first step is just like the first step for cleaning hardwood and laminate floors, but with LVT flooring, you can use the beater bar to ensure you’re getting down into the grout.
2. Mop or Steam Clean
A 2 bucket system is the easiest way to clean your LVT if you’re not opting to steam mop. Fill one bucket with clean water and another with water and a neutral or mild cleaning solution. Avoid using a cleaning solution with acids like vinegar or lemon juice as it can cause pitting. If mopping, remember to use a chamois mop as a sponge mop can cause dirt to be spread around into cracks and crevices in the tile.
3. Apply Acrylic Finish
Acrylic finish is optional but can improve the longevity of your LVT, especially in high-traffic areas. Most are typically a liquid and can be applied using a mop and bucket. We recommend using an acrylic finish that is recommended by your LVT flooring’s manufacturer.
Like hardwood and laminate flooring, aim to clean your LVT at least once a week. A combination of sweeping, gentle mopping, and optional acrylic finish will help protect your floors from wear and tear, ensuring they last for many years.
Ultimately, each type of hard surface flooring requires its own special care routine. Consistent upkeep, using the right cleaning products, and proper care will keep your floors looking their best for years to come, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
At Floor Concepts, our flooring experts can answer any questions you have about the best ways to clean floors when you’re choosing which type of flooring will best suit your home. With over 50 years in the industry, Floor Concepts is an established flooring business serving the North Hills and greater Pittsburgh, PA. Our local, family owned and operated business continues to provide a large selection of inventory from custom area rugs to whole home carpet solutions to hard surface flooring and more! Contact us today.
**Disclaimer: While these tips above are all helpful options to clean your floors, we recommend following the manufacturer instructions in order to properly care for your specific type of flooring. However, if you choose to not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, Floor Concepts is not held liable for any damage to your flooring. Please contact the manufacturer about your warranty with any further questions.
