How to Clean Different Types of Flooring

Don't risk damaging your floors by cleaning them improperly. You will wear floors faster if you don't take care of them properly. We recommend that you give all the floors in your home a little more love and attention (in addition to sweeping and vacuuming) once every few months. Learn to take care of the various types of floors in your home with this quick and easy guide.

Porcelain tile floors

Cleaning of porcelain stoneware floors is simple. First, vacuum or dry the dirt or dirt on the surface. Make sure you use a vacuum cleaner suitable for tiles if you choose to suck instead of sweeping. After removing any removable debris, proceed to cleaning. Porcelain can be porous, so use a homemade solution instead of an aggressive detergent. Mix a cup of distilled white vinegar in a bucket of hot water and rub as usual.

Laminate floors

While wood and laminate are very different, the cleaning process is the same. Sweep and dust the floors and remove all dirt at the surface level with a cloth broom. Then take half a cup of vinegar and add it to a liter of water. Use this solution with rags or a mop to clean the floors. Be careful not to overdo the amount of liquid on the floor. For wooden and laminate floors, it may be necessary to pass this solution two or three times on the floor. For laminate floors, check if the floor needs aesthetic finishing once cleaned.

Brick Floors

There are four simple steps to cleaning brick floors: sweeping, scrubbing, rinsing and dust. First, sweep the floors, then take a spoonful of detergent or borax and add it to a liter of water for the brick washing formula. If you want a more effective cleaning solution, use one part of vinegar for fifteen parts of water.

After cleaning, let the solution sit on the bricks for a few minutes, then rinse completely, especially if the brick floor is sealed. Finally, if you have a sealed brick floor, you may need to wash the stuck dust with water and allow it to dry completely. Repeat the washing steps until lime and dust have disappeared.

Limestone floors

Start by sweeping your limestone floors and drying them with a gentle cleaning solution. Once a month, apply a limescale cleaner.

Epoxy floors

Epoxy flooring is usually found in garages or courtyards. To begin the cleaning process, sweep and rinse the area with warm water. Mix 1/3 cup of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of hot water and use the solution to wash the epoxy. Using a pH balanced soap will work best on these types of floors. Watch out for stains as you wash and use a rag to scrub them before rinsing the solution off the floor.

Engineered floors

Start by taking everything that can be removed from the area outside the engineered floor. Then sweep or vacuum the area. Take your favorite mild detergent solution and add it to a bucket of warm water and dry the floor. Make sure your mop is wet, not dripping. After washing your hair, dry the floor with towels.

Terrace floors

Sweep the floor with a cloth broom to avoid bristle scratches. Use a gentle mop solution and a yarn-style mop to remove dirt or grime. Then, use a steam cleaner to vacuum the water from the floor. Repeat this process at least twice to make your terrace floors completely clean.

Concrete floors

Start cleaning your concrete floors by sweeping or vacuuming dirt and dust. Next, create a broom solution and start rubbing the floor. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove stuck buildup or dirt, then gently rinse the floor with clean water. If you have a stain on the concrete, use a soft bristle to rub.

Vinyl flooring

Have you ever wondered how to clean vinyl floors? Is simple. Start by sweeping and raking as usual: do not use the vacuum on this type of floor. Use a gentle mop solution and go to the floor twice. Once a year, reseal your vinyl floor to keep it nice and functional.

Aggregate flooring

Start by sweeping and drying the aggregate flooring. When washing the aggregate, a heavy-duty chemical cleaner should be used. Some aggregate floors may even require the use of acid to achieve complete cleaning. Safety note: Acid cleaners can be dangerous. Always wear protective gloves when cleaning with these solutions.

Tiled floors

Tiles are an easy-to-clean material, which is why it is so popular in many homes. First, sweep the floor, paying particular attention to the thickets in the mortar. Prepare a mop solution using a specific tile cleaner or a combination of water and vinegar. Use a mop or fill Little Orphan Annie with your hands and knees with a rag to make the tiles nice and clean.

Sealed cork floors

Cleaning sealed cork floors is relatively simple. After sweeping the floor, take a non-acidic floor cleaner (like the one you would use on linen) and use a damp rag to clean the floor with the cleaner. Use very little water on the rag, then dry the floor with a towel before letting it air dry.

Unsealed cork floors

Cleaning an unsealed cork floor is a bit tricky. It is important to remember that untreated cork will deform and expand when wet, so use as little liquid as possible to clean the cork. Before resorting to washing the cap, first try to vacuum it. If the vacuum cleaner is not enough, use a slightly damp sponge to locate the floor. When soaking the sponge in dishwashing soap and hot water solution, be sure to wring it out completely before it gets close to the floor.

Ceramic tile floors

While you can clean your ceramic tile floors like any other tile floor, you need to vaporize for the best results. You may not have a steam cleaner around your home, but renting one is often cheap and easy. If you don't have the means to vaporize, sweep and clean the floor as usual, be sure to use a mild tile-specific cleaner.

Flagstone floors

Clean your stone floor as you would with a simple tile or wooden floor. Sweep and clean with a mild detergent, being careful not to get the floor too wet. For best results with paving stone floors, consider sealing the floor. This will keep the floor more beautiful for longer and facilitate cleaning.

Granite floors

B is for the stain, and that's how you should always clean your granite floors. If the granite in your home is new or recently sealed, use only a dry broom on this porous floor. If you choose to thoroughly clean your granite, be careful. The cleaners can leave the floor scratched and even change the color. Use a pH balanced cleaner and risk the urge to overdo it. For best results with granite, clean every day. Regular polishing of granite floors is also a great way to keep them looking their best.

Wooden floors

Clean wooden floors such as laminates. After sweeping, prepare a mild solution for cleaning. The key to getting clean hardwood floors without damaging them is to use a minimal amount of water and not let the water stay on the wood for a long time. There are several natural solutions to keep the wooden floor shiny after cleaning. Choose a favorite and be sure to treat your wood regularly.

Marmoleum flooring

An excellent green flooring option, you need to make sure to use special cleaners on Marmoleum floors. After sweeping, use a Marmoleum specific cleaner from the hardware store on the floor. Make sure to wash the solution completely and dry the floor with a towel. Use an old toothbrush or nylon brush to rub the deep grooves of this floor. Marmoleum must be thoroughly cleaned twice a month.

Linoleum floors

Sweep the linoleum floors and then rub them gently with mild dish soap and hot water solution. If the linoleum is stained, prepare a baking soda paste and use the vinegar to lift the stain. You can also use an abrasive sponge on linoleum floors to get deep cleaning.

Carpet

Most houses have carpeted floors in at least one room. All rugs are different, so it's always a good idea to know how to best treat your specific types. Regardless, all carpets should be vacuumed several times a week, especially in high traffic areas. There are several ways to clean the do-it-yourself rug if you don't want to pay for a professional company. If you scrub the carpet between deep cleanings, treat immediately. As a general rule, we recommend keeping a Fels Naptha laundry stain treatment bar handy for use (sparingly) in carpet emergencies.