Floors bear most of the brunt when it comes to the dirt and grime in your home. From the dirt on our shoes and drink spillages to pet accidents, it’s your floors that are left to absorb most of the mess. No wonder most homeowners find it hard to keep their floors clean, let alone get them to shine. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make sure your hardwood floors are always looking their best. This post provides insight into the best way to ensure your flooring shines.
What are your floors made of?
The first step in making your floors shine is determining what material they are made of. Various flooring materials are available, including natural stone and wood floors to synthetic options like carpet tiles. You can also choose from specific flooring materials depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a warm region, natural stone or laminate wood floors will be your best option as they offer better insulation for hot climates. Other examples include:
Wood – Hardwood is one of the most popular options for floors because it can easily remain polished for years with the proper maintenance and care. However, some varieties can easily be scratched or dented, so it’s essential to watch for any potential damages and immediately treat them before the problem worsens.
Ceramic – Ceramic tiles are great options because you can choose from various colors and patterns to suit your home’s interior design. They are easy to clean and can be installed in an instant, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much time on this part of the job.
Carpet tiles – Carpet tiles last longer than traditional carpet because they come with a backing that makes them more durable and easier to clean. You can easily remove individual tiles to give your entire floor a thorough cleaning and focus on areas that need to look better.
What products do you use to clean your floors?
There are many different types of cleaners available in stores today that claim to leave your floor shiny, but not all will work well with your floor’s material. For example, acidic cleaners are great for marble or limestone surfaces but can cause discoloration on a hardwood floor, so it’s best to avoid these products if you have wooden tiles in your home. The best way to make your laminate floors shine is by using a microfiber mop. This will ensure that the dirt from the ground gets lifted off without any hassles. The only downside is that you’ll need to get down on your hands and knees to clean the grout, but at least it’s a quick job, so there won’t be too much fuss involved.
How do I make my floors shine?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your laminate floors shine. When cleaning your floors, be sure to follow the steps below:
Vacuum your floors – Most people forget to vacuum their laminate wood floor surfaces before going in with a microfiber mop, but this is critical if you want the best results. Even just removing loose debris can make a huge difference, so don’t neglect this step. Remember to use hard floor attachment where necessary.
Mop with warm water and cleaner – Using only cold or hot water without any cleaner is good enough for most floors, but it’s best to get a floor-specific product if you have hardwood or laminate tile. Avoid using vinegar and ammonia on any wood materials as these can cause discoloration, so only use the recommended products from your manufacturer instead.
Wipe up excess water – Wait until your damp mop has absorbed as much water as possible before you go in with a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess liquid from the floor. If there’s still some moisture left on your floors, wait until it dries, and then use another clean towel to dry it.
Let dry – Do not walk or put any furniture on wet floors because it will only cause irreversible damage to the surface. Remember to keep everyone off as you wait for it to air dry. The length of time depends on how much liquid you used in each area, but it should only take a few hours at most.
Make it shine – There are many different types of products on the market you can use to make your floors look extra polished, such as laminate floor polish and floor wax. However, this is only recommended if they’ve thoroughly dried to prevent any potential damage from occurring.
What are some tips for making my floors shiny?
You don’t have to spend a fortune buying every type of cleaner available on the market to make your laminate floor cleaner. Instead, you can use items that are most likely already in your home’s cupboards or pantry. Here are some great options:
Baking soda – If you have hardwood or laminate flooring types, baking soda is a great way to clean them without leaving any scratches behind. It’s highly absorbent, so it won’t leave residue and will go a long way!
Vinegar – It might seem strange, but white vinegar is a great way to remove stuck-on mud or grime that can’t be easily lifted with your regular cleaner. Simply mix it into some warm water into a spray bottle, apply to the affected area and let it sit for around 30 minutes before wiping off any residue with a dry microfiber cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide – Like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide is another excellent cleaner you can use. Mix it with some water and dish soap for added cleaning power, then apply to the floor with a microfiber cloth before letting it sit for 30 minutes. Steer clear of any harsh chemicals that may leave streaks behind.
Warm water – If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to spend too much money on cleaners, use some warm water instead. It’s the best way to remove surface dirt and dust from your floors without causing damage or leaving them streaky.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your floors looking as great as possible, be sure to follow all the steps as detailed in the post above. For more information about hardwood floor installation in Vancouver, WA, Woodfloor Masters has the experts to answer all your questions and reassure your concerns. Give us a call today!