How to clean and maintain flooring

Cleaning our flooring can be a vital part of a happier, healthier home. Many allergens and germs can be hidden amongst our flooring, especially when it comes to carpet, which is why it is important to maintain a clean floor. On top of this, it helps us uphold an inviting and welcoming home while ensuring we maximise the lifespan of our floors.

To ensure you are keeping on top of the cleanliness of your floor, see our recommended floor cleaning methods below.

What can I use to clean my floors?

If you don’t know where to start, good old-fashioned soap and water is a fail-safe. Dish soap is a great cleaning tool that works well across all types of floor materials. The main thing to bear in mind is that soaking your floors can damage them. Yes, over-soaping is a thing; vasts amounts of water can discolour and dampen a floor’s quality, so it is always worth spraying a protective solution onto the surface first.

If you‘re looking to do an intense deep clean, on the other hand, there are a range of products available that won’t damage your flooring. Remember, different floor types will need different kinds of attention, so you need suitable products that don’t compromise a floor’s quality.

Woods, Tiles & Laminate

When cleaning tiles, wood or laminate flooring, start with a simple sweep or vacuum. If you are going to be using a broom, make sure you avoid hard bristles that may scratch the surface. Then it’s time to mop, a fantastic floor cleaning method, as long as you don’t soak the floor. This is a very important step when considering the best products for cleaning your floor. The mop itself is an easy choice based on what style suits you. Many people have begun opting for mops that you can clip floor wipes onto as this makes for a quick and easy process that prevents water damage.

Carpet

A quick carpet clean can be a very simple job. Much like other floor types, vacuuming is perfect for picking up obvious messes, dirt, allergens and dust. If you want a deeper floor cleaning method, we recommend pouring your cleaning product into a spray bottle for easier application and peace of mind that you won’t be damaging the fibres of the carpet by soaking them. There are a range of trusted products that can thoroughly clean your carpets, but it is advised to avoid bleach as it can damage the backing and sub-floor, as well as discolour the tuft.

Furthermore, there are many tools available that are designed to help you deep clean a carpet. As an example, steam cleaners and specific mop heads can do a thorough job while ensuring a quick and easy process. However, you can also bring it back to basics with a fresh sponge and some hard labour. Scrubbing your carpets can be a tough job but the results make it fully worth it.

If you do not want to splash the cash on cleaning products, there are also many home remedies you can try. These can be from a simple white vinegar and water mixture to baking soda and salt. It is important to do your research first, and find a trusted source that has a remedy you feel is safe and achievable.

Do I need to varnish my wooden floors?

If your wooden floors are looking a bit old and worn, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs replacing. A good varnishing could do the trick in reviving the wood, giving it a new lease of life. There are several different types of varnishes available, all with their own benefits which depend on where the floor is situated.

Water-based varnishes, such as acrylic, work across a variety of wood types, brightening them up and protecting them from impacts and scratches. Water-based varnishes are also less toxic and help the wood retain its natural colour. However, they should not be used on outside flooring. That’s where decking oil or stain products should be utilised. While both products are weather-resistant and offer a durable finish, they both hold different properties. For instance, stains provide natural tones on the surface, while oils bring out the natural colour of the wood itself.

Polyurethane varnish is a good choice for darker rooms that don’t get a lot of light as it isn’t the strongest for combatting the sun. While it is harder to apply, the outcome is definitely worth it, leaving a super durable and scratch-resistant finish. This makes it perfect for high-traffic areas of the home or rooms where furniture is moved often, such as a dining room.

What is a high-traffic area and how do I protect my floor?

A high-traffic area refers to a location in your home where people often walk through or interact with furniture. Flooring in high-traffic areas can degrade quicker due to general wear and tear. It is usually impossible to avoid wearing completely but there are ways to combat erosion and ensure that your flooring looks consistent throughout your home.

In high-traffic areas, using a rug or mat is the quickest and easiest solution. It will catch the dirt and protect your floor from scratches or marks. Cleaning is also a great way to counteract signs of use, with a deep clean needed at least once a month.

Attaching furniture pads to the bottom of your pieces can be very useful too as they are soft and ultimately prevent the floor from getting scratched when furniture is moved. In low-traffic areas, cleaning is just as important, as well as moving your furniture around as this can help maintain level flooring.

We hope we’ve inspired your floor cleaning methods, ensuring you maximise the longevity and quality of your flooring. For inspiration on flooring designs, check out our guide on how to choose the right flooring for your home.