Do you know the correct way to clean the flooring? Flooring cleaning methods vary depending on the type of wood used. This time, I will explain the correct cleaning procedure of the flooring. We also introduce the types of detergents suitable for different stains and recommended items.
type of flooring
There are many types of flooring. Depending on the type of wood used, flooring can be broadly divided into two types. By understanding each feature, you can see what you should pay attention to when cleaning. Let’s take a look at what you should pay attention to.
solid wood flooring
Flooring made from a single piece of natural wood is called solid wood flooring. It feels great and is very popular. What you should be aware of when cleaning is that solid wood is very weak against water. It is better to avoid wiping with water as much as possible, focusing on dry wiping. (Since the care method differs depending on the wood, we recommend that you ask the contractor once.)
plywood flooring
Plywood flooring (composite flooring) is a flooring that is made by stacking many boards against solid wood flooring. Plywood flooring can be wiped clean with water. However, wood is basically vulnerable to moisture, so you need a little trick for wiping with water. I’ll explain about washing later.
floor cleaning frequency
Flooring varies depending on family composition and lifestyle. However, regardless of how dirty it is, we recommend that you clean it every day. Even if it doesn’t look very dirty, dirt accumulates day by day. It is not necessary to clean thoroughly every day. Just wipe it off with a dry cloth, so do it every day.
Read Also: How to remove oil stains
Cleaning procedure for flooring ① Daily cleaning (wiping dry)
Items used for daily cleaning are a floor wiper (or floor mop) and a vacuum cleaner. By using both, you can clean well, but if you don’t have time, you can use only the floor wiper (floor mop). You can clean efficiently by holding down each point.
Tips for using floor wipers
Always use a dry sheet on the floor wiper. This is because if you use a wet type sheet, the dust will stick to the floor. If you use a floor mop, keep it dry. Dust in the air slowly falls over time. It is recommended to remove the dust that fell during the night with a floor wiper (floor mop) first thing in the morning.
Tips when using a vacuum cleaner
Vacuum cleaners tend to pick up dust. Remove dust with a wiper before vacuuming. Also, use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle to pick up dirt where the wiper can’t reach. The vacuum cleaner may damage the flooring, so please apply it slowly and gently.
daily cleaning procedure
- Collect dust with a floor wiper (floor mop)
- Vacuum the collected dust with a vacuum cleaner
- Use a vacuum cleaner (nozzle) to remove dirt from grooves and crevices that cannot be removed with a floor wiper (floor mop)
Cleaning procedure for flooring ②Once a month (wiping with water)
If you use a floor wiper (floor mop) every day, it will look cleaner. However, invisible dirt and fine dust remain on the flooring. It’s a good idea to add a rag to your daily cleaning routine once a month. However, some people wipe the floor with a dust cloth every day just because they want to keep it shiny, but this is not acceptable. Remember that flooring doesn’t like moisture.
Tips for wiping with a rag
It’s best to use as little moisture as possible, so a thin cloth is recommended. The point is to wring out the dust cloth tightly and wipe it clean in a short time. It is a good idea to hold a wet cloth in one hand and a dry cloth in the other to quickly remove the moisture. By wiping with a dry cloth, the flooring will be shiny. If you start wiping from the back of the room or hallway and then wipe toward the doorway, you can clean it thoroughly.
Wiping with water is easy with a floor mop
When wiping with water, it is a little difficult to wipe with a rag. However, using a floor mop makes it very easy to wipe with water. This product comes with two cloths, so you can wipe it dry with the first one and then wipe it with a damp cloth with the second one. Furthermore, if you remove the dust from the first cloth and wipe it with a dry cloth for finishing, you will have a shiny flooring.
Floor cleaning procedure ③ once a year (wax)
Waxing once every six months to a year will keep the flooring from getting dirty. In addition, since a film forms on the surface of the flooring, it is not only stain resistant but also scratch resistant. Waxing sounds like a lot of work, but when you try it, the floor becomes shiny and clean. However, there are some flooring materials that should not be waxed, so it is also important to inquire with the contractor once.
Wax type
Different types of flooring wax are suitable for different types of flooring. Resin wax for plywood flooring, oil-based wax for solid wood flooring, plain wood wax for plain wood flooring, etc. All-purpose wax is convenient because it can be used anywhere.
easy wax sheet
Sheet-type wax is a convenient item that can be attached to the floor wiper. Since the sheet is soaked with wax, apply it along the grain of the flooring. After applying, let it dry for 10 to 20 minutes.
How to clean flooring by type of dirt
Flooring stains vary depending on lifestyle and room. Let’s take a look at the major stains.
- Oil stains (kitchen)
- Sebum stains (entrance and living room)
- mold (bedroom)
- Tabekoboshi (Dining)
By using a detergent that matches the dirt, the flooring will be clean.
Cleaning method by type
Here are some recommended cleaners for different types of stains. If you use a detergent that is not suitable for the dirt, it will become more dirty and the dirt will spread, so be careful. By using the detergent skillfully, the dirt that was not removed by just wiping with water will come off, and the flooring will become even cleaner.
Neutral detergent for oil stains
The floor of the kitchen is covered with oil stains that were splashed while cooking. For oily stains that cannot be removed by just wiping with water, use a neutral dishwashing detergent. Do not apply the cleaner directly to the dirt, but use a rag or the like with the detergent to rub the dirty area. When the dirt is removed, wipe it off with water so that no detergent remains.
Household detergent (alkaline detergent) for sebum stains
Some families wear slippers, but most people walk barefoot on flooring. The dirt of sebum will inevitably stick from the feet. For sebum stains, you should use an alkaline household cleaner. If you spray the detergent and wipe it with a dry rag, the dirt will come off.
Ethanol for disinfection against mold
If mold grows on your flooring, use disinfecting ethanol. Spray ethanol for disinfection on the mold part and wipe it off with a rag. Ethanol for disinfection can also be used to clean other places and prevent mold on window frames, so it’s a good idea to always have one on hand. However, it may cause discoloration depending on the material, so please test it in an inconspicuous place before using it.
Baking soda for stubborn stains
Baking soda is strong against oil stains and sebum stains, so it is recommended for floor cleaning. Dissolve baking soda well in a spray bottle filled with water, spray it on the flooring and rub it with a rag. Be careful not to use too much baking soda as it will strip the wax. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Also, wipe with water at the end so that no baking soda remains.
Types of floor wipers
There are many types of floor wipers. The things attached to the wiper are different, and the length and size are different. In order to finish cleaning the flooring more neatly, it is a good idea to use different items for different purposes. However, since it is something you use every day, it is important to choose the one that suits your taste.
Sheet type and cloth type
There are two types of floor wipers: a type that uses a disposable sheet and a type that uses a washing cloth. The disposable sheet type has the convenience of just throwing it away after use. The laundry cloth type is more economical than the disposable sheet type in that you can wash it after use and use it over and over again.
Telescopic type and joint type
There are two types of floor wipers: one with an elastic handle and the other with a joint. The stretchable type can be adjusted to the desired length by turning the joint of the handle. However, as you use it, the joints may loosen. With the joint type, the length can be adjusted by changing the number of pipes to be connected depending on the application. However, you cannot fine-tune the length to your liking.
head size
When choosing a floor wiper, it is also important to check the size of the head. If you want to clean a large area, you can use the 25 cm wide head to clean it all at once. Also, when cleaning narrow places such as toilets, it is a good idea to use a head with a width of 15 cm. If you want to use it to clean the crevices of furniture, check the height when the head is folded down, so you can clean under the sofa or bed.
summary
You probably didn’t know the procedure for cleaning the flooring, even though you seemed to know it unexpectedly. You can keep your flooring clean by wiping it with a wiper every day. And by wiping with water once a month and waxing once a year, you will be able to spend a comfortable flooring life all year round.