It’s Time to Clean Your Floors — Some Spring-Cleaning Tips
The early flowers are starting to peek their heads up out of the ground, the sun is shining, and the afternoon breeze has a bright hint of upcoming warmth. Spring has definitely sprung, and summer is not far off.
It’s time to break out that dust mop. And it’s time to clean your floors.
Carpet
Carpets are usually the biggest job when it comes to spring-cleaning floors. Even though most homeowners frequently vacuum, carpets are notorious for holding allergens, pet dander, dust, and the accumulated dirt from foot traffic over a long winter. Not to mention the smells. Many good sources say that a little baking soda and borax mixed — sprinkled and left for an hour, right before a thorough vacuuming — can help soak up those lingering odors.
For the big spring clean, we recommend vacuuming, then a good shampooing and/or steam clean. Always check your carpet warranty for the best-use practices regarding each carpet brand to make sure that your shampoo choice is in compliance. And if you don’t have access to the warranty, or if you’re unsure, it’s always best to call a professional.
Laminate Floors
Frequently vacuum your laminate floors with a normal vacuum, using the wand attachment especially in those hard-to-reach corners. And always clean up any wet spills immediately to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, as well as staining. Dust mops and damp cloths will usually pick any other particles that might have collected over the winter. Avoid steam, excess water, harsh cleansers, and buffing, as these can damage laminate flooring.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is best cleaned by frequent sweeping and gentle mopping. A spring-cleaning of your vinyl flooring also includes the same. A gentle solution of white vinegar and warm water, used with a clean mop, is the perfect choice to keep your vinyl shining.
Hardwood
Most hardwood floors just need a frequent sweeping or vacuuming to keep them looking fantastic. Be sure to use the hardwood attachment for your vacuum, and always use a proper hardwood-appropriate cleanser for any spills. Spills should also be cleaned up immediately to minimize damage to the wood.
A good solution of warm water, some white vinegar, and a clean mop will often work for a good spring cleaning if you want to keep it simple. Buffing and steam-cleaning are never recommended, as they can damage your floors. Always check your manufacturer’s warranty, or call an expert for advice if you’re unsure.
Tile and Linoleum
Tile and linoleum floors are similar to hardwood in that they just need frequent sweeping and spot-wiping to ensure that they remain beautiful for as long as possible. For that spring-cleaning job though, we recommend first a thorough broom sweeping, a follow-up vacuuming if necessary, and a non-abrasive cleaner used with a clean mop to help scrub-up any remaining debris.
For deep-cleaning of grout and joints, simply apply a paste of baking soda and water and let dry for a few hours. The paste is later scrubbed up with water and a soft brush, before being mopped away. For stubborn grout stains, it might not be a bad idea to call a professional to ask about having the tiles resealed.
After cleaning, a follow-up wiping with lint-free cloth or a dry dust mop can help buff your tiles or linoleum to a shining finish.
Contact the SMART Carpet and Flooring Expert
If you’re having trouble with your spring floor-cleaning, or just don’t know where to begin — give us a call. We can offer tips for those difficult floor-cleaning jobs. And if you’re ready to replace your old flooring altogether, SMART Carpet and Flooring can help with that too.
If you’re in the Tri-State area, call SMART Carpet and Flooring at 1-800-526-RUGS (7847) for more information or advice on flooring choices. Our highly qualified specialists can bring our mobile showroom right to your house, at a time that is most convenient for you.
Call now to schedule an appointment!