How to clean hard floors
Expert advice, tips and best practices
If you are looking for expert advice on how to clean hard floors, then you have come to the right place. Teddington Carpets not only has a wealth of experience, but all the products you need too. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with expert advice, tips, and product recommendations.
What is the best way to clean hard floors?
Hard floors, whether they are made of real wood, engineered wood, laminate, or other materials, add a touch of elegance to any space. To maintain their beauty and longevity, it's essential to clean them properly.
The best way to clean hard floors is to start with regular vacuuming or sweeping to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, damp mop the floors using a microfiber mop and a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of warm water with a few drops of dish soap or white vinegar, or for a deep clean or more professional finish, see the products in our shop.
Make sure not to use excessive water, as it can damage both laminate and real wood floors. Using a clean cloth or microfiber pad is essential to prevent scratching and streaking.
What is the best way to clean really dirty hardwood floors?
To clean really dirty hardwood floors, you should follow a two-step process. First, sweep or vacuum the floors to remove loose dirt and dust. Next, use a damp mop with a slightly stronger cleaning solution, such as a specialised hardwood floor cleaner for a deep clean or professional finish, or a homemade cleaning solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Ensure you rinse thoroughly and dry the floors afterward to prevent water damage.
What is the best thing to deep clean floors with?
For deep cleaning hard floors, it's advisable to use a high-quality hardwood floor cleaning product or a similar specialised cleaner designed for your specific flooring type. These products are formulated to remove stubborn dirt and grime while protecting the finish of your floors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for deep cleaning procedures.
What should you not clean hardwood floors with?
You should avoid cleaning hardwood floors with harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or anything that may damage the floor's finish. Additionally, never use excessive water or soak the floors, as this can lead to warping, cupping, or other moisture-related damage.
Steer clear of steam cleaners unless they are specifically recommended by the flooring manufacturer, as excessive moisture can harm wood floors. Finally, avoid using oil-based or wax-based products unless your floors are designed to be treated with them, as they can create a slippery and hazardous surface.
Teddington’s Tips and Best Practices
How to clean hard floors? Follow these steps to achieve clean and gleaming hard floor surface:
Sweeping or Regular Vacuuming: The first step in maintaining clean hard floors is regular vacuuming or sweeping. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This will prevent scratches caused by grit and abrasive particles.
Dry Mop: For a quick and efficient clean, consider using a dry mop or dust mop to pick up fine dust and particles. This is especially useful for daily maintenance and for areas with light foot traffic.
Damp Mop with a Microfiber Mop: For a deeper clean, damp mop your hard floors with a microfiber mop. Microfiber is gentle on the surface and effectively captures dirt and grime. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage wood floors.
Always use a Clean Cloth: When damp mopping, use a clean cloth or microfiber pad attached to your mop. Make sure it's free from any debris to prevent scratches and streaks on the floor surface.
Rinse After Cleaning: After cleaning your hard floors with any cleaning solution, be sure to rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue. This will prevent a sticky film from forming on the surface.
Deep Clean: Periodically, give your hard floors a deep clean to remove built-up grime and dirt. Consider using a professional cleaner or a hardwood floor cleaning product like Bona Wood Floor Cleaner for a thorough and polished look.
Address Stains Promptly: If you encounter stains on your hard floors, address them promptly. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution to gently scrub the stained area. Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.
Protect Oiled Floors: If you have oiled floors, use a specialised product like Amtico Satin Floor Dressing or a similar oiled floor maintenance product to maintain their appearance and protect the wood finish.
Wood Stain and Scratches: To address scratches or minor wood stains, you can use wood stain touch-up kits available at home improvement stores. Follow the instructions carefully to restore the floor's appearance.
Best Hardwood Floor Cleaning Products: Invest in high-quality hardwood floor cleaners like Bona Wood Floor Polish and Bona Wood Floor Cleaner for the best results. These products are designed to clean and protect your wood floors effectively.
Protect Your Flooring: Consider applying a protective coating like HG Laminate Protective Coating to laminate floors. This will help prevent damage and maintain the floor's appearance over time.
Engineered Wood Floors: Engineered wood floors require special care. Use a cleaner specifically designed for engineered wood, such as Quick Step Floor Cleaner, to maintain their beauty and durability.
Gloss and Shine: Achieving a high gloss finish on a hard floor requires thorough cleaning to remove dirt and grime, followed by the application of a specialised high-gloss floor polish like HG Laminate Gloss Cleaner, or finish designed for your flooring type.
Flawless Matt Finish: To achieve a matt finish on hard floors, use a matt floor finish product designed for your specific flooring type, like Bona Floor Polish Matt, ensuring a clean and smooth surface before application.
Get the right product from us today
Properly cleaning your hard floors is essential to preserve their beauty and extend their lifespan. Whether you have real wood, engineered wood, laminate, or other types of hard floors, following these expert tips and using the recommended products, such as Amtico Maintainer Floorcare, can help you achieve a clean and polished look.
Ordering the products mentioned could not be easier, just add to your basket and check out. Please note that there is a delivery cost for our next working day delivery service on UK deliveries, or you can select Store Pickup for free.
Drop into Teddington Carpet Centre, 13 Broad Street, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 8QZ to and explore our ranges. Have a question about how to clean hard floors? Give us a call on 020 8977 4562 or fill out your personal information on the form here, and we will endeavour to contact you within one working day.
