Different floors may require different cleaners or detergents. To cut through the filth, some floor cleaners add harsh chemicals like bleach. These products may be effective, but they might not always be safe. Most floors may be cleaned effectively with natural floor cleaners, while some can benefit from dry mopping. Here are some cleaning tips for various floor kinds, the best ways to ensure a clean floor, and some top eco-friendly cleaners to consider.
Tips for cleaning different types of flooring
Hardwood floor
Hardwood floors have polyurethane or wax finishing, while sealed wood floor has a coating that protects them from stains and water damage. Best ways to clean them include the use of a microfiber head mop with white vinegar and water or a diluted detergent. It’s advisable to avoid harsh chemicals to clean the hardwood floor. On the other hand, waxed wood floors may get damaged due to water. So they can be dusted or vacuumed instead.
Laminate flooring
Lamination protects the flooring from light and maintains its shine for years. It’s best to avoid the water from getting underneath the planks as it might cause swelling or bubbling. Dry or slightly damp mopping and vacuuming work best to clean this flooring type.
Cork floor
Cork is a natural insulator. The majority of cork flooring is sealed since it is absorbent. It is preferable to use a mild, diluted, and disinfecting detergent to clean this flooring.
Ceramic tile floor
Ceramic tile floors can be cleaned using a non-toxic mixture of warm water, white vinegar, or a mild natural detergent.
Bamboo floor
Unlike hardwood floor, bamboo is delicate, eco-friendly, and more prone to scratches. Except for the durable strand bamboo flooring, any other type may require more diligence during cleaning. A mild, pH-neutral soap solution and dry mopping work well for bamboo flooring.
Vinyl floor
This is the easiest flooring to clean and maintain. It can handle any detergent, acidic or otherwise, and removes dirt without leaving a soapy residue.
Natural stone floor
Granite, slate, marble, limestone, or other types of stone floors are easy to maintain. They work well with mild, non-acidic cleaners. It’s best to avoid bleach and ammonia for this flooring.
Steps to follow for a squeaky clean floor
Here are some best ways one can ensure a squeaky-clean floor:
Step 1
Moving away all the barriers, including movable furniture. This makes it possible to access the nooks and crannies and frequently overlooked areas of the house that could fester with dust or grime.
Step 2
Choosing suitable mop and detergent. While mopping, it’s advisable to dilute the detergent solution. One can wring out the excess water from the mop before cleaning the floor. This allows the floor to dry out faster.
Step 3
Following the detergent cleaning, it’s a good idea to give the surfaces a warm water rinse. Some detergents may contain chemicals that are harmful in the long run. Cleaning with warm water can help neutralize its effect. Alternatively, one can use a natural or eco-friendly detergent that is often kid and pet-friendly. Prior to rearranging the furniture, let the floor dry out.
Step 4
Cleaning and drying the mop before putting it away to prevent bacterial growth. Microfiber pads can be cleaned in the washing machine, while mop strips or pads can be cleaned with water and bleach.
Top eco-friendly and natural floor cleaners to consider
Nature+ Floor Cleaner
Suitable for laminate, wooden, tile, ceramic, and marble flooring, this product uses plant- and mineral-based ingredients. Apart from being vegan, it also comes with biodegradable packaging and leaves behind a light and fresh fragrance.
Bona’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner
A gallon of this concentrated floor cleaner can last for months. Made with a water-based formula, it uses eco-friendly ingredients and meets safe product standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The cleaner does not contain any harmful substances like parabens, phosphates, and ammonia and can work well on sticky grime and shoe prints.
Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash
Best for sealed floors like hardwood, tile, concrete, and linoleum, Aunt Fannie’s floor cleaner uses vinegar and lavender essential oil. The product is people and pet-friendly and leaves behind a natural fragrance. Its highly concentrated solution makes it suitable for long-term use. One can dilute half a cup of solution in two gallons of water.
Eco-Me’s Floor Cleaner
This gentle floor cleaner works best on hardwood and lino, and other soiled surfaces. It removes dirt and eliminates bacteria easily.
