Spring cleaning marks the perfect time to refresh your home and give your floors the attention they need. After a harsh winter, your floors could’ve collected a lot of dust, dirt, and grime. Whether you have carpet, hardwood, laminate, or tile, the right techniques and products make the difference between a clean space and a spotless one. Here are eight tips to help you give your floors a thorough cleaning this season.
1. Start with Decluttering
Before you can start on your floors, like any spring cleaning, you need to first pick up clutter. Move furniture, rugs, and any other items that may be obstructing the floor. This gives you access to hidden corners, edges, and any other nooks and crannies, making cleaning easier.
2. Dust and Sweep First
The next step will be to clean up all the dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that has accumulated on your floors. Make sure to dust the baseboards and edges then sweep or vacuum your floors to remove all the loose dirt or particles. To protect hardwood or tile floors, use a microfiber mop or broom to catch dust without scratching surfaces.
3. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Make sure you use the right cleaning products in order to maintain and protect your floors. Here’s what to use for different surfaces:
Hardwood — Avoid water-based cleaners as they may damage your wood floors. Instead, use a pH-balanced wood cleaner and a slightly damp mop. Too much water can warp wood, so be sure to wring out your mop well.
Tile — For grout and tiles, use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent works. For tough stains or grout cleaning, you can use a paste made from baking soda and water.
Carpet — Consider using a carpet cleaner, especially if you’re dealing with stains or high-traffic areas. Steam clean or rent a professional-grade carpet cleaner to give your carpet a deeper clean.
Laminate — Use a damp mop with a laminate-friendly cleaner to remove dust and grime without causing any damage. Like hardwood floors, using too much water can cause warping or other damage.
Focus on Stains and High-Traffic Areas
Certain areas of your floor, such as the entryway and hallways, may accumulate more dirt. Pay extra attention to these areas, you may even need to use spot treatments for stains or anything heavily soiled. For carpets, you can use a steam cleaner or spot-clean with a suitable product. For hardwood or laminate, use a gentle, safe solution to wipe away any stubborn stains.
Deep Clean Grout Lines
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle the often neglected grout lines of your title floor. As a result of daily use, tile floor grout can accumulate dirt and grime, causing it to become discolored. To clean it thoroughly, use a paste made of water and baking soda or a grout cleaner and scrub with a toothbrush or any other skinny brush that can easily get in the cracks. Use can also use a steam mop to help tackle stubborn stains.
Use a Steam Mop
A steam mop helps you get a deep clean, especially on tile or laminate floors. Steam can sanitize and remove dirt without using harsh chemicals. Make sure you use the appropriate setting for your floor type and that you can use a steam mop on your floor, as some floors will warp from the steam.
Dry Thoroughly
After you have mopped your floors, make sure they dry completely; leaving floors damp can lead to mold, mildew, or water stains. You can use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or towel to wipe up excess moisture if needed from hardwood, laminate, and tile floors. For carpets, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans to speed up the drying process.
Protect Your Floors After Cleaning
Once your floors are clean and dry, it’s time to protect them. Consider adding area rugs or mats to high-traffic areas, such as near doors or in the kitchen, to keep that section of your floor in good condition. Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent them from scratching your hardwood or laminate floors.
Maintain Regularly
Spring cleaning may have given you the chance to deep clean your floors and baseboards, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular maintenance to stay fresh year-round. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional spot cleaning can help reduce the buildup of dirt and dust.
Tackle Your Floors During Spring Cleaning This Year
Spring cleaning gives you the perfect opportunity to refresh your home and give your floors the attention they deserve. By following this guide, your floors will shine, and your space will feel fresh and inviting.
