Different Hard Floors and Their Cleaning Requirements
When the time comes to choose a flooring it could be very tempting to use the type that looks best, without thinking of the maintenance that will have to follow later. Consider now all the benefits and drawbacks of each type of hard floor and the respective cleaning methods.
Solid Hard Wood Flooring
Two of the most preferred types of flooring are laminated and hard wood flooring. Wood, because of its elasticity and flexibility is one of the most commonly used flooring types. Solid hard wood flooring has an advantage because of its durability (I guess that is pretty obvious from the name). It has a very natural and warm look. There is a reason why this type, in particular, has been around for centuries – it is virtually timeless and adds great value to the home. That means if you are renovating your home and you want to sell it for a good price, go for solid hardwood flooring. That will, inevitably, raise the value of the property. This type of flooring come in cherry, oak, maple, walnut and many more!
Cleaning: Dry-mop or vacuum clean the floor, dampen a mop with water and few drops of cleaning detergent. When you clean solid hard wood, make sure you don’t use rough brushes that can easily scratch the surface. Use microfiber mops and soft brushes (on the vacuum cleaner). Clean with very little water. In fact don’t use water at all, but damp cloths and mops instead.
Laminated Flooring
On the other hand laminated flooring is one of the most prominent choices, nowadays. More and more people are going for it, because it is a lot less expensive and very easy to maintain. It simulates hard wood flooring, but, unfortunately it is made by plastic derived from formaldehyde, therefore doesn’t have the qualities of solid hard wood flooring. It is resistant to stains, scratches, burns and water. It is great for hallways where there is high traffic, but most people use it everywhere, really, because it is very easy to install and maintain. Even though it is easier to maintain it does need to be cared for. Usually laminated wood flooring has relatively shorter life than solid hard wood one. Therefore, in households with heavy traffic, the maintenance should be of a good enough quality, so that you can enjoy your flooring for longer.
Cleaning: One of the first and most important rules when it comes to laminate floor cleaning is: Less Water is Best! Vacuum clean the floor and use a microfiber mop and a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. It’s not recommended to use string and sponge mops as they use more water, leave streaky marks and make it easier for water to sink in to the cracks.
Tile Flooring
Tile floors are very versatile and usually go well everywhere. They are fairly easy to clean, depending on their pattern (don’t get white tiles in your living room – learn from my previous experience). You can match them with carpets and rugs and best of all they don’t get damaged as easily as hardwood. The tricky bit is they are not always comfortable and cosy. Yes, you can place them in your bathroom and cover an area of your kitchen with them, but they are no good for rooms like bedrooms, nurseries and living rooms.
Cleaning: Vacuum clean and sweep your tiles and then mop them with a solution of vinegar and lukewarm water, or commercial cleaner diluted in a bucket of lukewarm water. Let them dry and don’t allow family members and pets to step on the tiles. For a deep cleaning you can always use a professional tile and grout cleaning service.
Cork Flooring
Image Credit: Nicolás Boullosa
The benefits of cork are many. It is relatively cheaper and very eco-friendly. Cork is acquired from the removing of the outer bark of the oak tree. It causes absolutely no harm to the tree when done from time to time. No oak trees die in comparison to other wood flooring types. Secondly it has the insulating qualities of a carpet. Many people prefer carpets because they are very heat and noise insulating, however they are very difficult to take care of. Therefore cork flooring has certain benefits over carpets.Cork is also very safe. It is soft, so in
comparison to tiles if you drop something it won’t shatter. In addition it has anti-allergenic properties. It is resistant to insects thanks to a substance typical for cork. It is no toxic, as it doesn’t release toxic gases. No use of chemicals and paints also.
Cork flooring is also very durable and long lasting which makes it perfect for high traffic areas. It is largely used in schools and other public buildings and hallways. It comes in different colours which makes it virtually perfect for any of your rooms. And lastly, but not least, cork flooring is recyclable. If you decide you want to get rid of it (which is unlikely) you can recycle it and therefore help protect the environment.
Cleaning: In terms of cleaning cork flooring is very easy – vacuum clean it often and wash it with water, solution and mop. Wait for it top dry and it will be like new again.
For more help with house cleaning, give Fantastic Cleaners Sydney a call: 02 8103 2006
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