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Muddy shoes and sandy feet, paw prints, spills, crumbs and tumbleweeds of dust and pet hair – floors can cop a lot of wear and tear on a very expensive surface. The weekly whip-round with the vacuum and mop takes care of the worst of the dirt when it comes to floor cleaning, but a seasonal deep clean is the extra step your floors will thank you for, taking your home to a next level of clean and extending the life of your surfaces.
Solid timber floors can last for generations, but they need a little love to stay looking good. Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dust and dirt scratching the surface, and use the hard floor setting on the vacuum to turn off the brush roll. The greatest threat to your timber floor’s longevity is water, so mop with a damp microfibre mop, which holds less water than other types, says Bunnings national cleaning buyer Mario Mathuranayagam. “Be careful how much water you use when mopping. Excessive water on hardwood can cause swelling and can damage the timber stain if left to sit,” he adds. While water alone is more than enough for day-to-day cleaning, Mario recommends a timber-specific floor cleaner to preserve the wood and remove grime without leaving any residue.
Candice Cooke of cleaning technology specialist Kärcher advises vacuuming carpets and rugs at least once a week to keep them in good condition. “This will keep your carpet looking good for longer and will also ensure hygiene,” she explains. “Dust can settle deep into the fibres of carpets, holding onto pollutants and bacteria.” Steam cleaners can be used periodically to give your carpet a refresh and – hot tip – they’re also great for lifting dents caused by furniture legs!
Use a deep-cleaning machine periodically – about every six to 12 months. This is different from a steam cleaner, which uses the power of hot-water extraction to deep-clean carpets, rugs, upholstery, car interiors and even floor tiles and grout. Regular deep cleaning helps remove bacteria, dirt, allergens and stains that build up over time. It can also freshen up carpet.
To help ensure your carpets age gracefully, tackle stains fast. Use a chemical carpet-cleaning product, following the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fibres. A spot cleaner makes the job even easier. Simply spray the spot cleaning detergent onto the stain, leave it for a few minutes to work its magic and break down the dirt, then suck away the dirt with the powerful suction nozzle.
While known for its durability, laminate doesn’t like an excess of water, which can seep under the planks and damage the layers beneath the surface. “Never use a steam cleaner or a dripping-wet mop, which can easily damage laminate,” says Mario. “Instead, use a damp cloth to blot spills immediately, as standing liquid causes laminate to bubble and swell.”
For both laminate and timber floors, applying a floor polish product will give the surface added protection and a high-gloss finish. To do this, use a cleaning product like Long Life cloudy ammonia, which will strip off any existing waxy residue, then follow it up with a suitable floor polish.
For durability and ease of maintenance, vinyl scores top marks – simply sweep and mop it regularly. Steam mops are great for family homes, giving a hygienic clean without chemicals, and because vinyl isn’t affected by water, it’s ideal for steam cleaning. “The natural force of steam eliminates 99.99 per cent of germs and bacteria without using any harsh chemicals,” says Candice. “With attachments for almost every cleaning task, Kärcher steam cleaners are more versatile than traditional cleaning tools.”
When it comes to cleaning products, Mario says never use soap, wax or oil-based detergents on vinyl flooring, as they can tend to dull the finish and leave a greasy film.
Tiled floors are easy to keep in shape – all they need is regular sweeping and a mop with water alone or a tile-safe detergent (avoid those with ammonia, which can discolour grout). But the grout in between is a different story, as mopping actually pushes dirt into the gaps between the tiles. Steam mops can help prevent this issue. “A steam mop is a good choice because it cleans and sanitises tiles without leaving behind streaks. And because steam cleaners use only water, they won’t damage the grout,” says Mario.
Extra care is needed for natural stone tiles. Like marble, stone is more porous than other surfaces, so you’ll need to jump on spills and stains straight away, using a mild detergent. Never use vinegar or other acidic cleaners. Stone floors should be sealed for protection – then you will be able to use a steam cleaner on them.
To keep your floors in tip-top shape, stick to a regular weekly routine of vacuuming carpets, and vacuuming or sweeping and mopping hard floors. High-use rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, might need more frequent attention. Tackle spills and stains as soon as they happen. Then aim for a deep clean at least once a year. For anyone with kids, pets or allergies, it’s recommended to do this every six months.
With good organisation, a deep clean of all your floor surfaces can be done in a weekend. Start by getting your gear ready – steam cleaners can be hired from the Hire Shop in store. Open all doors and windows to speed up drying time. Begin with carpeted rooms, then do the hard surfaces, leaving thoroughfares until last to avoid cleaning yourself into a corner. Plan to be out of the home afterwards – about four hours should do it.
Skirting boards are dust catchers, especially those with ornate profiles. For an extra-fresh deep clean, use a solution of warm water and mild detergent or a splash of cleaning vinegar and wipe them down by hand. Use a toothbrush or crevice tool to get into corners and polish them dry with a microfibre cloth.
Freshen up alfresco area floors in time for spring with a deep-cleaning treatment.
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders, GAP Interiors/David Giles
