Spring cleaning takes on a new meaning this year with many of us quarantined at home with our families. But while you’re practicing social distancing at home with kids and pets all day long, your floors could be in serious need of a deep clean. It is important to remember that just because you can’t see dirt, it doesn’t mean your floor is clean, and not all cleaning products on the market kill germs effectively. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your floors are clean.
Getting Rid of Dirt
The first step to clean floors is to remove any debris and dirt. It is important to pay attention to high-traffic areas like entryways and rooms where the most people frequently gather, such as a living room. You can get rid of dirt fast with either a vacuum or a dust mop.
Dust mops are a good choice because they are perfect for picking up every day dirt brought into your home, and they are also machine washable, inexpensive and require no set up. Choose a dust mop that is gentle but strong enough to pick up dirt and debris. We recommend using a dust mop daily to decrease the dirt buildup in your home.
Vacuuming is perfect for bigger messes and high traffic areas and gives you the power to pick up debris that a dust mop might not pick up. Choose a vacuum or vacuum attachment with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt. It is important that you use a vacuum that does NOT contain rotary brush heads that could cause scratches.
Mopping Your Laminate Floors
Even if you sweep or vacuum regularly, you aren’t removing the hidden, built-up grime from the floor. Once dirt and dust are no longer visible, clean your floors with a slightly damp cloth mop. Combined with the right floor cleaner, mopping achieves a much deeper clean.
Here are some mopping Do’s and Don’ts:
Mopping DO’s
- DO use a soft cotton or cloth mop. Not all mops are the same, and the mop you use to clean your laminate flooring is important.
- DO towel dry any wet spots left over after mopping, excessive moisture can create potential damages such as warping, twisting and swelling of your floors.
- DO avoid harsh chemicals in your cleaners.
Mopping DON’T’s
- DON’T use a mop that will drip excess water on your floors such as a steam mop.
- DON’T use soap, detergent-based cleaners or any cleaners that contain oil or wax.
- DON’T pour cleaning liquid directly on the floor that will puddle or leave moisture standing on the floor.
Disinfecting Your Laminate Floors
When you mop your floors to free them of hidden dirt and grime, you can also disinfect with cleaning agents designed to kill germs on surfaces. Steer clear of bleach and other intense chemicals when cleaning your laminate flooring. Instead, use EPA-approved cleaners that are strong on germs, but gentle on your floors.
We recommend following the household cleaning guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control for up-to-date information on how to disinfect your home, including hard surfaces like laminate. Remember to always test EPA-approved disinfectants in an inconspicuous area before using.
Whether you’re using chemicals to clean your floors as part of a routine cleaning regimen, or you’re washing away known or suspected contaminants, always remember to protect your skin. Use disposable gloves or reusable gloves. After carefully removing the gloves, wash your hands vigorously for at least twenty seconds. Immediately wash or dispose of your gloves to avoid any germs that might remain on your gloves. Always store your cleaning products in a secure area away from children and pets.
Keep the Outside Out
Disinfecting can prevent the spread of germs and provide peace of mind, but a few easy prevention methods can keep dirt and germs from entering your home in the first place. If you can, start by limiting entryways so that you use only one door. By choosing one doorway for entering and exiting, you will drastically limit the areas where dirt and germs tend to accumulate.
Stop dirt from entering your home by using heavy duty mats outside of your entryway. If possible, create a specific area inside your home for dirty shoes and outerwear, such as a mudroom. If you don’t have the space in your home for a mudroom, a boot tray and coat rack can be a great alternative.
Clean floors can provide a peaceful dwelling and peace of mind while you’re safe at home with your family. Once you’ve achieved a deep clean, you can use these tips to maintain your fresh floors and enjoy more time with your loved ones.
