Investing in nice floors for your home also means putting the effort into maintaining them. However, different methods and products should be used for different types of flooring. There are also lots of old wives’ tales giving inaccurate advice for floor maintenance, which could potentially result in causing more damage than good. This article will debunk some of the most common floor clearing myths, providing the most practical, effective solutions.
Myth 1: You must always use chemicals
Floor detergents are a great way to help you get rid of any dirt or bacteria, but not all households want to use them. For instance, you will want to avoid harmful chemicals if you have children and pets, or if you want to be more sustainable. The truth is chemicals are not a necessity for clean floors. You can also use various natural solutions like white vinegar. If you want to go even more natural, Vileda floor mops can remove up to 99% of bacteria with water alone!
Myth 2: More soap equals cleaner floors
Many believe that using extra soap or detergent guarantees a deeper clean. However, this is a misconception. Excessive soap doesn’t necessarily enhance cleaning – instead, it leaves a sticky residue that attracts more dirt and grime. The key is to use the right amount of cleaning agent, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a clean finish without residue.
Myth 3: Vinegar cleans everything
Vinegar is a natural cleaning wonder, but it’s not suitable for all floor types. While it’s great for ceramic or porcelain tiles, vinegar’s acidic nature can damage certain hardwood, stone, and other porous surfaces. So, make sure to always do a small spot test to avoid ruining your flooring. Besides, you must make a suitable cleaning solution for your floor type.
Myth 4: Steam Cleaning is Universal
Steam cleaning can be highly effective and a more sustainable way to clean. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Steam can be very damaging for hardwood and laminate floors: the high temperature and moisture can cause warp, discolouration, and even cracks. It’s best reserved for tile and certain types of sealed flooring where high heat won’t cause damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Myth 5: Newer floors don’t need regular cleaning
Even brand-new floors can quickly lose their opulence without proper maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential, regardless of the floor’s age, to prevent dirt accumulation and maintain appearance. It’s not just about cleanliness – it’s about longevity. So, the earlier you start to properly maintain them, the longer they will last.
Myth 6: Shoes don’t affect floor cleanliness
Shoes track in bacteria and dirt from outdoor elements, even if you cannot see any visible dirt. Encouraging a no-shoes policy all year can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and germs brought into your home, making floor maintenance much easier.
Conclusion
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to floor maintenance, and these myths prove that. To keep them sparkling and unharmed for years to come, you find out which cleaning methods and products work best for your floor type.
