There are many types of floor coverings on the market to choose from therefore tips for cleaning the kitchen floor will depend on what type of floor covering you own. Each type of flooring demands its own type of cleaning from wood laminate to vinyl. Here are a few suggestions for cleaning different types of kitchen floor coverings.
Laminate wood flooring
Start by damp mopping your laminate wood floor. Place your mop in a pail of very hot water and wring it our as dry as you can possibly make it. The hot water will speed up the drying time and will not settle on your floor. You can also use vinegar in your water if you want to use a cleaner. If you are unsure about cleaners check with the manufacturers they will have a cleaning product that they will recommend. Some people get good results with a Swiffer broom while others feel that it does not clean well enough.
There are some things you should never use if you have a laminate wood floor such as any soap based cleaners or anything that has citrus in it. You should never use anything abrasive on your floor. It will damage the finish. Acetone is the closest you can come to a cleaner if you encounter a really stubborn stain.
Hardwood floor covering
Hardwood flooring is a very special floor and can prove to be a very good investment in your home. If you are dealing with hardwood flooring there are a few tips you should do when cleaning. You can sweep your hardwood floor or dust mop it on a daily bases but when it comes time for a deep cleaning there is another method that works well.
Place a small amount of water in a pail and dip your mop in without any cleaner. Wring out your mop as dry as you can get it and mop your floor. Try to go with the grain of your wood instead of cleaning you floor from side to side. By going with the grain there is less chance of water building up in the seams which can damage a hardwood floor. If your hardwood is finished this is all it should need. Keep in mind that if you use cleaner on your hardwood floor it could void the warranty from the manufacturer.
Vinyl floor covering
Vinyl flooring is perhaps the more versatile when it comes to cleaning but if you want to keep the finishes looking new there are some precautions you can take. To keep your vinyl floor fresh and clean combine a tablespoon of dish detergent, two tablespoons of ammonia and a gallon of water. This is a very gently cleaner for your vinyl flooring.
Unlike hardwood and laminate the amount of water that is used on vinyl does not really matter except for the danger of slipping. If this is not doing the job on your vinyl floor you can chose your own preference of floor cleaners as long as they are not to abrasive.
Tile floor covering
If you are fortunate enough to have ceramic tile in your kitchen this is perhaps the easiest floor to care for when it comes to cleaning. All you need is warm water and a mop to keep it in good shape. Finish your floor off by dry mopping it to get the shine you are looking for. Ceramic can come with or without the glaze. The glaze is easiest to maintain. If your tile is not glazed you have to put a little more effort into cleaning. Unglazed ceramic tile attracts dirt and takes daily cleaning to keep it fresh. Again you should only use clear water for daily maintenance.
There are some things you should avoid when cleaning tile. This includes any type of abrasive cleaner or scrub pads or you may damage the finish. Using bleach or ammonia can also damage your finish by fading it out. Perhaps the most important tip of all is never put wax on a glazed or unglazed kitchen tile.
Before you clean your flooring always check with the manufacturer for their advice on how to maintain the flooring. This is important due to the warranty on your floor covering. It can be voided by using the wrong cleaning products. Cleaning your floor should prove to be very easy when you use tips for cleaning the kitchen floor tiles.
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