How To Deep Clean Hardwood Floors — Tiles, Vinyl And Linoleum Floors

Imagine walking barefoot on your floors, feeling the soft, clean texture beneath your feet. But what if a hidden dirt, grime, and harmful allergens lurks beneath that seemingly pristine surface? Studies have shown that floors can harbour more bacteria than toilet seats. 

This can lead to a range of health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin irritations. In this guide, we’ll show you how to deep clean different types of floors effectively and remove hidden dirt and germs.

In this blog, we will cover:

• How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors
• How to Deep Clean Vinyl Floors
• How to Clean Tile Floors

How To Deep Clean Different Types Of Floors

How To Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

Here are the tools and materials you’ll need to deep clean hardwood floors:

Tools

1. Broom
2. Dry or microfiber mop
3. Vacuum with a hard floor setting or flat attachment
4. Damp microfiber clean mop
5. Deck brush or soft-bristle brush (optional for scrubbing)
6. Sandpaper (fine grit for light sanding)
7. Humidifier (for maintaining optimal humidity levels)

Materials:

1. Hardwood floor cleaner or mild cleaning solution
2. Stain marker or wax stick (for scratch repair)
3. Matching wood stain (for deeper scratches)
4. Polyurethane (for touch-up or recoating)
5. Clean towels (for drying the floor)
6. Water (for mopping)
7. Optional: Humidity meter (to monitor moisture levels)

Method

1. Daily sweeping prevents dirt and grime from scratching the surface of your hardwood floors. Follow up with a dry or microfiber mop to capture any remaining dust and maintain the shine.
2. Vacuum regularly to remove fine particles from cracks and between planks. Use the hard floor setting or a flat attachment to avoid scratching the wood.
3. Mop with a damp microfiber mop and avoid excess water to prevent swelling or warping. Skip steam mops, as they can damage the floor.
4. Minor scratches can be fixed with a stain marker or wax stick. For deeper scuffs, lightly sand, apply matching stain, and finish with polyurethane.
5. Wood reacts to temperature and humidity. Avoid excess moisture to prevent cupping, and use a humidifier to combat dry conditions that can cause cracking.
6. When the finish wears down, recoat the floors by applying a fresh layer of finish to restore shine and extend the life of the wood without sanding.

How to Deep Clean Vinyl And Linoleum Floors

Here are the tools and materials you’ll need to clean vinyl floors:

Tools:

• Broom or vacuum (with hard floor setting or beater bar removed)
• Microfiber cloth
• Microfiber mop
• Bucket (for mopping solution)
• Towel (for drying the floor)

Materials:

• Commercial vinyl floor cleaner (optional)
• Vinegar (for homemade cleaning solution)
• Dish soap (optional for extra cleaning power)
• Warm water (for mopping solution)

Method

1. Start by thoroughly sweeping or vacuuming the vinyl floor. If using a vacuum, ensure the beater bar is removed or switch to a setting designed for hard floors to prevent scratches.
   
2. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to gently buff away any scuff marks. A bit of water is usually enough to remove them.
3. Finish by mopping with a microfiber mop. You can use a commercial cleaner or make your own by mixing one cup of vinegar with a gallon of hot water. For extra cleaning power, add a couple of drops of dish soap to the solution.

Mopping Tip: Make sure to wring out the mop well before use, and dry the floor with a towel afterward to prevent water damage. Excess water can warp vinyl flooring.

How to Deep Clean Tile Floors

Tools:

• Vacuum (preferably with a HEPA filter and soft-brush roller)
• Crevice tool (for hard-to-reach areas)
• Long-handled deck brush
• Spray mop
• Steam mop (optional for sterilizing)

Materials:

• Multi-surface cleaner
• Warm water (for rinsing or refilling the mop)
• Soft microfiber cloth or towel (optional, for drying or additional cleaning)

Method

1. Start by vacuuming to remove any loose dirt or debris. A vacuum with a HEPA filter and soft-brush roller works best for tile floors, as it picks up dust and crumbs more efficiently than sweeping. Use a crevice tool for those tricky spots like corners, baseboards, and under cabinets.
2. Spray a multi-surface cleaner directly onto the tiles and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area using a long-handled deck brush. Work in small sections, around four feet at a time, spraying, scrubbing, and then rinsing before moving to the next section. A deck brush allows you to clean while standing, providing more scrubbing power compared to a handheld brush.
3. After scrubbing each section, rinse away the cleaner with a spray mop. Simply spray the area with water and mop up any dirt or leftover cleaner.
4. Optional– Sterilize with a Steam Mop: For an extra level of cleanliness, use a steam mop. This step helps sterilize the tiles by using high-temperature steam to remove any remaining residue or dirt that the mop didn’t catch.

14 Mistakes To avoid While Cleaning Floors

Here are 14 common mistakes people make while cleaning floors:

1. Using Too Much Water: Excess water can seep into cracks and cause warping, especially on wood or vinyl floors.
2. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products: Certain floors require specific cleaners—using the wrong one can strip finishes or cause damage.
3. Not Sweeping or Vacuuming First: Skipping the initial sweeping or vacuuming leaves dirt and debris, which can cause scratches when mopping.
4. Using a Dirty Mop: A dirty mop spreads grime rather than cleaning the floor effectively.
5. Not Wringing the Mop Properly: Mops that are too wet can leave water spots, residue, or damage the floor.
6. Using a Beater Bar on Hardwood or Tile: Leaving the beater bar on while vacuuming hard floors can cause scratches.
7. Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines: Not following the care instructions for specific flooring types can lead to damage or dull finishes.
8. Skipping the Drying Step: Leaving floors wet after mopping can result in water damage or streaks.
9. Using Abrasive Brushes or Cleaners: Scrubbing with harsh materials can leave permanent scratches or damage the floor finish.
10. Not Maintaining the Proper Humidity Levels: For wood floors, neglecting humidity control can cause cupping or cracking.
11. Cleaning with Steam on Sensitive Floors: Steam cleaning can be too harsh for wood and vinyl, causing warping or weakening adhesives.
12. Not Changing Cleaning Solutions Often Enough: Reusing dirty water or cleaning solutions leads to a buildup of grime instead of cleaning.
13. Overusing Soap: Too much soap can leave a residue, making floors sticky and attracting dirt more quickly.
14. Skipping Spot Cleaning: Ignoring spills or stains can result in set-in stains or long-term damage to certain types of flooring.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a longer-lasting, cleaner, and well-maintained floor.

Wrap Up

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively deep clean your floors and maintain a healthier, more hygienic living environment.

Remember to choose the appropriate cleaning methods and products for your specific floor type, and don’t forget to address hidden areas like corners and baseboards. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the life of your floors and ensure they remain beautiful and inviting for years to come

FAQs

What is the best way to deep clean a floor?

Use a specialized cleaning solution for your floor type and scrub thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush or floor scrubber.

How do you mop a very dirty floor?

Pre-treat stubborn stains with a solution and use a microfiber mop, changing the water frequently.

What do professionals use to clean floors?

Professionals often use commercial-grade cleaning machines and may employ steam cleaning or dry cleaning techniques.

How do you clean dirty hard floors?

For mild dirt, use a mild detergent solution and a mop. For heavy dirt or stains, consider a stronger cleaning agent or a steam cleaner.