The sensation of walking on floors that are freshly mopped and shine with a clean glow is incomparable. However, there are occasions when, even after putting in maximum effort, our floors fail to meet the level of cleanliness we strive for.
If you’re finding that your floors just aren’t coming up as sparkly as you’d like, there’s a chance you may be making one (or more) of these common floor cleaning mistakes. Here are four mistakes you may be making when cleaning your floors:
Key Points
- Sweep or vacuum first to get rid of any big dirt and debris.
- Make sure you’re using the right attachment on your vacuum (i.e., the bare floor setting).
- If you have a lot of pet hair, use a lint roller to remove it before mopping.
- When mopping, be sure to wring out your mop head well so that it’s only slightly damp—you don’t want puddles of water on your floor.
- To make things easier, invest in a good-quality steam mop that will do most of the work for you. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully so you know how much water to use (if any).
- Not all flooring is created equal—some types are more delicate than others and require special care. For example, tile and stone floors can usually be cleaned with pretty much anything, but hardwood floors are much more delicate and require gentler treatment.
- Be sure to clean your mop head (or pads) after each use. If you have a reusable mop head, simply rinse it in hot water and allow it to air dry.
Not Prepping Your Floor Well Enough Before Mopping
One mistake you may be making when cleaning your floors is not prepping them well enough before mopping. This means things like sweeping or vacuuming first to get rid of any big dirt and debris that could clog up your mop head and make it harder to clean effectively. Not prepping your floor can also leave streaks and smears behind.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when prepping your floors for a good clean:
- Sweep or vacuum first to get rid of any big dirt and debris.
- Make sure you’re using the right attachment on your vacuum (i.e., the bare floor setting).
- If you have a lot of pet hair, use a lint roller to remove it before mopping.
Note: If you have hardwood floors, be sure to use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum attachment so you don’t scratch the surface.
Using Excessive Steam or Water
Another mistake people often make when cleaning their floors is using too much water or steam. This can actually damage some types of flooring, such as hardwood or laminate.
When mopping, be sure to wring out your mop head well so that it’s only slightly damp—you don’t want puddles of water on your floor.
To make things easier, invest in a good-quality steam mop that will do most of the work for you. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully so you know how much water to use (if any).
Pro Tip: For an extra clean, add a few drops of essential oil to your mop water. This will not only leave your floors smelling great but can also help disinfect them.
Not Knowing Your Flooring Well Enough
Not all flooring is created equal—some types are more delicate than others and require special care. For example, tile and stone floors can usually be cleaned with pretty much anything, but hardwood floors are much more delicate and require gentler treatment.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning different types of flooring:
- Hardwood floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly and mopped with a damp (not wet) mop. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners as these can damage the finish.
- Tile and stone floors can usually be cleaned with pretty much anything, but avoid using anything too abrasive as this can scratch the surface.
- Laminate floors should be swept or vacuumed regularly and mopped with a damp (not wet) mop. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners as these can damage the finish.
Not Cleaning Your Mop Properly
If you’re not cleaning your mop properly, chances are it’s just spreading dirt and grime around instead of actually cleaning your floors. Be sure to clean your mop head (or pads) after each use. If you have a reusable mop head, simply rinse it in hot water and allow it to air dry.
There are also disposable mop heads available that can be thrown away after each use. These are great option if you’re worried about cross-contamination (e.g., from mopping the bathroom to the kitchen).
For either type of mop head, be sure to clean the actual mop handle as well. This is often overlooked but it’s just as important in preventing the spread of dirt and grime.
Not Cleaning Your Floors Often Enough
If you’re not cleaning your floors often enough, they’re going to start to look dirty, no matter how well you clean them. Depending on the type of flooring you have and the amount of foot traffic in your home, you may need to clean them daily, weekly, or monthly.
As a general rule of thumb, hardwood and laminate floors should be mopped at least once a week, while tile and stone floors can be mopped every other week. Of course, if you have pets or small children, you may need to clean your floors more often. This is because they’re more likely to track in dirt and grime from outside.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder on your calendar or phone so you don’t forget to clean your floors!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few mistakes you may be making when cleaning your floors. This includes using the wrong cleaning supplies, not knowing your flooring well enough, and not cleaning your floors often enough. However, if you don’t have the time or energy to clean your floors yourself, you can just hire a professional cleaner from Petaling Jaya to do it for you. This way, you can be sure that your floors will be clean and looking their best.