Best Cleaning Equipment for Every Floor Surface

You might be looking for a one-size-fits-all approach to floor cleaning, but the reality is that it can be more efficient to use different types of equipment according to the surface you are tackling. Even the best vacuum cleaner can’t do it all!

So what are your best options for everything from wood and tile to carpet and even concrete? Here are some quick answers to solve your floor-cleaning conundrums.

Show laminate flooring some love

When it comes to clean-ability, laminate flooring is king. In most cases, it will manage to repel those unfortunate spills and daily dust build-ups, but the downside is that it tends to show dirt more readily than alternative surfaces.

Cleaning with a vacuum on a daily basis is usually necessary, especially if you have pets and children on the loose. Make sure to use a brush attachment where possible to avoid leaving marks on the surface. You can pick up some great tips at SweepScrub. 

Opting for an automated vacuum system can make life much easier, and a Roomba vacuum costs less than you might think these days. This can make maintaining your laminate flooring a breeze.

For addressing more stubborn grime on laminate flooring, a microfiber mop will work. Avoid using any cleaning products which are not specifically designed for laminate, as this could also tarnish the laminate surface rather than cleaning it.

Help your hardwood flooring shine bright

Hardwood flooring tends to be a little more susceptible to certain types of damage, and is more costly to install and repair than laminate, for obvious reasons. You can still vacuum the surface using equipment that has a hardwood mode and dealing with tougher marks or spills can be achieved using a wet cloth and a cleaning solution that is wood-safe.

Be aware that even plain water can damage hardwood floors, so drying the surface thoroughly immediately after mopping will save you a headache. Avoid contact with any abrasive cleaning products, both in terms of chemicals and the materials themselves.

The best way to preserve the look of hardwood flooring is to try and stop the causes of damage, including by banning footwear in areas where it is present and covering entry points with mats to make this goal achievable.

Let linoleum look its best

Often found in high traffic areas like kitchens and utility rooms, linoleum is relatively rugged but still needs to be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.

Nothing more than a mild detergent is all you will need to bring the sheen back to most modern linoleum floor surfaces, so grab a mop and bucket and get scrubbing! If you have any problem areas, a brush can be your best friend. Depending on the size of your floor, you may need to change your soapy water several times, and always finish with one final water-only round to rinse off the excess suds.

Take your tiles to the next level

Tiled flooring looks great, so long as it is given a regular hit of TLC. Start off with a vacuum session, or sweep up the loose debris with a brush. Next grab a chamois cloth to deal with each tile individually. This is recommended over mopping because the grouting between the tiles can end up clogged with dislodged dirt if you are using a larger piece of equipment.

Tiles are a little more time consuming to buff up, but it will be well worth the effort when you see how much gleam they can produce if you use only a small amount of mild detergent in combination with a cloth and some good old fashioned elbow grease.