Spring Cleaning Tips for Carpet and Flooring

Start fresh this spring and begin with a deep cleaning session on your flooring. Whether you have hardwood, carpet, ceramic or vinyl, there are easy treatments that will get your flooring in tip-top condition and help maintain its quality. Add in some organization, dusting and decluttering and your home will feel like new!

Hardwood Floors

If your hardwood floors have accumulated dents, scratches and stains over the year, it may be time to refinish them. This involves sanding them down and waxing. For a more basic spring clean, follow these steps:

• Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the entire area. If you need to, use a vacuum attachment to get into deep corners and edges.

• Find a cleaner that’s specifically formulated for hardwood floors. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Dilute the cleaner per the package instructions.

• Use a sponge or damp mop to wash the floor with the cleaner. Don’t use steam mops. The high temperature of the steam can damage the flooring.

• Avoid warping the wood by wiping up any excess water left on the floor with a towel or use a fan.

• If you have the space to rearrange your furniture, this will help lower the risk of fading from exposure to sunlight.

Carpet & Area Rugs

Aim to have your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-12 months and vacuumed at least once a week. If you have kids or pets, you’ll have to do this much more often. When it comes time for a deep clean, here are the steps to take:

• Start by removing everything from the floor. If you can, move furniture into another room so that you can get to areas that haven’t been cleaned on a regular basis.

• Sweep off the floorboards or use a vacuum attachment to get dirt off the trim. It may be necessary to use a damp rag to wipe them down and rub off any scuff marks.

• Try to spot clean stains first with water then if more is necessary, use a cleaner.

• Vacuum the entire area. Use attachments to get to hard to reach areas.

• If you own pets, go over your carpet and area rugs with a carpet brush to catch any stray hairs that have accumulated.

• Clean your carpet with a water or dry extraction cleaner. If you don’t own one, hire a professional or rent one from a rental center.

• Allow enough time for the carpet to dry before replacing furniture. Typically you should wait 24 hours.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are possibly the easiest to keep clean all year long. But this ultra-durable flooring will need a spring cleaning as well.

• Start by sweeping or vacuuming the tile floor to get rid of any dust, pet hair or debris.

• Use a plastic or nylon scraper to remove any sticky spots.

• Mop the floor with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner for ceramic tile and grout. Only use enough to make the mop damp.

• Rinse the floor off with pure water and a clean mop.

• Wipe up any excess water and dry the tiles off for a shine.

• If you find stains in your grout, use a grout marker to hide any spots.

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is also fairly easy to keep clean. But it will need attention to keep it well maintained.

• Sweep the floor with a broom and get into every corner.

• Dilute one cup of apple cider vinegar in one gallon of warm water. Then sponge mop the vinyl floor.

• Do not use ammonia. This can degrade the vinyl and cause cracking.

• If you have furniture on the vinyl, use coasters under the legs to avoid any permanent indentations.

Getting down into the nitty-gritty and cleaning every floor in your home will ensure that you’ll have an easier time taking care of your home’s flooring for the remainder of the year. If you have any questions about carpet maintenance or stain removal, give us a call at 316-267-2512.