Spring cleaning tips for every type of floor

A good spring cleaning for floors removes all the built-up grime of winter and makes floors look new again. That’s why it’s important to keep these spring cleaning tips for flooring close at hand when tackling your spring cleaning checklist.

Cleaning tips for all floors

• Visit a local flooring store for a cleaning product approved by the manufacturer to avoid voiding the floor warranty. Always follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer so floors aren’t discolored or damaged.
• For wood and vinyl floors, don’t forget to replace felt pads on furniture during spring cleaning. Felt pads protect flooring from scratches.
• Be careful when moving furniture over a hard floor before a deep clean. Pick up flooring whenever possible or use a blanket or cardboard underneath the furniture to avoid scratching the floor.
• Always vacuum or sweep floors before deep cleaning so debris doesn’t scratch flooring.
• Be careful about using household products for cleaning floors. Even natural products can damage the floor finish and discolor flooring.
• Schedule a professional floor cleaner for a quick and easy deep clean. (Some floor cleaners also do duct cleaning, another item on a spring cleaning checklist, which removes allergens from the HVAC system.)
• Place rugs by all exterior doors when floors dry after a good deep clean. Rugs are a good preventative measure that catch debris and water before it is tracked in. Put protective mats under rugs when needed to protect flooring.

Wood floor cleaning tips

• Wood floors should be vacuumed or swept before a deep clean. Choose a vacuum that won’t scratch wood floors to remove gravel and debris. (Get more information about choosing a vacuum cleaner here or visit a local flooring store for a list of vacuums recommended by the carpet manufacturer.)
• Don’t use a steam cleaner on a wood floor. Unfortunately, the moisture from a steam cleaner can permanently damage wood flooring and void the warranty.
• Stay away from using household products, like vinegar, when cleaning wood floors. Vinegar can damage the finish and make the finish look dull.
• Never leave standing puddles on a wood floor because the moisture can warp or stain wood. If there is any moisture left on wood floors after cleaning, use towels and fans to dry the floor.

Vinyl floor cleaning tips

• Always use a manufacturer-approved cleaner for cleaning vinyl floors. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage the finish and floor. Wax-based products can also do long-term damage.
• Use a gentle scrubber on floors. A soft mop is usually best for a deep clean. Stay away from mops and cleaning tools with abrasive materials that could come in contact with the flooring.
• If your vinyl floor was installed with grout, don’t use floor strippers. Floor stripper can breakdown grout and damage the floor finish.
• Don’t leave standing water after cleaning vinyl floors. Use fans and towels to remove standing puddles.

Carpet cleaning tips

• Carpets should be deep cleaned every 12-18 months, depending on the amount of use of the space. (Find out more about how often carpets should be cleaned in this blog post about carpet cleaning.) A good cleaning removes allergens and debris trapped in carpets. After deep cleaning, vacuum the carpets. (Contact a local carpet cleaner for an easy deep clean.)
• When spot cleaning, avoid household cleaners and ingredients that can damage carpet fibers. Avoid scrubbing the stain too hard during spot cleaning. Instead, blot at fibers during cleaning.
• Always test carpet cleaners on a hidden area of carpet in a closet or under a large piece of furniture. Some carpet cleaners can discolor carpet fibers or damage carpeting. (Even household products can hurt carpet fibers.)
• Use manufacturer-approved carpet cleaning products to avoid voiding the warranty. Visit a local flooring professional with any questions before cleaning carpet.