Spring cleaning never really ends. Even though most people participate in some form of annual deep cleaning, 33% of homeowners often walk away from the task feeling like they haven't done a sufficient job of cleaning. While most people focus their cleaning on decluttering and tidying windows, major home elements like floors can be neglected.
We've compiled a list of eight of the best cleaning tips to help you learn the best way to clean floors. From carpets to tile, we've got you covered.
1. Treat Scuffs and Scratches Naturally
While you might find yourself drawn to chemical cleaners and disinfectants for tough jobs, natural cleaners can often be safer and more cost-effective for reparative jobs.
If you have dark wood furniture that's been scratched over time, make it look brand new with a single walnut. Rub the walnut over the scratch a few times, then use your finger and a soft cloth to buff and smooth out the walnut's oils from the wood. This simple trick can save you hundreds on restaining or replacing old, scratched furniture.
To remove scuff marks from floors, pour a few drops of jojoba oil onto a cloth and then buff at the scuff marks with the cloth. The jojoba oil will pick up the scuff and leave your floors looking brand new.
Of course, if you happen to have WD-40 as opposed to jojoba oil laying around, the multi-use cleaner will work wonders in a pinch.
2. Freshen Your Home from the Carpet Up
Vacuum fresheners are quick, inexpensive, and necessary for your house cleaning toolkit.
Simply sprinkle laundry crystals or ground cinnamon on the carpet before vacuuming to release the fragrance into the air as you clean. If neither of those scents is particularly pleasing to you, vacuum fresheners are an easy DIY.
Simply mix baking soda with essential oils until you have a powder that you like. Consider mixing various oils to create a scent that is unique to your home, like lavender and rose or orange and rosemary.
3. Season Your Stains
Speaking of DIY cleaners, don't rush for the carpet cleaner the next time you spill red wine on your white rugs. Instead, grab the kitchen salt.
Blot up as much of the liquid as you can, and then liberally sprinkle salt all over the stain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, or until the salt has absorbed the color and turned pink. Vacuum up the salt, and then clean the area with a 1:2 vinegar and water ratio, scrubbing to remove the stain.
4. Repurpose Old Tights
Instead of throwing out your nylons the next time they rip, hold onto a piece. The next time you drop in earring in the carpet or lose some change in the couch, secure your nylon to the mouth of your vacuum's hose attachment with a spare rubber band.
The vacuum will still function, but the thin nylon will act as a barrier and prevent precious items from being sucked up along with the rest of the dirt and dust. Once you're done, wipe off the nylon and tuck it away until the next time it's needed.
5. Use Carpet Cleaner on Your Tile Floors
Whether you prefer store bought or homemade, carpet cleaners are for more than just your carpets. If you've noticed the grout in your floor tile looking a little extra dingy lately, crack out the carpet cleaner and spray a thick layer on the grout.
After letting the carpet cleaner permeate the grout for a few minutes, buff it out with a cloth before a quick mop of the entire floor. The carpet cleaner will lift out all of the old dirt and grime, leaving your tiles looking even cleaner than before. Make sure to test this option out in an inconspicuous section of your flooring first to be positive this is the best way for you to be cleaning tile floors.
6. DIY Swiffer Pads
Swiffers are a brilliant tool for fast and effective cleaning, but the refill pads can quickly add up.
Making your own pads is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
Depending on whether you have a Wet Jet or a Sweeper, you'll want to grab some extra rags or socks that you won't mind converting into reusable cleaners. Follow the step-by-step guide listed above, or strap on some fuzzy socks after spraying cleaning solution on the floor and crack out your best dance routine as you polish the floors with your feet.
7. Creative Bucket Filling
Filling up the bucket is one of the messiest parts of mopping, but it doesn't have to be.
Grab an extra pool noodle and attach one end to the faucet and the other to the bucket to create a foam pipe that lets you keep the bucket on the ground for the entire process.
If you have a standalone sink that you use to fill your bucket, take a dustpan and attach it to your sink's faucet with an elastic band so that the widest part of the pan is under the faucet, and the mouth of the dustpan is directly above the bucket. As water pours from the faucet, it will funnel into the bucket.
8. Don't Forget the Baseboards
It doesn't matter how clean your floors are - if your baseboards are dirty, your house won't seem completely clean.
After you've finished cleaning your floors, take a rag and spray it with some floor cleaner. Use that rag to wipe down the baseboards, removing dust and stains as you go. The process shouldn't take long, but the effects will be noticeable.
The Best Way to Clean Floors
The best way to clean floors is entirely dependent on the type of flooring that you have. There are, however, hacks for every type of flooring available.
No matter the type of flooring your home has, there are options for you to ensure that you leave this year's deep cleaning feeling like you've completely transformed your home from the rafters to the floorboards.
Drop us a line to let us know your favorite cleaning tips and tricks.
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