Home Lifestyle Tips For Keeping Your Flooring Clean

Tips For Keeping Your Flooring Clean

by InvisiblyMe
A birds-eye view of a light brown hard wood floor. Someone is standing at the bottom of the picture; all we see are their blue Converse. The post title is overlaid in the centre.

If you’re like me, the current coronavirus pandemic may have made you all the more aware of the need for cleanliness. Today I’m sharing a collaborative guest post on keeping your flooring clean, which is important for how it looks, for a healthy home, and for the longevity of your flooring material.

It’s hard to keep on top of cleaning and most of us don’t get round to it as often as we’d like – especially if you come from a busy family household! Since you’ve probably spent a significant amount of money on your new flooring, you’ll want to maintain it and keep it looking fresh for as long as possible. Thankfully there’s ways you can do this to keep it impressive for as long as possible. 

Plenty of Sweeping

As obvious as it is, regular sweeping will prevent anything getting trodden in and stones scratching the floors. Be aware of the attachment on the vacuum, as these can scratch certain flooring materials such as real wood.

Three cleaning tools against a white background. A traditional mop, a broom, and a dustpan are lined up, where we see the main part of the tools and just a little of their handles.

We’d recommend vacuuming at least once a week to keep it looking fresh, mopping too. Warm soapy water works well, but if you want to go one step further then purchasing specialist floor cleaner will work the best. Always mopping dry large amounts of water as it can cause damage especially to wood and laminate floors.

Do not use a steam mop with wood, as it can cause it to shrink and warp over time! 

Be Aware of What it Comes Into Contact With 

The best way to keep your floor in the best condition possible it to take measures to stop it getting damaged. This means avoid wearing outdoor shoes indoors and instead use slippers. Not only are shoes harsher on floors, but they also spread dirt and debris around which can scratch.

Place mats by entrances to encourage people to wipe their shoes and place rugs in areas where there’s lots of footfall. It’s also worth getting furniture floor protectors.

The interior of a hallway in a home showing hardwood floors, light coloured walls, a shelf with ornaments to the right and a door into another room ahead.

Of course, the trials of everyday life will mean that your floor will come into contact with things that’ll damage it and as a result, durability is something that most of us have to prioritise. Solid wood, laminate and luxury vinyl tiles are very durable choices and will last many years without showing wear. Although solid wood is likely to last a lifetime, it can scratch and stain.

Don’t worry if the worst does happen though – real wood can be sanded down and refinished to eradicate any damage. This should not normally need to be done for the first 15-20 years, so along with it’s already very long lifespan, you can only imagine how long these gorgeous floors can last!

A black scroll divider.

Do you manage to keep your floors clean regularly, or is it something you feel you might need to do more often?

[ This is a collaborative guest post & as such the ideas expressed here are that of the author ]

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31 comments

Nisha June 18, 2020 - 5:27 pm

Nice tips Caz and yes we need to ensure more cleanliness during these times .I also agree with the mats at the doors and the out side shoes to stay out and have a separate pair for indoors to minimize dirt . Take care !

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:03 am

I’m the same with the mats here, it’s definitely helped to have an outer and inner one. Glad you liked the post, thanks for the comment, Nisha! Stay safe lovely xx

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violaetcetera June 21, 2020 - 6:24 pm

I too am a member of Team Swiffer. It’s really amazing how much dust and dirt it picks up (we are living with three furbabies).
I hope you are well, Caz xo

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Laura Beth June 18, 2020 - 5:48 pm

My house has been cleaner since COVID started. Part of it is because I’ve been working from home, and able to take a break from the computer for 10 minutes to throw in a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, and so on. Great tips about floors. I’m investing in another pair of house shoes, because I have a horrible habit of not switching my outdoor shoes to indoor ones. Thanks!

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:05 am

I’m glad you’ve been able to be a bit more flexible since working from home. It can have its advantages if you can do odd things around the house here and there, rather than have the home as a distraction. I’ve done the same with indoor shoes, but I need to remember to take the outdoor ones off before trudging upstairs to put the indoor shoes on! Thanks for the comment, Laura. Stay safe and I hope you have a restful weekend xx

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Terri, Reclaiming HOPE June 18, 2020 - 7:03 pm

These are some great tips Caz. It’s amazing how much dirt gets tracked in from outdoors, and your tip about not wearing outdoor shoes inside really helps keep the floors clean. For my wood floors, I like my Bona hardwood floor spray mop. For my kitchen and bathroom floors I use one of the another spray mop with my all-purpose cleaner in the reservoir. These make it easy for to do the floors without having to haul around a bucket and water. Thanks for helping us keep our homes clean!!

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:11 am

I’ve never heard of Bona as a brand before, I’ll have to see if that’s available here. I’m looking for a new mop for the kitchen and hallway as I never seem to get everything up with the one we’ve got and it leaves smears and streaks everywhere. The spray mop sounds like a great idea too, much easier without a hefty bucket of water. It’s a good time to remind ourselves of the floors I think, a part of the home that may get overlooked while we’re busy antibac-ing everything else. Thank you for the comment, Terri. Have a restful weekend xx

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Svet June 18, 2020 - 6:42 pm

I use the dry and wet Swiffer sweeper for my floors. And every time I am surprised how much it pickups from hair cat to crumbles. But my wooden floors have some pins and marks that I don’t know how they got there.

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:06 am

I haven’t come across a Swiffer before, I’ll have to look into that. It’s hard to catch everything with either a mop or broom, or vacuum for that matter, so this sounds good. It’s a shame about the marks on the wood though. We’ve got marks on the tiles in the kitchen with no idea how they got there. Sometimes it seems unavoidable. xx

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Masha Ellman June 18, 2020 - 6:46 pm

Great tips, I haven’t worn shoes inside my home for years, there is also lots of bacteria that gets stuck to the bottom of shoes that gets tracked into the home. I also keep shoe covers to give to anyone who comes to my house, that includes friends and workers and my kids and grandchildren know better 🙂 Thanks Caz xoxo

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:09 am

You’re right with the shoes tracking in all sorts of things. I have indoor shoes that I put on when I come in and I’m far more aware of what’s on the floor now with the viru. I’m also more conscious of when I put shopping bags on the kitchen floor when I get in so that I can sort through things and individually anti-bac everything, which I then might step on and further spread around. It’s a good idea to have a regular wipe down of the floors where you can. Shoe covers are a great idea, I never thought of that! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Masha.xx

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Darnell June 18, 2020 - 7:33 pm

It has always been a good idea to leave shoes for outside…outside. I’m not good at that needed practice, but I do the next best, I take them off inside by the door. Then slip on comfy slippers for the inside only and continue my entrance home.

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:12 am

I’m the same, Darnell. Outside shoes come off in the porch and inside shoes goes on. I sometimes used to put the indoor shoes on upstairs but with the virus I’ve been conscious not to trudge outdoor shoes up to the bedroom, even if they look clean. Sounds like you’re already into very good habits! xx

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K E Garland June 18, 2020 - 10:06 pm

Removing our shoes before entering the house is one of the best decisions we ever made. Turns out it’s a way to avoid COVID suggestion as well.

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:14 am

I’d agree with you, it makes a big difference taking your shoes off and putting on indoor shoes or slippers when you get through the front door. Minimising tracking in the unseen in the way of the virus is also important because while the shoes may look clean without any mud or whatnot, you don’t know what other virus or bacteria they may be harbouring. Thanks for the comment lovely xx

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Carolyn Page June 19, 2020 - 2:38 am

Having pets in the house, Caz, means having lots of mats on the inside and outside of all doors leading outdoors. They, our little furry friends, bring in goodness knows what.. Just the other day, when a tradesperson was needed, I couldn’t help but be extremely grateful that he removed his shoes. At the same time I couldn’t help but think of how ironic it was – having shoeless pets running nonchalauntly about. Ah well – we can only work with what we’ve got..

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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:15 am

Such a good point, Carolyn! If only our furry friends would be so kind as to partake in a footbath upon entering the home, or put on some slippers! ???? xx

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gaillovesgod June 19, 2020 - 5:08 am

Great post, Caz! I love being able to go barefoot, sock footed, or at least wear slippers. However, I still have to wear my shoes a lot due to the need for support for my spine, and to keep the lymphedema under control. I am looking into letting my podiatrist fit me for some supportive slippers or house shoes because even when I do go barefoot the dirt and filth that is tracked through our house by my family feels horrible. Here in the south (of the USA) it is beat into us as children to NEVER be without our shoes from the moment we awake to the time we go to bed to prevent cuts and such. Some people do the not letting anyone in their house with shoes, but are thought of as uppity and too stressed out. I actually appreciate it. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Hope you are well!
Btw… I have nominated you for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award!
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If you do, please let me know. I would love to read your post! God loves you!
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InvisiblyMe June 20, 2020 - 9:35 am

I’m sorry you can’t go shoe-less as often as you’d like. I hope your podiatrist can fit you for some house shoes or slippers so you can get the comfort and ability to have clean shoes while getting the support you need for your back and lymphoma. In the UK, taking off shoes when you come into the house isn’t as common, at least not in many of the homes I’ve been in. It’s a good habit to get into if you can, but it does help if you have the space for it and an area where you can store shoes, at least the house shoes for getting changed into. Fingers crossed for your podiatrist, Gail! And thank you so much for the kind award nomination, that’s so lovely of you  ♥ Rest up, stay safe and I hope you can have a lower-pain and relaxing weekend xx

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James Viscosi June 20, 2020 - 11:43 pm

Dada: “Also, don’t have a dog or cats. They get dirt and fur and litter all over the place.”
Lulu: “Hey!”
Charlee: “See if I sit on YOUR lap again.”
Chaplin: *ostentatiously inspects claws*
Dada: “Oh, uh, hi, what are you guys doing over here getting involved in comments under my account … ?”

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InvisiblyMe June 21, 2020 - 3:35 pm

I hope they cleaned their paws before accessing your computer! ???? xx

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Smitha June 28, 2020 - 8:18 pm

With kids at home, there is no easy way to keep them constantly clean. But we are trying.

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InvisiblyMe June 29, 2020 - 3:26 pm

I can only imagine what a constant challenge that must be! All you can do is try, nothing will ever be perfect and nor should we aim for that, it’s not realistic 🙂

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rachel frampton July 14, 2020 - 9:38 am

I’ve been planning to replace my tiles with wood flooring because this will complement well with my vintage-styled interior design. I’m glad you shared this; I’ll make sure to clean it with warm soapy water. I’d also keep in mind no to use a steam mop on it because according to you, this will shrink it.

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InvisiblyMe July 14, 2020 - 9:58 am

I’m sure all flooring types, even wooden flooring, will vary but if you try a steam mop it’s probably a good idea to check the manufacturer first or test on a small area. I would LOVE wooden or even laminate flooring in the house, particularly the bedrooms, as carpet never looks clean to me. I bet your home will look amazing when you replace your flooring! Thanks for the comment, Rachel ????

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Stacey Chapman July 19, 2020 - 1:46 pm

My biggest saving Grace is my Dyson! With animals, it seems like I’m constantly whipping it out; but at least it’s not some hugely arduous task to do so. Thanks for the reminder about the steam mop for wood floors. I’ve considered buying one of those robotic moppers-although I wasn’t impressed with my Roomba at all.
Great tips though, Caz! Thanks

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2020 - 5:17 pm

I invested in a Shark cordless vac – v.similar to your Dyson I imagine – for the household a couple of years ago & it was the best decision ever. It really does make so much difference when hefting the heavy corded ones gets too difficult. I didn’t know you’d tried a Roomba, and never realised they even did Roomba-style robotic moppers! I’d be too scared of it malfunctioning & going crazy with a wet mop ???? xx

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Emily Bennette July 21, 2020 - 3:59 am

The house I am planning on moving into has some old hardwood floors. I want to get them cleaned really well before I move in. Thanks for suggesting that I sand them done and refinish them as well. That does seem like it would be cheaper than getting new floors in a few years.

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InvisiblyMe July 21, 2020 - 5:19 pm

It does seem wise to invest the time in maintaining floors to help them wear better & last longer. I bet the hardwood floors look lovely in your new home – I wish you all the best with the house move! ????

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Chris Pederson January 18, 2021 - 9:23 pm

My wife and I are getting our first home and we wanted to know how to clean it. We plan to have our kids in this home. You said that a lot of people prioritize durability and with a bunch of kids we’ll probably do the same.

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InvisiblyMe January 20, 2021 - 10:54 am

I hope you & your family enjoy the new home!!

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