From laminate to natural stone, here’s how to get every floor in your home sparkling clean.
How to Clean Hardwood Floor
“Hardwood floorstypically have one of two finishes: polyurethane or wax.
Not sure what you’re standing on?
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Rub your finger across the surface,” saidMeg Roberts, president of Molly Maid.
“If a smudge appears, the floor is likely waxed.”
Wax-Finished Hardwood Floors
If you have waxed wood floors, you’re off the hooksort of.
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After all, the planks are constructed in sun- and light-resistant layers to maintain a like-new appearance for years.
That said, it’s important to keep water from getting underneath the planks.
Spot-clean with a slightly damp mop when necessary.
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Dearing’s last bit of advice: Never polish a laminate floor.
If the finish of a plank looks damaged, it’s best to replace it.
Reichert suggests skipping commercial cleaning products in favor of a vinegar-and-soapy-water solution.
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Naturally acidic vinegar works with the soap to break down dirt, cut through the build-up, and disinfect.
“Treat this resilient, natural flooring as you would cork,” said Reichert.
For daily cleaning, simply use a vacuum on your vinyl flooring.
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Additionally, sweeping can help remove built-up dust and debris.
Even a small amount of the acidic liquid could damage stone floors, as could bleach and ammonia.
For stubborn dirt, use a steam cleaner," said Reichert.
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), so you don’t feel like you’re getting an extra workout right there in your kitchen.
How to Clean Carpet
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For routine carpet cleaning, use avacuum cleaner.
Vacuum cleaners work by sucking up any dirt and debris on top and hidden inside of the carpet.
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Vacuum slowly and go over high-traffic areas a few times to ensure thorough cleaning.
Shoes will track in all kinds of dirt and gross bacteria (yuck!)
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