Regardless of the material, flooring is typically a significant investment in a home. To keep flooring attractive and in good repair, regular maintenance and cleaning will be necessary. One option for flooring and other household cleaning is to hire a maid. Clean floors will then be something that’s easy to have and enjoy without having to perform the work yourself. You could also save money by cleaning and maintaining your own flooring. Regardless of how you clean, ensure that you use the correct products for the type of flooring you have. For example, hardwood flooring does not require harsh chemicals to keep it beautiful. In fact, using abrasive cleansers could damage hardwood surfaces. Tile and linoleum also need specific types of cleansers to help keep these surfaces perfect for years to come. The way you care for your flooring can extend its life and protect your investment.

• Floor Care Guidelines for Sheet and Tile Linoleum (PDF): Linoleum can experience staining and damage from some products and chemicals. Dark-colored rubber mats and casters in particular may leave marks on your linoleum. Always clean up chemical spills immediately to avoid damage.
• Resilient Flooring: A Comparison of Vinyl, Linoleum, and Cork (PDF): Vinyl flooring is cost-effective, and it requires little maintenance to keep it attractive. Linoleum contains different materials than vinyl, but it has a comparable price. Cork is more expensive than linoleum or vinyl, but some consumers choose it for its appearance.
• Overview of Linoleum: Linoleum contains linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. Added pigments give linoleum various colors. Linoleum comes in a variety of grades, with more durable grades having a higher price.
• Maintenance of Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors need regular sweeping to keep them free of debris that could scratch the surface. Avoid using a wet mop on a wood floor because excessive amounts of moisture can damage the wood and dull its shiny appearance.
• Wood Flooring Guidelines (PDF): Consult the manufacturer for advice about cleaning products to use on wood flooring. Generally, products designed for urethane flooring should be safe to use.
• Care for Wood Floors: The finish applied to wood flooring will determine how you maintain and clean it. Place rugs with a non-rubber backing over high-traffic areas to protect wood flooring. Use felt discs or pads between furniture and wood flooring to protect the wood.
• Household Cleaning: Floors (PDF): Waxing floors helps give them an appealing shine, and it helps repel dirt. The type of wax applied depends on the flooring material.
• How to Prepare Green Cleaning Recipes for a Healthy Home (PDF): Always check with the flooring manufacturer before using a cleaning product on a specific type of flooring. A homemade green cleanser may be an inexpensive and environmentally responsible way to keep a floor clean.
• Floors, Walls, and Other Interior Surfaces: Maintenance is important for keeping hardwood floors in good shape. Regular sweeping should help prevent scratching. Use a lightly damp mop only when necessary to remove soiling.
• Keeping it Clean: Tips on Cleaning Floors (PDF): Placing mats at entryways can reduce the amount of dirt that enters a home. Daily sweeping is also important for removing dirt and preventing damage to the flooring.
• Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products: Alkaline chemicals may be effective products for cleaning some types of flooring. Borax is a multipurpose cleaner that is suitable for wood surfaces.
• Care of Floors and Woodwork (PDF): Linoleum might be one of two varieties: inlaid, with the pattern existing throughout the thickness of the material, or surface-printed, with the pattern showing only on the top surface of the material. Proper care of linoleum flooring depends on the variety of linoleum it is.
• Alternative Household Cleaning Solutions (PDF): White vinegar diluted with water can be a safe and effective cleanser for linoleum flooring.