What Floor Cleaning Equipment Do I Need?

What floor cleaning equipment is best for my floor type?

Floor cleaning equipment for laminate flooring

1. vacuum with hardwood setting/brush
2. microfibre flat mop
3. laminate-specific cleaning product

Follow the maintenance techniques and suggested time scales when you purchase your floor to keep them in tip-top condition. Many people buy laminate flooring because of convenience of cleaning it. When it comes to floor cleaning equipment,

Due to how it’s made, the top layers are very durable. It’s possibly the easiest type of flooring to maintain. To keep it in ideal condition, daily maintenance should include sweeping, vacuuming and light mopping. Ask your supplier about specific products to use on your laminates, and don’t use non-laminate specific products.

Don’t use products that state they will leave your floor shiny or glossy, as these may void your warranty! Even if the label states “suitable for laminate flooring”, check with your manufacturer. Also avoid cleaning products containing soap, as it needs to be rinsed away – most modern laminates shouldn’t be wet mopped because of the click system used to install the floor. They can, with repeated use, lead to permanent damage. Laminate floors are resistant to scratches, burns, dents and stains, but that is the word – resistant. Take care of your laminate to keep it in tip top condition for the longest time. Follow these simple daily suggestions to keep your laminate in tip top condition for the longest time:

• vacuum or sweep to remove grit, therefore avoid scratches
• dry mop, spraying your laminate-specific cleaning solution onto a dry flat mop (the mop shouldn’t be wet enough to leave any moisture behind on the floor). If your floor has a grain pattern (e.g. wood effect), mop in the direction of the grain, not across it.
• Once mopped, buff with a dry, clean flat mop made of microfibre cloth.
• Don’t use varnish, polish or wax! Any surface finishes will be present on the floor already, from manufacture.
• Mop up any spills immediately, and try to keep it dirt free – dirt is the laminate’s enemy, as it will dull your finish (as well as causing surface scratches).

Floor cleaning equipment for hardwood flooring

1. brush/hoover with hardwood setting
2. wood-specific cleaning product
3. cloth
4. spray bottle (optional)

For long-term protection, add mats by doors to avoid trekking dirt through the house, and get people to get those boots off in wet conditions! Get castors under your furniture to stop dents and scratches, and use rugs in kids areas so that their toys don’t scratch the floor.

• Sweep, vacuum or dry mop, to pick up initial dust and dirt.
• For a seasonal clean, buy a wood-specific cleaning product and dilute as advised on the packaging. Wet a cloth and then wrong until drip-free. Mop the floor (avoiding letting any water sit on the surface) and then in clean water (unless advised otherwise) wash through your cloth, and wrong until practically dry. Mop up all water to avoid water damage. Never use harsh chemicals, wire wool or sandpaper on your wood. To get a good quantity of liquid (not too much to sit on your floors and cause damage), fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist your floors.
• When in doubt as to what chemical to use, use none. Just use water.

Floor cleaning equipment for linoleum flooring

1. vacuum
2. mop and bucket
3. mild detergent
4. scrubbing brush (for deep cleaning)

Lino shouldn’t be confused with vinyl, which is less resilient. To keep your lino looking good though, your frequent maintenance will require little less than a vacuum and a mop bucket.

• After vacuuming up any dirt and dust, fill a mop bucket with warm water, and a few drops of mild washing up liquid.
• Dip the mop head and wring it well before mopping, changing the water as appropriate.
• Then clean and refresh your bucket with hot, clean water (no soap) and go over the floor again, similarly wringing your mop head well as you go so water doesn’t sit on the surface.
• For a deeper clean, use similar parts of washing up liquid and water and gently scrub with a scrubbing brush, in circular motions. Again, rinse clean afterward.

Floor cleaning equipment for ceramic tiles

1. brush/vacuum
2. mild detergent
3. chamois or rag

While your tiled flooring may be resistant to dirt, sand and grit can dull glossy surfaces. Sweep or vacuum to keep the dirt and dust from dulling your tiles, and then clean them with mild detergent diluted in clean water, using a chamois cloth or rag rather than a sponge mop, as this might push those bit of dirt and dust into the grout, making a clean finish much harder. Change your water frequently, as this will keep your floors sparkling rather than cloudy. Don’t use any acid- or bleach-based products for routine care.

HSS hire’s floor scrubber/polisher is an industrial scrubber ideal for cleaning large areas. This is appropriate for cleaning most types of solid flooring. It can be used to polish, if the polish itself is applied by hand.

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