Unless you adopt a strict no-shoes policy in your home, dirt will get tracked in and onto your hardwood floors. And even if the humans in the house take off their shoes at the door, your pets can’t do the same. Follow these simple steps to clean dirty floors, then learn a few easy tricks for keeping as much dirt as possible off hardwoods during the muddy spring season and year-round
Sweep, Then Vacuum
Start the cleaning process by sweeping your hardwood floor with a high-quality broom with rubber bristles; these bristles prove less abrasive than straw, which can scratch the finish on your floors. Start at one end of the room and move backward, getting into every corner and as far under furniture and appliances as you can. Gather the dust and debris into a pile.
Use a vacuum without a beater bar to suck up the pile, then clean the floor again with the vacuum, paying special attention to gaps between boards. Sweep then vacuum at least once a week and spot clean dirty floors when accidents, or muddy footprints, happen.
Clean Only as Necessary
If you regularly sweep, then vacuum your hardwood floors, only spot cleaning should be required. Use a professional cleaner made for hardwood floors and a soft cloth to clean up marks from shoes and toys. Clean sticky messes with a damp sponge or soft cloth. Whatever you do, do not use excessive water, as it can cause the boards to expand and splinter, and do not use wood soap, as it will dull the finish of your floors.
If you have laminate floors and not real hardwood, follow the cleaning directions provided by the manufacturer or installer.
Stop Dirt at the Door
Lay down a floor mat at each entry point in your home, both inside and out, and encourage everyone to wipe their feet. Choose a heavy-duty mat that can withstand the elements, such as rubber, for the outside. Opt for a natural-fiber floor mat for the inside; rubber-backed mats can lead to dirt trapped underneath scratching your hardwood floors. Shake the rugs outside when you clean your dirty floors each week.
Keep Your Pup’s Feet Clean
Before allowing Spot into the house, give his paws a quick cleaning with a towel or pre-moistened doggie wipes. Keep the towel or wipes in a basket by the door and make paw care part of his walks by cleaning him up outside before taking off his leash. If you live in an area that lends itself to muddy messes year-round, consider investing in a portable paw bath. These canisters have soft bristles inside that you dip each your dog’s paws into before letting him inside.
Provide Additional Protection
Prevent other types of damage to your hardwood floors by installing floor protectors on furniture, both heavy and light pieces, and by using window treatments to protect the floors from harsh sunlight during the day. Also, don’t forget to trim your pet’s nails regularly.
How to Clean Grout: Get the Grime Out of Your Tile Floor
Although grout cleaning isn’t the most glamorous topic, it is a vital step in keeping a clean home. Because it is a task that isn’t a part of your weekly cleaning routine, it can be easily forgotten. But trust us, there is nothing to fear when it comes to cleaning your grout — well, other than the potential build up of dirt and bacteria your grout might be accumulating. Typical grout needs to be cleaned every four to six months, but can stay clean longer with proper technique and sealant.
There’s an assortment of options in getting the grime out of your grout. Homemade solutions include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and even shaving cream! Any common household grout cleaner should do the trick as well. But if you have small children or pets, we recommend using oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach is a non-toxic, fume-free alternative to chlorine that will kill bacteria and brighten your tile at the same time.
Using a spray bottle filled with water, wet your grout. Next, spoon your oxygen bleach along the grout to create a paste-like consistency. If your grout seems particularly stained or dirty, try using lemon juice in the place of water for a natural whitener that will make your grout sparkle! After your oxygen bleach and water paste is on your grout, practice the art of patience. Spend fifteen minutes on something else: meditate, run around the block, make a pot of coffee, or even cut coupons. The point is let the oxygen bleach work its magic. After fifteen minutes or so, come back with an old toothbrush or grout brush and you’ll be amazed at how easy the dirt and mildew wipe away.
Rinse the now brown, possibly black, oxygen bleach solution away with a damp cotton cloth and your grout should now be as good as new. You could even find your grout a color you’ve never seen it! To keep your grout mildew and dirt free for longer, make sure you treat your tile floor with a grout sealant once a year. Keep in mind, however, that sealed grout will still need cleaning about every six months.
Your now sparkling white grout will brighten up your room and the rest of your day!
When You Need Help, Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!
Whether you’d like a one-time cleaning or a weekly recurring cleaning plan, our custom cleaning plans are designed to work around your schedule and budget. Contact your local Molly Maid – 615-794-0200 or 615-603-3766, today to discuss a cleaning plan that’s right for you. https://www.mollymaid.com/s-davidson-williamson-maury-counties/about-us/contact-us/
Ashley Farrar
MS. MOLLY FOUNDATION
A portion of Molly Maid’s sales support victims of domestic violence in the communities we serve. To date, Ms. Molly has proudly raised more than $3 million – and we are not slowing down! This non-profit organization aims to increase public awareness of domestic violence and to provide victims with support. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes. The Ms. Molly Foundation strives to empower communities to end the cycle of violence in the home. It’s our goal to help give victims of domestic violence a second chance at happiness.
