Bamboo flooring is a popular choice for many people due to its durability, and natural beauty. To keep your bamboo floors looking their best, it’s important to maintain a regular cleaning routine.
In our guide, we will provide you with easy and simple steps on how to clean bamboo floors and keep them in top condition for years to come.
Understanding Bamboo Floors
First, let’s understand about bamboo floors nature. Fast-growing bamboo, known for its strength and flexibility, is a perfect choice for eco-friendly flooring. It’s commonly used for flooring due to its strength and versatility.
Bamboo floors are of various types: solid bamboo, engineered bamboo, and strand-woven bamboo.
Solid bamboo is made by pressing bamboo strips together, while engineered bamboo has bamboo on top of other wood. Strand-woven bamboo is highly durable, made by compressing bamboo fibers with glue. Bamboo floors have a protective finish like polyurethane, aluminum oxide, or natural oils. The type of finish affects the cleaning method you should use.
Required Equipment:
- Vacuum
- Broom with soft bristles
- Dust bin
- Microfiber mop
- Mop bucket
- Dry towel
- Wastebasket
How to Clean Bamboo Floors – Follow these Simple Steps
Regular Cleaning Routine
Dust and Sweep: The first step in maintaining your bamboo floors is to remove loose dirt and debris. You can use a soft broom or a microfiber mop. Softly sweep or use a dry mop to avoid scratching.
Vacuum: If you like, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to absorb dirt and dust.
Clean Spills: If you spill something on your bamboo floor, quickly clean it with a wet cloth. Spills can damage bamboo.
Deep Cleaning
To regularly clean your bamboo floors thoroughly, use these steps to keep them great condition:
Get Your Cleaning Mixture Ready: Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild, pH-balanced bamboo floor cleaner or a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap. Avoid using hard chemicals, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
Mop the Floor: To clean the floor, gently mop in the direction of the bamboo planks. Doing this lowers the chance of water getting in between the gaps. Be sure there’s no water left on the floor because too much moisture can make the bamboo swell and change its shape.
Damp Mop: Dip a soft, lint-free microfiber mop or cloth in the cleaning mixture, but don’t make it too wet. Too much water can harm bamboo. Make sure to squeeze out all the water from the mop or cloth.
Rinse: After cleaning, be sure to rinse the mop or cloth thoroughly and squeeze out any extra water. Then, wipe the floor once more using clean, mop to get rid of any remaining cleaning solution.
Dry Thoroughly: Bamboo floors should be dried quickly to avoid any potential damage from moisture. You can use a dry, clean microfiber mop or cloth to ensure the floor is completely dry.
Stain Removal
Dealing with stains can be tricky, but it’s important to act fast to avoid any permanent damage to your bamboo floors:
Find the Stain: First, see what kind of stain it is. Common stains include food, ink, or water spots.
Use a Soft Cloth: For most stains, dampen a soft cloth with warm water and rub the affected area. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can damage the surface.
Wipe and Dry: After the stain removal, use a clean, wet cloth to wipe the area and make sure it’s completely dry to prevent any moisture-related damage.
Protecting Your Bamboo Floors
To make your bamboo floors last longer and stay attractive, think about these protective steps:
Use Rugs and Mats: Place rugs or mats at entryways to trap dirt and prevent it from spreading across the floor. Ensure that these rugs have a non-slip backing to avoid scratches.
Furniture Pads: Attach soft, felt pads under your furniture legs. This will stop them from making scratches when you move the furniture.
Avoid High Heels: Try not to wear high-heeled shoes on bamboo floors, as they can cause dents and scratches.
Maintain Humidity: Use a machine to add or remove moisture from the air to keep the humidity between 30% and 50%. This will help stop the bamboo from bending or warping.
Protect from Direct Sunlight: Keep the bamboo safe from strong sunlight by using curtains or blinds when it’s really sunny outside.
The Best Way to Clean Bamboo Floors
Cleaning bamboo floors is a very simple process, and keeping them in good condition is important to maintain their natural beauty and durability.
Here’s how to clean bamboo floors in the simplest way:
Sweep or Vacuum: Start by removing loose dirt and dust from your bamboo floors using a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This step prevents scratches caused by debris.
Use a Slightly Wet Mop: Now, clean your bamboo floors with a slightly damp mop. You can use a microfiber mop or one designed for hardwood floors. Make sure the mop isn’t too wet.
Use Cleaner: Mix a mild bamboo floor cleaner with the water you’ll mop with. Don’t use strong chemicals or rough cleaners because they can damage the bamboo’s surface.
Protect from Scratches: To prevent scratches when you move your furniture, use soft pads or rugs under the legs. Be careful, as high heels can also cause damage.
Avoid Extra Water: Bamboo can change shape if it gets too wet. So, don’t use a very wet mop, and make sure to dry the floor after mopping by wringing out the mop well.
Regular Maintenance: To keep your bamboo floors looking good, clean them regularly. A gentle cleaning once a week is usually enough.
Which Cleaning Products Should be Avoided When Cleaning Bamboo Floors?
Avoid using these cleaners on bamboo floors:
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Waxes
- Furniture polish
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
Using these cleaners can damage the finish or leave unwanted residues on your bamboo floors.
How to Make Bamboo Floor Shine?
Remember, the most effective way to clean bamboo floors is to be careful and gentle, avoid too much water, and prevent scratches and damage. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy your lovely bamboo floors for many years.
If you need Floor Cleaning Services in Austin, feel free to contact us today!
FAQs
Can I Use Vinegar to Clean Bamboo Floors?
It’s best to avoid using vinegar on bamboo floors. While vinegar is a natural cleaner, its acidity can damage the finish of bamboo. Use a bamboo floor cleaner to make sure your floors stay in good shape.
How Often Should I Clean My Bamboo Floors?
It’s important to take care of your floors regularly. Cleaning bamboo floors once a week with a slightly wet mop and a mild cleaner is usually enough for most homes. But, you can clean more if there’s lots of traffic or dirt.
Are There Any Special Precautions for Cleaning Bamboo Floors?
Yes, there are some things to be careful about. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or strong chemicals, as they can damage the bamboo. Also, be mindful of moisture, as bamboo is sensitive to excess water, which can cause warping. Protect your floors from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and use felt pads or rugs under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
What can you not clean bamboo floors with?
Don’t use strong cleaners on bamboo floors because they can damage them. Always use pH-balanced cleaners with the right amount. Also, avoid oil soap, ammonia, wax products, bleach, and things like vinegar because they can damage the bamboo too.