Bamboo Flooring is the suave and sustainable floor treatment that while offering a privileged sensation, also gives the satisfaction of eco-friendliness. Now, in order to show our genuine appreciation for such incredible flooring, it’s our ethical obligation (just saying!) to take care of it the right way.
In addition to the general cleaning schedule, which one must consider carrying out regularly and watchfully, there does arise a need for a periodic restoration cleaning, in order to effectively retain all the beauty and attractiveness of your Bamboo flooring.
Not to mention the durability, as well.
Let’s get straight to the maintenance methods for Bamboo Floors.
How To Clean And Shine Bamboo Floors
Here is a general cleaning method for Bamboo Floors which should preferably be carried out on a daily basis.
Since Bamboo Floors are just as sturdy and durable as Hardwood Floors, there is no chance of going wrong if you clean it daily, as long as you do it the right way.
Materials And Supplies You’ll Need
- Vacuum (the one with a felt head and no beater bar)
- Soft Bristled Broom
- Microfiber Mop
- Bucket Or Container
- Clean And Dry Towel
- Dust Bin Or Waste Baskets (optional, for disposal)
- Microfiber Rag Or Sponge
- Vinegar
- Commercial Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Steps For Cleaning Bamboo Floors
1. In case of any spills, try wiping them off beforehand, prior to the cleanup. You can use a dry microfiber cloth or sponge for this purpose and only use a sparing amount of water. Wipe up any of the dirt or dust that’s present and go over the floor with a clean towel, so as to have a thorough drying.
2. Start by cleaning the entire workspace with either a soft-bristled broom or a Vacuum with a felt head (ensure disabling the beater bar) to get rid of any of the dirt particles or debris buildup.
3. Clean up any stains or dried-out spills with the help of a damp Microfiber cloth. You can also go for using an approved Hardwood Cleaner if only cleaning with water doesn’t help. Make sure to dry the area downright with a dry towel.
4. Dilute your chosen Hardwood Cleaner according to the given instructions for damp mopping. Saturate your mop (get the one that’s meant for Hardwood floors) in the diluted cleaner and wring it well to the point that it’s only damp and never wet. Go over the floor in a gentle circular motion and don’t forget to dry it out with a towel.
5. Do consider the heavy cleaning with the help of a dedicated Hardwood cleaner. Use a clean sponge or rag to apply the cleaner and proceed with an even application across the whole floor, while being careful to not let any puddle or pool form. Finish off by drying the area well with a towel.
Dealing With Other Bamboo Floor Concerns
Accidents and mishaps are an unavoidable aspect of life and therefore the unlucky flooring that has to face it all needs to be cleaned in an adequate manner, in accordance with the type of staining or spilling.
Removing Scuff Marks From Bamboo Flooring
- Start by applying a little amount of Hardwood floor cleaner with the help of a Microfiber cloth and keep rubbing for a few minutes, till you get to see the scuff marks vanishing.
- Buff the treated area with either the dry part of the same Microfiber cloth or get another dry one for the purpose. Thoroughly buff the entire area to wipe away any of the cleaner residues.
Removing Spills From Bamboo Flooring
- Wipe up all the spills and splashes immediately with a clean, dry, and soft towel.
- Go over the entire area with a damp Microfiber mop, so as to clean the floor area thoroughly, so as to not leave any moisture residue behind.
Removing Water Stains From Bamboo Flooring
- It might seem strange, but Mayonnaise does work wonders in this regard. And even if it does not help the situation, it can never, under any circumstances, cause any damage to the Bamboo Floors.
- Start by spreading Mayonnaise thoroughly over the water stain and let it sit for the next 15 minutes (without feeling awkward about it!).
- After 15 minutes, wipe the Mayonnaise off with a cloth, followed by polishing the treated area with a clean and dry microfiber fabric.
- In case you don’t clean water spills quickly form bamboo flooring it would buckle your wood floor.
Dos And Don’ts For Protecting And Maintaining Bamboo Flooring
The description ahead will tell you what you’ve been doing wrong with your Bamboo Flooring along with those ways as well, in which you can improve the working and durability of your beautiful Bamboo Flooring.
What To Go For
- Ensure the usage of doormats at not just the entrances but also next to all the moisture-prone spots such as Bathrooms, kitchens, and sinks, so as to not just keep all the water damage at bay, but also to prevent the transfer of dirt, debris and dust particles.
- Keep scratches and gouges at bay by installing soft felt pads on the feet of your furniture. Avoid dragging furniture and lift it instead, whenever you need to move anything.
- Keep the nails/claws of your pets well-trimmed and try to restrain them in their specified areas, preferably away from the Bamboo Flooring.
- The humidity level of your interiors should ideally be between 30 % to 35%, in order to keep any possible swelling or drying at bay.
- Consider cleaning your Bamboo Floors everyday and wipe off all the splashes and spills then and there. Also be careful to follow the direction of the floor’s grain during all sweeping, mopping and brooming.
What To Avoid
- Strictly avoid the usage of any rubber or latex-backed mats, as those are the most likely to trap moisture within and cause floor discoloration.
- Do not bring outside footwear into the house, since such shoes can bring debris and abrasive particles to the flooring and result in scratching.
- Do not let your Bamboo Floors get exposed to direct and harsh Sunlight as it will simply cause fading over time. Opt for the usage of light blocking window treatment, such as blackout curtains or blinds.
- Never vacuum a Bamboo Floor as the vacuum cleaner wheels can easily leave scratches over the surface, eventually leading to the finish dullness over time.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
How To Safely Clean Bamboo Floors?
Start by mixing around one-fourth cup of Vinegar with up to a quart of water to make a cleaning solution. You can use either a damp sponge or a clean old rag to apply the solution and don’t forget to wring your cleaning tool really well before you proceed with the application. This super safe and ideally effective cleaner will not only let you achieve thoroughly clean and hygienic bamboo floors but will retain their natural shine and beauty.
Is It Okay To Wax A Bamboo Floor?
Waxing is never a good idea for Bamboo floors since it is most likely to leave a slippery residue atop the floor. This kind of residue not only makes the flooring really unsafe to walk over but also develops a nasty-looking film on the floor surface, eventually diminishing all its beauty and shine. Instead, you should always opt for a wood floor cleaning spray having a neutral pH, when it comes to cleaning Bamboo floors without the likelihood of any streaks or unpleasant residue.
Is It Okay To Use Vinegar On Bamboo Floors?
Vinegar, with its acidic nature, can turn out to be genuinely harmful to Bamboo Floors, so it’s never a good idea to have the two in contact with each other. In addition to the damage to the surface, Vinegar will also cause corrosion of the Bamboo floor, which is of course, a more adverse form of harm. Instead, you should always stick to pH-balanced cleaners when it comes to the maintenance of Bamboo Floors, so as to avoid any possible damage.
Is Murphy Oil Soap Okay To Be Used On Bamboo Floors?
Murphy Oil Soap isn’t a recommended cleaner for Bamboo Floors at all. That’s because it is made from Vegetable oil, making it totally unsuitable for any wood floor and Bamboo Floors aren’t an exception, too. Any attempt of using Murphy Oil Soap atop Bamboo Floors will result in a cloudy haze residue on the surface, which will eventually lead the situation to streak.
Should You Polish Bamboo Floors?
Polishing Bamboo Floors is never a good idea since there are major chances of potential damage. And while a polish might seem to be something totally okay for most of hardwood floors, it is still not suitable for Bamboo Floors, at all, because the consequences are meant to be staining or at worst permanent damage. However, if polishing has become a crucial requirement for your Bamboo floors, then you should only consider using the one that has been recommended by the manufacturer.
How Do You Achieve Streak Free Bamboo Floors?
The secret to streak-free Bamboo floors lies in careful maintenance and staying away from certain harmful elements such as Silicone, waxes, and oil soaps, such as those made from Vegetable oil. Such products not only leave a streaky residue after cleaning but also subject the Bamboo Floors to a finishing dullness and eventually lost over time. Other things that shouldn’t be done to Bamboo Floors is steam cleaning and excessive use of water.
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