During these “Covid-19” days, we are concerned with cleaning and disinfecting our homes more than ever before. A worldwide pandemic will have that effect on our house cleaning.
The CDC web site instructs us to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We are instructed to clean surfaces first and then disinfect them. We know germs will piggyback on dust and dirt, so cleaning is necessary. And while cleaning is extremely important to knock back germs, it will not kill the offending germs. Disinfecting kills harmful Covid-19 germs.
Naturally, you will consider cleaning frequently touched areas like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards toilets faucets and sinks; but have you overlooked floor cleaning?
Many conscientious hospital workers and medical staff will kick-off their work shoes before trekking hospital germs into their own homes. When hospital workers are careful about trekking in germs on the floors, we too should not overlook home floor cleaning and disinfecting – especially if someone in the house is sick or has been exposed to Covid-19.
What are the Benefits of Regularly Disinfecting and Cleaning Floors?
A clean floor not only makes Momma happy, it makes the whole home look clean and the whole family will be healthier because of it. You have already significantly reduced the spread of germs by cleaning your floors regularly.
Thinking about all the dirt and nasty germs our shoes have picked up will motivate us to clean the floors; and this is especially true during our current Covid-19 crisis. After sweeping and mopping with disinfectant, your floors will be sanitized. Floor cleaning will also reduce allergies because of dust, pet dander, and other allergens that can build up on your floors.
Finally, you will protect the investment you have in your floors with a routine of floor cleaning. Especially for those with beautiful hardwood floors, debris can build up and cause scratches on your floor. Hardwood floor cleaning will prevent scratches from marring the surface.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning & Disinfecting – Hardwood, Vinyl & Laminate Floors
Home floor cleaning and disinfecting for all surfaces starts with removing dust and dirt before disinfecting.
While hard surfaces can be disinfected with a bleach solution, many flooring manufacturers will not recommend harsh chemicals for floor cleaning. Do your research and review the manufacturer’s recommendations for your floor type. Keep in mind that you are floor cleaning to protect yourself from Covid-19 germs, so make sure the disinfectant will kill viruses -double-check the label. A great suggestion for disinfecting vinyl and laminate flooring is to use a solution of one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water to disinfect the floors. It will kill germs without harsh chemicals or fumes.
Hardwood floor cleaning requires special attention.
The above-mentioned vinegar solution should not be used on hardwood floors. Extra water and moisture will harm hardwood floors. Only a damp mop with a disinfectant formulated for hardwood floor cleaning should be used. Dry mopping after hardwood floor cleaning should be done to remove any leftover moisture.
Tips for Carpet Cleaning & Area Rug Cleaning
Carpets and areas rugs can present floor cleaning challenges. Fine dust will settle deep into the carpet fibers close to the floor and will remain there without careful attention. How often you vacuum depends upon how much traffic your carpet will receive; you may get away with vacuuming every week or may have to vacuum daily.
If you are serious about carpet cleaning, vacuum slowly in one direction and then the other. This will remove more ground-in dirt than pushing the vacuum quickly. Make sure to vacuum behind and underneath the furniture as well. To thoroughly clean the entire room, (especially when fighting Covid-19 germs) vacuum both before and after dusting. The first vacuuming will pick up existing dirt and the second vacuuming will catch dirt that fell while dusting.
Area rug cleaning
demands a gentle yet thorough vacuuming process. The standard beater bars and brushes on the vacuum can break the yarns of your area rug. Some thick-foundation area rugs may withstand the beater bars, but it is recommended to at least set them on the highest level first. Use the upholstery attachment for a thin-foundation area rug with pile and vacuum in the same direction of the pile. Pick up the attachment after each pass. You should not push the attachment against the direction of the power. You should not be aggressive or use too much pressure when using the upholstery attachment for area rug cleaning. Be extra gentle with any fringe on area rugs. Brushes and beater bars will quickly tear fringe.
For most situations, careful vacuuming will be enough to reduce the spread of germs. If someone in the house has contracted Covid-19, you may need to disinfect the carpets. Look for carpet cleaning products with disinfectants. If you own a home carpet steam cleaner, you can use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and hot water to disinfect while carpet cleaning.
Consider Professional Floor Cleaning for 100% Safe Floors! Contact Hemingway’s Floor Cleaning Service!
Regular floor cleaning routines will go a long way to knock back germs and allergens; not to mention providing a welcoming ambiance to your home.
Eventually, hiring a professional floor cleaning company will be necessary for a deep clean that will preserve your floors and rid them of germs. Professional powered floor cleaners will beat DIY products every time.
Call Hemingway’s Floor Cleaning service and your floors will be expertly cared for.
Our knowledge of cleaning products and how to use them for every type of floor surface will deliver professional floor cleaning service for 100% safe floors.
