How to choose a product for each type of floor
Washing floors with a special gel makes cleaning easier. Firstly, dirt comes off easier and does not require you to move too actively with the mop. And, secondly, the product can have an antibacterial effect and even an antistatic effect, thereby prolonging the cleanliness of the floor.
But how to choose the right product specifically for your home? The first thing to consider is the type of flooring. This is important because the wrong composition can simply ruin the floor - if not immediately, then contribute to its rapid wear. And here's what you need to know about different types of coatings.
-
- Linoleum
Linoleum is considered a rather unpretentious coating, but this is not entirely true. Over time, it may fade and become matte. This is facilitated by temperature conditions (too hot water, for example), high humidity (linoleum does not like it) and exposure to sunlight. And also - improper care.
Linoleum will deteriorate faster if the floor cleaner contains abrasive elements that leave scratches on the surface. Acids and alkalis are also harmful - they corrode the base of the coating. It is believed that the optimal solution for linoleum is neutral, soft products that do not leave streaks.
-
- Laminate
With proper care, laminate flooring can last quite a long time. However, there are nuances that affect its wear resistance. Firstly, laminate does not like high humidity - water can get into the joints and cause the coating to swell.
In addition, laminate does not tolerate abrasives - they scratch the upper protective part of the coating, which can fade over time due to this. Products containing acids and aggressive components, as well as oil-based gels, are also harmful. Instead, preference should be given to special products for laminate flooring or soft universal products.
-
- Parquet and wood
High humidity is contraindicated for parquet, so washing vacuum cleaners or steam mops are literally prohibited in caring for such a coating. Dangerous components of cleaning products also include acids, alkalis and abrasives - they will definitely cause harm.
It is believed that when caring for parquet, preference should be given to oil-based products (oiled parquet flooring) or polishes (varnished parquet flooring). For regular cleaning, cleaning products with a neutral pH balance are suitable; the cloth should be soft and wrung out of excess water.
-
- Ceramic tiles
Caring for floor tiles is easy, but there are some peculiarities. One of the most vulnerable places is the grout joint, which can be easily damaged using aggressive acid-based products.
At the same time, in bathrooms, it is the seams between the tiles that can become a favorable environment for the growth of fungi and mold. In such cases, it is worth using products containing alkali - they will not harm the grout. And for regular cleaning, gels with an antibacterial effect are suitable, which do not leave a streak on the tiles.
-
- Vinyl coverings
Vinyl coatings, like PVC, are quite easy to maintain. This coating can also be damaged by excess moisture, as well as too aggressive products. It is not recommended to use gels with acids, oils or powders with abrasive elements.
For regular cleaning, mild detergents or special vinyl care products are suitable. You should not try to thoroughly rub such a floor - the soft and elastic coating may become deformed.
How to buy a floor cleaner and not go wrong
When choosing a floor cleaner, nuances play an important role. Here's what you should pay attention to.
1. Type of flooring. Based on the type of coating, it is easiest to choose a product that will not ruin your floor.
2. Compound. The composition of a suitable product should not contain chlorine, acids, alkalis and abrasive elements; all these components will lead to rapid wear of almost any coating.
3. Are there children and animals in the house? Aggressive floor cleaners can cause allergies. In addition to the absence of chlorine and acids in the composition, the proportion of surfactants (surfactants) is important. The lower it is, the less likely it is that unwanted reactions will occur.
4. Individual requirements. For example, if a septic tank is used in the house, then the product should not harm the bacteria that are responsible for the decomposition of waste.
For caring for a home with different types of floor coverings, a universal product is best suited. It should be soft, but effective - so as not to harm the floor, but to fight dirt.
It is important to pay attention to the composition: a universal product should not contain aggressive components. For example, YokoSun floor cleaning gel is based on purified water and contains no more than 10% surfactants - without chlorine, alkali and acids. This means that the product is safe for all types of moisture-resistant coatings, as well as in homes with children and animals.
At the same time, this surfactant content is enough to combat even persistent stains - traces of milk, stickers and even felt-tip pens. Simply apply the gel to the stain using a sponge or towel, leave for a few minutes, and then wipe off any excess.