The following will outline the best methods for

Cleaning Tile Floors

Spills, pet stains, pools of cleaner, flooding and metal rust can cause some of the worst stains on tile floors. When you need to clean up any of these or other cleaning issues, the best cleaner is already in your home; baking soda and water works the best on all types of stains. Simply combine one half cup of baking soda with two gallons of warm water and mix thoroughly. Mop your floor with this combination or another type of cleaner that specifies that it is 'pH neutral' on the label.

Cleaning Tile Grout

Most grout cleaning issues can be taken care of with the same solution of baking soda and water. Serious discoloration or staining of the grout should be handled by a professional, but be wary if they urge you to replace the grout. Grout should really only be replaced if it is cracked or if there is damage to the floor beneath.

Tile Floor Maintenance

If properly installed, your tile floor shouldn't need anything more than regular cleaning. If the finish starts to wear call in a professional who can reseal tile flooring; Oakville ON has plenty of choices. If a tile does get chipped or comes loose, a good installer should be able to just replace the one tile, so always keep spares.

Cleaning Wood Floors

Regular sweeping and even vacuuming can help keep your wood floor clean. Always use a broom with soft bristles and one with an angled head to get into corners. When vacuuming, use a machine that only uses suction without a beater bar, to help get dust and dirt out from between the planks. Once a week you can use a damp, but not wet, mop with a mild soap cleaner specifically designed for wooden floors. You may end up with patches of cloudiness in your hardwood flooring; Oakville ON weather can cause these patches of moisture. These 'blushes' or 'hazes' can be removed with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance

There are some simple steps you can take to preserve the condition of your wood floor. Always place a rug or mat at doorways to hold excess dirt that can act abrasively on your floor and immediately sweep up any accumulations of dirt. Sanding out dents and scratches should be sanded with caution. Too many sandings and you will remove not only the finish to your hardwood floor but also the wood itself will thin. High heel and stiletto shoes should not be worn on hardwood floors, and wide, rubber casters on furniture will also protect your floor. If your floor does become quite scratched, dented or dinged, call in a professional to sand and refinish your floor. Professional finish products are going to hold up much better than your average home hardware store products.

Regardless if your floor is ceramic tile or hardwood floor, always take good care of it with proper maintenance and cleaning and it will stay in great condition for years to come. It is also a good idea to retain the warranty information in the case that something does happen to your floor.