How to Disinfect and Clean Hardwood Floors During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Right now, the whole world is facing a crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic. The situation outside is not ideal to get out of home. But on the contrary it gives you a lot of time to clean your home and surroundings. In fear of contamination, people are cleaning and disinfecting different parts of the house, including the kitchen, doors, handles, cupboards, but often forget to disinfect hardwood floors.
More than 6.3 million people are already infected with the coronavirus, and the number is increasing every moment. It is essential to keep your floors clean and sanitized.
Among the different floor types, hardwood floors are a healthy option, especially to keep a good indoor air quality. Further, hardwood floors don’t have fibers, grout lines, or embossing, which may entrap the microorganisms, bacteria, dust, particles, animal dander, pollen,or allergens. Though hardwood comes with several benefits, still it is important to keep it disinfected and sanitized.
Before telling you the methods how to sanitize hardwood floors, you must know the difference between cleaning and disinfection.
What Is the Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitizing?
In simple words, cleaning removes the particles which spread germs but don’t kill them. However, disinfecting the floor includes killing the germs by using the chemicals. Therefore, first one must clean the floors and then disinfect it. thus, it will lower the risk of spread and contamination. Daily cleaning is always a good habit for the hardwood floors, but in the current situation disinfecting the floors in a month will be a wise decision.
No as you are aware of the differences between these two, here are the ways how to clean natural wood and disinfect it properly.
Use the Vacuum of Strip Mop
While cleaning the hardwood floors, one must not forget that water is the biggest enemy of the wood. Therefore, while cleaning the floor you need to use things like vacuum or absorbent mop. Using it will ensure that no water will remain on the floor, yet the floor will get clean quickly.
While using the mop, you must ensure that the moisture must be minimal. However, in case of using the spray mops, use the high-quality spray mops. It will ensure you of a deep and dry clean.
Use Isopropyl Alcohol based Cleaning Products
One of the best ways to disinfect the hardwood floors is to use the cleaning products containing isopropyl alcohol. It must disinfect properties, and WHO also recommends cleaning the hands with it. When you are sanitizing the floor, you must use the appropriate products which are recommended by the floor finishers or floor contractors.
It will ensure a deep cleaning as well as will not damage the floors, yet will disinfect hardwood floors.
Use Paper or Talc to Remove the Stain
The stains on the hardwood floor from oil, grease, ink, or wine can leave a permanent mark. Further, any such element can entrap the germs and viruses, which can be dangerous in this current pandemic situation. However, removing it is not impossible. You need to use the paper or a little bit of talc to cover the affected area. In case of using the talc, let it be there for 24 hours and then slowly vacuum it. Finally, use a moistened cloth to wipe out and remaining particles. Let it dry to avoid and damage to the wooden floor.
Using Vinegar and Oil
Another popular method to clean and disinfect hardwood floor is using the vinegar and oils. To avoid the COVID-19 effect, you must clean all rooms and utensils thoroughly. For that, you need half a glass of white vinegar and pour it in the water. Use this solution to mop the floor. The solution will help the wooden floor from getting too much wet, as well as keep the natural shine on.
Once the wood gets completely clean, you can use olive oil or green tea oil to bring the luminosity and softness back to the wood floor. Apply the oils by using a clean cloth.
Related Article: Hardwood Floors Maintenance Tips
Using a Steam Cleaner
You may not have any of the above-mentioned items available in your home. In such cases, how to disinfect hardwood floors? The answer is simple, you need a steam cleaner. It is the best way to disinfect the hardwood floor. However, you need to follow the following steps.
- Clean the dust and debris with vacuum or broom
- Fill the water tank and fix the right mop pad
- Allow the water to preheat by plugging the machine
- Move the steam mop on the floor with the help of the trigger slowly
- Keep the mop on the floor for the mentioned period by the manufacturer
- Once completed, switch off the machine and let the water to cool
- Finally, dispose of the water
Thus, you can easily disinfect the hardwood floor. However, you must ensure that the floor gets dry completely.
Final Words
Therefore, over here you have seen how to sanitize hardwood floors. The mentioned methods are the best way to clean laminate wood floors too.
However, in case you need any help with the installation or repair of the wood floors, please feel free to contact us.