Clean floors make the whole house feel clean
You can have shiny counters and a spotless bathroom, but if the floor is gritty, the house still feels dirty. Floors take a beating. Kids drop snacks. Dogs track in mud. And every Illinois winter, road salt and slush come right through the front door.
That is why floors are always the last thing I do in every room. After I dust and wipe, I vacuum and mop to pick up everything that fell. It is the finishing touch that pulls the whole clean together.
What my floor cleaning includes
Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Vacuum all carpeted rooms
- Vacuum area rugs
- Vacuum along edges and in corners
- Vacuum stairs
- Vacuum under reachable spots of furniture
Mopping hard floors
- Sweep or vacuum first to remove loose dirt
- Mop kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and hallways
- Spot clean sticky areas
- Pay extra attention to entry mats and mudroom areas
Types of floors I clean
Hardwood floors
Real wood needs a gentle touch. I use a damp mop, not a soaking wet one, so water does not sit on the wood. If you have a cleaner your flooring company recommends, let me know.
Tile and grout
Tile is tough, but grout holds onto dirt. Regular mopping keeps it fresh, and a deep clean gives grout lines more attention.
Luxury vinyl and laminate
These floors are popular in newer homes across our area. They clean up nicely with the right amount of moisture and no harsh chemicals.
Carpet and rugs
I vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. Please note that I do not shampoo or steam clean carpets. For deep stains or a full carpet shampoo, a carpet cleaning company is the right call.
Floors through the seasons
Winter
Salt leaves white film and gritty residue on entry floors. Regular mopping keeps it from scratching and dulling your floors.
Spring
Rain and thawing ground mean muddy shoes and paws. Entryways and kitchens need extra love.
Summer
Doors open, kids in and out, grass and sand on the floor. More vacuuming, more mopping.
Fall
Leaves and dirt ride in on shoes. A good clean before the holidays is always a smart idea.
Tips to keep floors cleaner between visits
- Put a good mat inside and outside every door
- Try a shoes off rule if your family likes it
- Wipe up spills right away, especially on wood
- Keep a small broom handy for quick crumbs
Have a dog or cat? See my guide to cleaning a home with pets for keeping up with hair between visits.
