Bamboo flooring has become a popular flooring choice, but it’s important to consider the best way to clean bamboo flooring to ensure they stay looking brand new.
Keeping it simple will ensure cleaning your floors is a breeze.
Bamboo floors are boards which are made from a shredding type of grass (bamboo) and the fibres are compressed together at high temperatures. Once completed, an adhesive is used to help bind them together to ensure that they become harder and more durable than your standard timber flooring.
Qualities of Bamboo Flooring
Pros:
· Real Natural Bamboo
· Stronger than Hardwood Floors
· Middle Range Price
· Eco Friendly
· Installs the same as floating floors
Cons:
· Lower Water Resistance
· Susceptible to expansion and contraction with variation of temperatures
· Can scratch easier than other types of flooring
Cleaning Bamboo Floors
Bamboo floors require a little extra “TLC”, but it doesn’t make them hard to maintain. Keeping on top of your flooring will ensure that you will avoid damage or the need to repair or replace your boards.
The use of mats can assist in protecting your bamboo floors from scratches and stains, especially in high traffic areas.
Mopping Bamboo Floors
Consistent maintenance of floors is important; any spillages should be taken care of promptly with a mop or rag to remove any liquid. Bamboo can respond negatively to liquids that are allowed to sit and pool, so the sooner this is cleaned up, the better.
Vacuuming your floors prior to moping will assist in collecting any dirt particles. It is an effective solution to cleaning bamboo floors because it is dry and still retains dirt and dust.
When it comes to using a mop on your floors, it’s important that you are only using a damp mop. An excessively wet mop can cause water to seep into the porous bamboo and it will cause water damage. Wring out your mop before you start on your floors and ensure you are only giving it a light going over.
You can use chemical cleaners but it is recommended that you only use ones that are considered gentle PH as harsh chemicals can tear through the floor’s finish and cause stains.
Vinegar and water on a one to three part ratio is a good natural alternative, which can safely freshen up your floors.
Shining Your Floors
If you’re wanting to achieve a shine on your floors, wax or polish can be used but it’s important to speak to your flooring manufacturer to find out what product they recommend as some unsuitable products may void your warranty.
What should you avoid?
- Steam Mops: Whilst they are popular on tiled and carpeted flooring, using them on your bamboo floorings will significantly increase the risk of your floors absorbing water. The combination of temperature and moisture can cause the bamboo to expand which in turn will damage your floor.
- Excessively wet mops: Using excessive water can allow water to seep in through the gaps between floorboards, which again, can cause your bamboo to expand.
- Avoid Sanding or Polishing: Bamboo floors are much tougher and harder than normal timber floor, which makes them difficult to sand away any scratches. Whilst some companies may advise that they can sand bamboo floors, the cost to do this would be similar to buying new bamboo planks and there is no guarantee that they will turn out ok.
As you can see, cleaning bamboo flooring can be a little temperamental when it comes to how much water can be used, but overall, bamboo is a hardy floor that can be easily maintained as long as it’s done correctly.
For more information on Houspect, or to book a building inspection Sydney service, call us on 1300 258 789, email us at info.nsw@houspect.com.au or complete our online enquiry form.