Installing hybrid flooring is one thing, keeping it in pristine condition is another. While hybrid floors provide an array of benefits, they still need to be cared for properly. It’s vital to use the right cleaning solutions and methods to remove dust, dirt and grime if you want to get the most out of your new flooring.
Instead of letting debris build up over time and doing a heavy duty clean occasionally, cleaning your hybrid floors regularly is a far better option. There are a few simple steps you can take to keep these floors clean and looking their best. We’ve come up with this guide on how to clean hybrid flooring effectively.
An Overview of Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is becoming a preferred choice among architects, interior designers, and property owners because of its durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal. It is typically made of durable and waterproof materials, remaining intact even under heavy foot traffic. It mimics the appearance of natural wood without the high maintenance requirements.
Two types of hybrid flooring are Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) and Stone Plastic Composites (SPC). These two are both fully waterproofed. It’s vital to understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to keeping them clean.
Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) – They are slightly softer and feel more like real wood compared to their SPC counterpart. This feature makes them feel more comfortable underfoot. However, they are slightly less abrasion resistant.
Stone Plastic Composites (SPC) – The SPC range is partially made of limestone powder, which is a little stronger than wood powder. This makes the SPC range more durable than the WPC range. It’s also more affordable than the usual WPC flooring available today
Pre-Cleaning Care Instructions for Hybrid Flooring
Here’s a pre-emptive care guide before hybrid floor cleaning.
Place entrance door mats to keep dirt outside where they belong. If you have pets, they will have to walk over the entrance mat to help minimise the amount of outside dirt and foliage they bring to your hybrid floors.
Keep outdoor footwear outdoors. It should be your household’s official rule to switch to thongs or indoor footwear. This is more effective than placing an entrance door mat to keep dirt out.
Install curtains for UV protection. Despite its durability, hybrid flooring is unfortunately not immune to the sun’s powerful rays. Constant exposure to the strong Australian sun can cause fading of your floor’s colours. Install curtains on your windows to block some of the UV light.
IMPORTANT: Do not use steam cleaners. They can melt plastic and cause your flooring to warp and swell.
Clean Your Hybrid Flooring in Six Simple Steps
Now that you know the essential pre-cleaning care for your flooring, let’s roll out the cleaning methods.
Gather all cleaning supplies. You don’t have to use commercial floor-cleaning chemicals. Simply prepare a broom, mop, vacuum with a soft brush attachment, neutral pH cleaner, microfibre cloth, and lemon juice.
Sweep loose dust. Using a soft-bristled broom, remove loose dust from the furthermost corner and towards the entrance of your property. If not sure how to clean hybrid flooring effectively or what materials to use, err on the side of caution and only use a soft-bristled broom so as not to damage the surface.
Vacuum the remaining debris. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to eliminate dirt, debris, pet hair, dander, dust mites, insect droppings, and more. Wear a mask while doing so. You don’t want to inhale any of this dirt.
Give your floors a good mop. The dry/damp mop method involves using a soft, microfibre mop and a gentle, natural floor cleaner (it should be pH neutral and diluted). Dip your microfibre mop in this neutral pH solution and wring out the excess water. Wipe your floors from left to right, but ensure you do not flood the floorboards. Finally, rinse and dry your floors after mopping.
Wipe up stains. Cleaning hybrid flooring also involves using a microfibre cloth and wiping up any spill or stain on your flooring. This should prevent any discolouration. Avoid abrasive cleaners like scrub pads as they can scratch and dent the surface of your floors.
Shine up with lemon juice. If your flooring needs a little glistening, add a few drops of lemon juice to your mop. This step should only be done occasionally as lemon juice contains citric acid that can cause discolouration or dents.
How Often to Clean Hybrid Flooring in Melbourne
Cleaning your hybrid floors is imperative to retain their aesthetic appeal for years. Establish a cleaning routine based on factors like foot traffic, environmental conditions, and the specific demands of each part of your home with hybrid flooring.
Immediate Cleanup. Wipe up spills promptly. Regardless of your cleaning schedule, immediate spill cleanup is a must to prevent stains and damage to the flooring.
Daily sweeping. Ensure to sweep the high-traffic areas and spaces prone to dust and dirt daily. This helps prevent scratches and keep your floor looking its best.
Weekly damp mopping. It’s advisable to mop your floors weekly or bi-weekly to remove accumulated dirt and grime.
Monthly deep cleaning. Consider deep cleaning your floors monthly or every few months. A deep clean, especially in areas with heavy use, removes stubborn dirt. It ultimately maintains the floor’s shine.
Cleaning hybrid flooring in Herringbone and surrounding areas will help minimise the need for heavy cleaning. To reduce the frequency at which you need to clean your floors, remember the tips we outlined above. Incorporating them into your cleaning routine can preserve your hybrid floor’s allure and durability.
Main Takeaway
From immediate spill cleaning and daily sweeping to weekly damp mopping and monthly deep cleaning, ensure your flooring remains visually appealing and resilient against wear and tear. Be consistent with your cleaning routine, so your hybrid flooring continues to grace your spaces with enduring beauty. If you recently installed hybrid floors, whether Wood Plastic Composites or Stone Plastic Composites, it’s even more essential to preserve their original look from the day of installation.
We hope you found this guide on how to clean hybrid flooring helpful. For the care and maintenance of flooring products from Serfloor Australia, do check out this page.