Brick floors bring rustic charm and timeless beauty into any home, but require proper upkeep in order to retain their look and durability. Their porous surface traps dirt, stains and grime, making cleaning difficult; but with the right tools and techniques in place you can successfully maintain brick floors indoors – this article will demonstrate step-by-step how.
Before Cleaning Brick Floors, There Are Key Considerations
Before beginning to clean indoor brick floors, there are a few important considerations:
Type of Brick Flooring: Cleaning methods may depend on the type of brick used for the floor. For instance, unsealed brick floors require different solutions than sealed ones for proper upkeep.
Age and Damage to Floor: Aggressive cleaning solutions may further damage an old or damaged brick floor surface.
Sealant: To prevent damaging the sealant on your brick floor, ensure to use only cleaners approved for sealed surfaces when cleaning them. These can help ensure no irreparable damage occurs.
Supplies Needed
In order to properly clean indoor brick floors, you will require the following supplies.
Broom, Vacuum Cleaner, Mop and Bucket of Warm Water is used in this step-by-step Guide for Cleaning Brick Floors Indoors
Follow these steps for effective brick floor cleaning indoors:
Preparations for Cleaning
Clean the Surface to Remove Debris: Sweeping or vacuuming will effectively clear away loose dirt, debris and dust from the surface of your floor.
Clear the area: To make cleaning easier, clear away any furniture or objects from the floor in order to have an open area to work in.
Test Your Cleaner: Before applying any cleaning solution to a surface, always conduct a small, inconspicuous test area first to make sure that it will not damage it.
Basic Cleaning Solutions
Combine warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket. Dip a mop or soft cloth in the solution and wring it out before mopping sections starting from the farthest corner towards the door, frequently rinsing off in clean water to reduce dust or grime build-up.
Vinegar solution: In a bucket, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar together. Using a mop or cloth soaked in this solution, mop sections of floor space while regularly rinsing off in clean water to refresh it.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Solution: Combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste and apply to stained areas on the floor for 10-15 minutes before using a stiff-bristled brush to scrub these areas clean before rinsing with warm water.
Cleaning the Floor
Start from one corner of the room and work your way towards the door so as not to step on wet surfaces while cleaning.
- Soak a mop or soft cloth in cleaning solution and wring it out before mopping in sections across the floor, taking care to cover its entirety.
- Rinse your mop or cloth frequently with clean water to avoid spreading dirt or grime.
- Once you have mopped all areas, allow at least an hour for drying before walking on it.
- For stubborn stains, use a scrub brush to scrub gently over the affected areas.
- Rinse the floor with clean water to flush away any soap residue that remains.
Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal Solutions
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste for deep cleaning and stain removal.
- Apply the paste directly onto stained areas of the floor, and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes before wiping clean.
- Scrub the stained areas with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse with warm water to complete this step.
- Repeat this process until all stains have dissipated.
Tips to Keep Brick Floors Clean and in Good Condition
- Follow these tips to help maintain and increase the lifespan of your brick floors:
- Regular sweeping or vacuuming will remove loose dirt and debris from your floor and should help ensure its cleanliness.
- Mop the floor once every week using a mild cleaning solution.
- Wipe up spills immediately in order to prevent permanent stains from setting in.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools which could harm the surface.
- Seal your floors every few years to protect it against dirt, stains, and damage.
Conclusion
Cleaning indoor brick floors may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques it can be done effectively. Before choosing a cleaning solution, be sure to consider factors like type of brick, age of the floor and sealant type; regularly sweep or vacuum and mop with mild cleaning solutions such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solutions to keep it looking its best for years! Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your brick floors continue looking their best!
