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Part 4 of 8 in the floor cleaning series
- Avoid vacuums with heavy wheels or rotating brushes
- Lift stains with a few drops of dish soap in water
- Polish at least twice a year and check the sealant
Are you considering bamboo as a flooring option? Well, there are plenty of reasons why you should! Although bamboo flooring has been around for a while, many homeowners often choose hardwood floors instead, unaware of the many benefits that this floor type offers.
For starters, bamboo floors are a more sustainable option compared to hardwood or other types of natural flooring. They also possess a higher resistance to moisture which, in turn, means cleaning and maintenance is easier. With that said, bamboo flooring, like other wood floor types, requires routine cleaning and proper care in order to maintain its durability and natural lustre.
It is also important to note that bamboo flooring is generally sealed in order to protect the natural material from water damage, dents, and scratches. This does not mean that the coating itself cannot be damaged by grainy or hard debris that gets tracked in and moved around with foot traffic in your home; therefore, reiterating the importance of cleaning your bamboo floor thoroughly, and regularly.
For everything there is to know about cleaning and maintaining a bamboo floor, Maid For You has got all the tips and tricks you need! So, let’s begin!
General Cleaning & Maintenance of Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is very similar to hardwood, however, the cleaning process differs to some extent. Basic upkeep requires daily dusting, weekly mopping, and spot cleaning to remove stains, scuff marks, etc.
Before we get into the details of how to go about general cleaning, it would be wise to first gather all the equipment and materials you will need to help keep the floor clean. Although bamboo flooring does not require any special equipment, using the right tools and products will go a long way in maintaining its lustrous shine.
What You’ll Need
- Soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner (with a soft brush attachment and no beater bar)
- Bucket
- Microfibre mop
- Soft cloth or towel
- Commercial hardwood floor cleaner
With everything you need at your disposal, follow the cleaning tips below to keep your bamboo flooring clean and free from damage.
Vacuum/Sweep Daily
Dust, debris, and dirt on your floor are inevitable. While this obviously drags down the appearance of bamboo floors, the real problem is the damage gritty dirt can cause to the finish if not removed on a daily basis. As the debris accumulates into a layer of dirt, it gets tracked around with foot traffic in the home, thereby causing tiny scratches on the surface. Moreover, bamboo flooring is installed as planks, leaving crevices in between. Overtime, the accumulated dust will collect in these crevices and layer over your glossy, finished and polished floor.
Daily sweeping with a soft broom, or vacuuming with an appropriate attachment head is highly recommended. The latter is generally preferred as it is more effective in removing fine debris from crevices, however, it is important to have the right attachments when vacuuming your bamboo floor to avoid damaging the finish. For the best and safest cleaning results, your vacuum cleaner should have a hard floor setting, and a felt head to prevent scratches and dents.
WARNING: Avoid using standard vacuums which have heavy wheels and rotating brushes as they are damaging to bamboo floors.
Damp-Mop the Floor
As we mentioned earlier, bamboo has a higher resistance to water as compared to other wooden floors like maple and oak; this, however, does not mean that they can be washed. Excess or prolonged exposure to water/moisture causes permanent damage in the form of warping; therefore, you should always clean your bamboo floor with a merely damp mop.
At least once a week, you should mop bamboo flooring to get rid of mild stains or stubborn buildup. This will help the material maintain its lustre while also ensuring that the floor is clean and sanitary. We recommend using a specially-formulated hardwood cleaner by following the directions on the label with regard to dilution rates.
For best practice, dampen a microfibre mop with your chosen commercial cleaning solution, and mop your bamboo floor one section a time. Use circular patterns as opposed to back and forth strokes to avoid going over the same section too many times. Once the floor is mopped, dry it immediately by wiping the surface with a towel or soft cloth.
| Task | What to use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dust and grit | Soft broom, or vacuum with felt head on hard floor setting | Heavy wheels, rotating brushes and beater bars |
| Weekly mopping | Microfibre mop barely damp with hardwood cleaner, then dry | Excess water, which can warp bamboo |
| Liquid spills | Absorb with a dry sponge or microfibre cloth, damp mop, dry | Leaving spills to seep into the crevices |
| Fresh or mild stains | Soft damp cloth, then a few drops of dish soap in water | Bleaching or acidic agents |
| Rubber scuff marks | Diluted hardwood cleaner on a microfibre cloth, rubbed slowly | Relying on plain water or soap |
How to Deal With Spills & Stains on Bamboo Floor
Spills, if left unattended, can stain the floor or seep into crevices and penetrate the wood, thus damaging the material. For that reason, it is important to act swiftly when you come across spills on the floor. To clean up a liquid spill on your bamboo floor, use a dry sponge or microfiber cloth to quickly absorb excess moisture. Next, damp mop the area to prevent the spill from leaving a stain, and don’t forget to dry the floor thereafter.
Similar to cleaning up spills, stains on bamboo flooring must also be removed as soon as they occur or are spotted to prevent permanent discolouration. Depending on the type of stain in question, it is advisable to start with a gentle approach before moving on to a stronger, bamboo-appropriate stain removal process. For a fresh or mild stain, wipe it gently with a soft, damp cloth; if this does not work, move on to a cleaning solution consisting of water and mild dish soap (without any bleaching or acidic agents). Simply mix a few drops of liquid dish detergent in a cup of water, dampen a soft cloth in the solution, and gently scrub the stain until it comes out. Finish off by drying the floor with a towel or paper towels.
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Bamboo Flooring
If you’re wondering what causes these unsightly marks on your floor, rubber materials are responsible. Whether it’s shoes or anti-slip/anti-scratch furniture protectors; when rubber gets dragged over the floor, it leaves a mark. If you spot scuff marks on your bamboo floor, it can be worrying because they are not the easiest of stains to remove (not with plain water or soap, at least).
To spot clean scuff marks, begin by diluting a hardwood floor cleaner product in a spray bottle. Then, take a clean microfibre cloth and spray it with this solution (just enough to dampen the cloth); use this to rub the mark away slowly, and patiently. It may take a little time before the entire scuff mark is removed but this is the best and safest approach to effectively get rid of these stains from bamboo flooring.
If you want to keep your bamboo floors looking as good as new, you can’t go wrong with Maid For You‘s useful cleaning tips above! You should also go one step further to polish your bamboo flooring at least twice a year to maintain its lustrous shine and aesthetic appeal. Similarly, homeowners must inspect the sealant routinely, and consider resealing the bamboo floor as and when needed to extend its lifespan.
When to call a professional
Daily sweeping and a weekly damp mop keep bamboo in good shape, and a regular clean takes that routine off your hands. A dull finish that cleaning no longer lifts, or sealant that looks worn, is a different matter: that calls for a flooring specialist who can polish or reseal the boards.
