It’s been a hot minute since I wrote a homemaking/housekeeping article.

Following the Easter holidays, which left the house in quite a state, thanks to family shenanigans and visitors, I thought this might be a good time to share a few of my favourite tips on how to clean any floor surface like a professional.

LINOLEUM

Mop regularly using a multisurface cleaner.

To maintain shine, wax every 3-6 months, depending on the usage and traffic rate in your household. A larger household may require waxing every 3 months and a smaller household, less.

To wax, apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Buff with a soft cloth mop to finish.

WOOD

Using a microfibre cloth mop, dust first. Next, use a mild, water-based floor cleaner that is made for wooden floors and then mop with a dry cloth.

EXTRA: While a DIY water-vinegar solution seems to be popular for cleaning wooden floors, it can actually break down and dull wood’s finish.

CERAMIC TILES

Mop with a mixture of warm water and tile cleaner and then mop again with a dry cloth.

EXTRA: 2-3 times a year, deep clean by scrubbing any stained grout, using a soft toothbrush and grout cleaning solution.

LAMINATE

First, vacuum or sweep away any dust and dirt, and then mop, using a solution of water and multisurface cleaner. Finish by wiping away any excess water with a dry cloth mop.

EXTRA: It is essential to wipe the floor dry as water left to soak on the flooring would make the laminate expand.

CONCRETE

For grease stains in garage concrete floors, mix degreaser with hot water, and then use a stiff-brush broom or yard broom to scrub the stains away. Finish by rinsing with a hose.

For indoor or decorative concrete flooring, mop with a solution of hot water and vinegar.

Mater Immaculata, ora pro nobis.