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Eco-friendly | Flooring Supply Shop Blog

How to Clean Bamboo Floors?

Bamboo floors have increasingly become a favorite choice for homeowners because of their sustainable and eco-friendly nature. They are made from natural bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, offering a stylish and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional hardwood floors. However, like all types of wood floors, bamboo floors require particular care to maintain their beauty and longevity. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean your bamboo floors effectively while minimizing wear and tear.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the first step towards maintaining the beauty of your bamboo floor. This practice helps keep dirt, dust, and grime at bay, reducing the chances of scratching and damaging your floors. A simple, effective method is using a soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner, specifically one without a beater bar. Beater bars can potentially scratch or damage the bamboo flooring, and thus should be avoided. A vacuum cleaner will remove even the smallest dust particles without causing any harm.

Use a dry mop, preferably one made from microfiber for a deeper clean. Microfiber mops are ideal for bamboo floors as they easily pick up dust and dirt without leaving scratches. Make sure to mop in the direction of the bamboo grain to minimize potential streaks or marks.

Damp Mop

While dry cleaning is effective for everyday maintenance, sometimes your bamboo floors might require a deeper clean. This is when a damp mop comes in handy. However, like any hardwood, bamboo floors don’t react well to excessive water. Therefore, using a damp mop rather than a wet one is essential.

To clean, first dampen your microfiber mop in warm water and then wring it out thoroughly. Remember, the mop should only be slightly moist, not dripping wet. Gently run the damp mop over your floor, making sure not to leave any puddles or moisture behind.

Cleaning Solutions

While water is usually enough to clean your bamboo floors, stubborn stains may require a bit more. A specifically designed bamboo floor cleaner or mild hardwood floor cleaner can be beneficial in such instances. These cleaning products are formulated to break down grime without damaging the protective finish of your floor.

One popular cleaning solution is oil soap, which is gentle yet effective for wood floors. Simply dilute the oil soap as directed on the package and apply it with a damp mop. Follow up with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to ensure no soap residue is left behind.

Avoid Steam Mops and Harsh Cleaning Products

While steam mops are often touted as an excellent tool for cleaning hardwood floors, they are not recommended for bamboo floors. The intense heat and moisture from a steam mop can cause bamboo to warp or crack.

Additionally, avoid using harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia-based solutions. These can strip the finish off your bamboo floors and lead to discoloration.

Addressing Wear and Tear

Despite our best efforts, all floors experience wear and tear over time. Scratches and minor dents are part and parcel of a well-loved home. However, there are preventative measures to limit this. Placing rugs in high-traffic areas, using furniture pads, and keeping pet nails trimmed can significantly reduce the chances of scratching your bamboo floors.

Spot Cleaning

Occasionally, spills or stains may occur on your bamboo floors. When this happens, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent the liquid from seeping into the bamboo and causing damage. Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the spill immediately, avoiding any further rubbing action that may spread the liquid or stain.

You might need more elbow grease for more stubborn stains, such as ink or shoe polish. A small amount of bamboo or hardwood floor cleaner can be applied to a microfiber cloth and gently rub the stain. Remember to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the finish of your bamboo floors.

Polishing Your Bamboo Floors

After a thorough cleaning, a polish can help restore the shine to your bamboo floors. Choose a polish designed specifically for bamboo or hardwood floors. Apply the polish with a microfiber mop or cloth, working in small sections and following the grain of the bamboo. Let the polish dry completely before walking on the floor.

Long-Term Maintenance

Even with regular cleaning, bamboo floors may show signs of aging over time. You might notice some discoloration or dulling of the finish. When this happens, it may be time to consider a professional refinishing. This process involves sanding down the top layer of the bamboo and applying a new finish, effectively restoring your bamboo floor to its original luster.

What tools are needed to clean bamboo floors?

1. Soft Bristle Broom or Vacuum Cleaner: A soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar is ideal for regular cleaning. These will remove dust and dirt without scratching the bamboo surface.

2. Dry Mop: A dry mop, particularly one made of microfiber, is great for catching any dust or small particles left behind after brooming or vacuuming.

3. Damp Mop: For a deeper clean, you’ll need a mop to dampen. Again, microfiber is a great material as it is soft and less likely to scratch the surface. Just remember, it should be damp, not soaking wet.

4. Bamboo Floor Cleaner or Mild Hardwood Floor Cleaner: These are cleaning solutions specifically designed to be safe for wood and bamboo floors. They can help in tackling stubborn stains or in providing a deeper clean.

5. Microfiber Cloth: This is handy for drying the floor immediately after mopping or cleaning up any spill. It’s also great for applying floor cleaner directly to stains.

6. Bucket: You’ll need a bucket to hold your cleaning solution and to wring out your mop.

7. Bamboo or Hardwood Floor Polish: A specific polish is useful for maintaining the shine and luster of your bamboo floors. This is not for daily use but can be applied every few months or as needed.


FAQ

 

1. Can I use a steam mop on bamboo floors?

No, steam mops are not recommended for bamboo floors. The intense heat and moisture from a steam mop can cause bamboo to warp, crack, or discolor.

2. Can I use vinegar to clean bamboo floors?

While vinegar is a popular natural cleaner, it’s generally not recommended for bamboo floors. Vinegar is acidic and can dull the finish of your bamboo floor over time. Sticking with a cleaner specifically designed for bamboo or hardwood floors is best.

3. How often should I clean my bamboo floors?

The cleaning frequency depends on the foot traffic your floors receive. However, as a general rule, dry mopping or vacuuming should be done weekly, while a more thorough clean using a damp mop and cleaner should be done monthly. Remember, the key to bamboo floor longevity is regular cleaning.

4. Can I use oil soap to clean bamboo floors?

Yes, oil soap can be used to clean bamboo floors. It’s a gentle cleaner that can effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging your floor. Remember to dilute the oil soap as directed on the package and avoid leaving any soap residue behind.

5. How do I remove stains from my bamboo floor?

First, clean the area with a damp cloth for common stains. If the stain persists, use a bamboo or hardwood floor cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and gently rub the stain until it’s gone. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the finish of your bamboo floors.

6. How do I restore the shine to my bamboo floors?

Applying a polish specifically designed for bamboo or hardwood floors can help restore shine. Make sure to clean the floor thoroughly before applying the polish, and let it dry completely before walking on it.

7. How do I prevent scratches on my bamboo floors?

Placing rugs in high-traffic areas, using furniture pads, and keeping pet nails trimmed can significantly reduce the chances of scratching your bamboo floors. Regular cleaning also helps minimize dust and dirt that can cause scratches.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with the manufacturer’s instructions or a flooring professional when you’re unsure about cleaning and maintaining your bamboo floors.


In summation, the role that diligent and appropriate care plays in the preservation of bamboo flooring cannot be overstated. Bamboo, an increasingly popular flooring choice due to its sustainable sourcing and aesthetic appeal, necessitates specific maintenance practices to uphold its enduring quality and visual allure.

Adherence to correct cleaning methodologies, the utilization of appropriate equipment, and the selection of suitable cleaning agents are all imperative facets of bamboo floor maintenance. Swift action in addressing inadvertent spills or stains is highly recommended, alongside a conscious effort to abstain from potentially detrimental practices such as using steam mops or harsh chemical cleaners.

Furthermore, it is vital to acknowledge that despite their robustness, bamboo floors are not impervious to daily use’s regular wear and tear. As such, incorporating preventative measures can notably extend the lifespan and aesthetic continuity of your bamboo flooring. By observing these guidelines, the integrity of your bamboo floors will be effectively safeguarded, providing you with a sustainable and attractive flooring solution for years to come.

Different Flooring Options For Your Home

Living Room Tile

While renovating your home’s flooring can be a very rewarding and exciting process it can also be quite stressful. There are a variety of flooring options to choose from, and each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. It can be challenging to understand what material offers the most advantageous profile for your home’s Flooring. The following list discusses popular flooring materials and the advantages and disadvantages these materials possess. If you are looking to renovate your home’s flooring in the foreseeable future then this list was meant for you!

  1. Ceramic 

Tile Flooring

Ceramic tiles are made from natural elements like sand and clay that have been baked in a kiln. This flooring option is highly durable and offers homeowners the choice of several different designs and colors. Ceramic tile also does not get easily scratched or damaged and is a solid choice for high traffic areas and home’s with pets and children.

There are also several disadvantages associated with ceramic flooring. This material can be quite slippery and can pose a potential hazard to the elderly or young children.

Ceramic also does not conduct heat and can be quite cold to touch. Therefore, walking on ceramic tile, especially in the winter, can be uncomfortable.

Shop ceramic bathroom accessories, Handmade ceramic tiles, & ceramic corner shower shelf

  1. Concrete 

Concrete Flooring

A slightly unconventional but widely available flooring material, Concrete can come in a variety of colors and designs that can add texture and depth to a room via its flooring. Floors made out of concrete will also increase the overall energy efficiency of a home and improve a home’s fire protection. The material is not combustible and acts as an additional source of insulation.

Concrete floors are very hard to repair. Any section that does crack or fade can’t be easily patched or replaced. Concrete floors also can be quite loud and uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Shop: Concrete polishing pad, concrete cement board

3. Wood

Hardwwod Floors

A classic home flooring material, wood floors are an investment and drastically increase the resale value of a home. This material is also highly customizable and comes in a variety of shades, designs, and patterns. Wood floors are also a good source of insulation in a home. However, wood floors are also very expensive, easy to damage, and require extensive ongoing maintenance and care. Shop: hardwood floor cleaner, hardwood floor installation kit

  1. Vinyl

In recent years, vinyl flooring has seen tremendous advances in design and functionality. Similar to linoleum, this flooring material is normally installed in kitchens and bathrooms. The material is very easy to clean using a broom and dustpan. Vinyl flooring is also water-resistant and can be moped and dried quite easily. The disadvantages of vinyl flooring relate to the chemical compounds of the material. These compounds are quite harmful to the lungs and eyes when broken down. Therefore, vinyl flooring has to be removed completely to replace even the smallest of defects.

  1. Laminate 

Laminate flooring is designed to imitate hardwood flooring in a home. This material is easy to install and easier to maintain than wood flooring. The material is also highly inexpensive and comes in a variety of shades, designs, and textures. The major downfall associated with laminate flooring is its water resistance. While the material is somewhat water-resistant it should never be installed in a laundry room or other area where water damage is likely.

  1. Carpet 

Carpet is making a comeback in the flooring discourse because of its consistency and softness. The material also comes in a variety of styles, textures, and designs. The maintenance of carpet flooring is also rather simple as it only requires regular vacuuming and occasional shampooing. The disadvantages associated with carpet flooring are that the material can make a home appear dated and that it is easy to stain or damage. Shop: Carpet stain remover

Enjoy Your Home’s New Floors

It’s true that there are a variety of flooring options on the market to decide between. However, homeowners who follow the list of materials above are sure to choose the perfect flooring option for their home.

Skylar Ross is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. He is a blogger and content writer for the residential and commercial flooring industry. Skylar is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers discover materials and methods of installation that increase property value, improve durability, and discover innovative flooring options for their home or commercial space.

Copyright © 2020 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Special offers from Dr. Fred

Innovative Solution
One system revolutionizing the way surface restoration and maintenance is done!

To each of our valued customers,

Thank you and we have witnessed great and supportive acts from every different industry with the growing issue of COVID-19. We have been talking to many of you and we know that everyone is affected.

As a result of this many have lost jobs or they have been postponed, while some areas that have not been hit as hard are taking the opportunity of empty facilities to perform deep cleaning and restoration project. We want to help where we can and so does everyone at this time. See below for generous offer from Dr. Fred Hueston!

Many of you reading this know, or know of, Dr. Fred Hueston. He is a very respected member of the industry and has generously offered his correspondence course at 50% off!!

If you are not familiar with Dr. Fred and his professional experience, Click here to read Fred’s CV.

As you know we have always promoted training and education. Knowledge, know more than ever, is power! Until the Corona virus crisis has passed many of you will be unable to work your regular jobs and schedules. Take advantage of this time to get that education you have been putting off.

****Coming soon…. Many of you have asked us for a correspondence option and we are working hard to provide you with one during this time! We will keep you posted when this becomes available****

Special offers from Dr. Fred:

“I have put together a number of self-guided voiced-over power point presentation that you can view and listen to. All classes listed below are completely downloadable and you only need to purchase one time. For more information or to order any of the classes below, please contact me at fhueston@gmail.comor give me a call at 321-514-6845.

Iknow times are tough and for this reason I am going to cut all the prices in half until this crisis is over. I will also be hosting some round table discussions to discuss various subjects in the stone and tile business. If you have an idea, please contact me and let me know what you would like to learn. Fred Hueston

Stone Forensics Correspondence Classes

The following are the current classes available:

Stone and Tile Inspection and Troubleshooting – $1500 – now $750
Stone Restoration 101 $499.00 –now $249.50
Advanced Stone Restoration $499.00 – now $249.50
Historic Stone Restoration $599.00 – now $299.50
Stain Removal for Stone and Masonry $299.00 –now $149.50
Sell More Stone- For distributors etc who sell stone and tile $299.00 – now $149.50
Designing a Sustainable Stone Terrazzo Rest. Procedure-$299.00 –now $149.50
Engineered Stone Repair Restoration $299.00 –now $149.50
How to Turn Your Profession, Skill or Trade into a Major Cash Machine
By becoming an Expert Witness $299.00 – now $149.50

We are grateful to have you all as partners during these challenging times! Thank you for your patience and loyalty, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with the amazing products and service you’ve come to trust from us.

We have full inventory and are practicing safe operations and can supply you with any Monkey Pads or Cheetah Pads at www.flooringsupplyshop.com that you may need as well as our incredible tech support.

Stay safe and healthy!! We will all get through these challenging times!!

With Regards,

The Innovative Surface Solutions Team

1-800-280-0333 or email us at customerservice@innovativesurfacesolutions.com.

Cheetah Pads
The professional and Eco Friendly Solution

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Eco Friendly Stone Polishing – Are you getting these kind of results

We have seen some great work lately being shared by our wonderful customers and wanted to pass along some of the latest results of our products…

Are you getting these kind of results…?

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Stone Restoration Pads for Marble, Travertine, Limestone & Terrazzo

Check out this floor of the Historic Fox Theater in downtown Detroit, MI across from Tiger Stadium…

This b beautiful full restoration that was done by Gregg Laviolette’s team at Stone Restoration Service’s Detroit location.

This multi-stone installation had years of wax buildup and significant lippage. Gregg’s team used metal diamonds to grind it perfectly flat. Then they proceeded to use our Cheetah System Step 1-4.

There was a variety of equipment and configurations used on this job. They ran a planetary machine with 6″ heads and centered our 5″ Cheetah Pads (flat’s) on each head with great success, as well as using traditional 175 RPM swing machines with our 5″ Cheetah Pucks and weighted drive plates

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5″ Cheetah Pucks – 17 mm thick and you can use 4-6 of each step spaced evenly on our riser or directly on weighted drive plate. Our most aggressive pad!

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5″ Cheetah Pads (Flat) – Available in 8″ and can be centered on 9″ planetary head and work great for vertical surfaces, counter tops, stairs, and edge work.

By performing this mechanical polishing process this building is going to have significantly easier and reduced on-going maintenance work and costs and a superb looking floor for longer!

Nice job SRS Team and thanks for sharing!

Let’s take a look at this next floor…
How about this newly poured terrazzo…

This was a newly installed resin based terrazzo that was finished up to an 800 grit traditional diamond by the installation company. The maintenance supervisor did not want to put coatings or wax finishes on this new floor.

The in-house staff (with no restoration experience) completed the job with our weighted drive plates, our step 3 and 4 Cheetah Pucks, 11,000 grit Monkey Pads, and Nano Guard. They created a beautiful finish and a much easier and cost effective ongoing maintenance program.

You can achieve amazing results while saving over 50% in labor/steps over traditional restoration methods… and time is money! Are you using our system yet…?

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Overview

Diamond Pads That Perform Stone Restoration in Half The Time

Using traditional diamond pads, stone restoration takes hours. The operator is constantly changing the buffer pads to achieve the correct honing, resurfacing and polishing. Using Cheetah Pads stone restoration of Terrazzo, Marble, Travertine, and Limestone is very fast. The pads allow the operator to combine three and sometimes four steps into just one saving hours of labor. Cheetah Pads on average achieve up a 70% reduction in labor hours.

Marble, Terrazzo, Travertine Floor Repair without Harsh Chemicals or Special Equipment

Cheetah Pads repair high quality stone floors such as Marble, Terrazzo and Travertine using only water. There is no need for powders or harsh chemicals at all. In addition, Cheetah Pads work on standard floor buffers, orbital or planetary machines. There is no special equipment required.

Stone Restoration without 20 Years of Experience

In addition to being fast at stone restoration, Cheetah Pads do not need operators with years of experience to use them. In just a short time regular staff members with minimal training can complete phenomenal resurfacing projects using Cheetah Pads. This includes previously difficult techniques such as lippage removal, honing and polishing.

More Profitable Stone Restoration Projects

advanced technology. The advanced patent pending technology in Cheetah Pads makes this possible.

The Fastest Stone Restoration System On The Planet!!!

Some more before and after pictures from other projects by different contractors

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Cheetah Pad, Eco Friendly Stone Polishing, EcoPads, EcoStone, earth day, eco stone, Eco-friendly, energy conservation, Environmentally friendly flooring, go green, hybrid, sustainable living

Saving hours on labor, chemicals and job time gives your business the competitive edge to win more bids and to earn more profits from this advanced technology. The advanced patent pending technology in Cheetah Pads makes this possible

Diamond Pads That Perform Stone Restoration in Half The Time

  • Very easy To Use
  • Up to 70% reduction in labor
  • As much as 75% lower cost
  • Work well on any floor buffer, orbital or planetary machine
  • No heavy duty equipment required
  • Extremely fast cutting
  • No chemicals used, only water
  • No acidic components
  • Extreme concentration of micro abrasives
  • Works incredibly well on ALL Marbles, Travertine, Limestone, Terrazzo and Polished Concrete
  • Chemical free Diamond pads are an Eco Friendly way to achieve a dull hone on Travertine, Marble, or Limestone Floors, countertops or walls.
  • Use on floors walls or countertops with little to no lippage (uneven tiles).
  • Pads remove wear and provide a variety of appearance levels from dull hone (no shine) to highly polished.
  • Safe on all stones and tile, will not damage any stone
  • Professional strength formula.

Environmentally Friendly

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Made in the U.S.A

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Eco Friendly Stone Polishing Pads Video’s

To check out our great range of flooring, visit our website.

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Finding the best tile for your kitchen backsplash

A functional and decorative detail, the backsplash is the perfect opportunity to be creative and play with a variety textures and materials. Whether your kitchen is traditional and has a cozy feel or is modern and minimalistic, the style you choose for the backsplash can accentuate your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. However, so many choices can be overwhelming, which is why we have put together a quick guide to our tiles to help you choose the material that meets your needs.

kitchen

Metal
The variety of shades in the aluminum, copper and bronze colors will certainly add character to your kitchen. And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, our Victorian Metals tile is made with 98% post-consumer recycled aluminum.

City studio apartment
Photo by Black and Milk Residential


Marble

The silky surface of timeless marble tiles not only emphasizes elegance and a contemporary feeling but is also very easy to clean.

Kitchen with glass tile
Photo by Giulietti Schouten Architects 


Glass

Vibrant and colorful glass tiles can liven up solid-hued counters creating a sleek, modern look.

Rollingwood Residence


Stone

Durable and easy to clean, natural stone adds flair to your kitchen with many possibilities in color and texture.

 

Eclectic Industrial Chef


Ceramic

Undoubtedly the most versatile backsplash material, ceramic tile is a popular choice because it’s widely available and comes in a vast range of styles.

Eco-friendly | Flooring Supply Shop Blog