The Proper Way to Clean Bamboo Floors

5 Simple Steps to Keeping Your Bamboo Floors Clean

Step #1: Gather Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Bamboo floors don’t need extravagant cleaning materials. However, it is important to make sure they are clean before you use your cleaning tools. Here’s a list of materials you’ll need to start cleaning:

Broom and dustpan;

Floor vacuum cleaner;

Soft cloths and rags;

Floor cleaning solution;

Buckets.

Collecting Cleaning Tools

Step #2: Sweep or Vacuum Debris

To keep your bamboo floor looking like new, use a soft bristle or fine fiber broom. Rough dirt and dust may scratch the surface of the floor if not swept in a timely manner (preferably once a day). While it is possible to vacuum your bamboo floor, use a vacuum cleaner with attachments or hard floor settings to avoid damage. Avoid using ordinary vacuum cleaners as their large wheels and rotating brushes may dent or scratch the floor.

Bamboo and bamboo laminate flooring are just as susceptible to water damage as any other type of hardwood or laminate flooring. For this reason, it’s vital to clean up spills as soon as possible to stop water from seeping in and damaging the wood fibers inside the boards. This is especially true of carbonized bamboo flooring, which is heated at high temperatures to produce deep, rich colors. Due to the manufacturing process, carbonized bamboo is not as strong as regular bamboo flooring.

Cleaning your floors with a vacuum cleaner

Step #3: Make a mop cleaning solution

Mop your floors once a week using a hardwood grade cleaner to maintain the shine and protect the surface. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, vinegar and other acidic housekeeping products as they can damage the finish of your bamboo flooring and make it more susceptible to different types of damage.

Note: If the manufacturer’s instructions recommend diluting the mixture with water, be careful not to over-dilute.

Making a Floor Cleaning Mixture

Step #4: Remove Stains, Spills and Wear and Tear

When sweeping or cleaning, keep an eye out for stains, spills and wear and tear as they may need more attention. Before cleaning up spills or scratches, make sure you have cleaned up any loose dirt. Otherwise, when dealing with scratches or stains, you may rub dirt into the floor surface. Here’s how to clean them up properly:

How to remove stains

Real mayonnaise is effective in removing most water stains or light discoloration. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then buff with a soft, clean cloth. Although a variety of alternative “remedies” can be found online, if this oil-rich mayonnaise trick doesn’t solve the problem, proceed with caution, as other methods may damage the bamboo floor.

If the stain persists after your best efforts, it can be removed as needed since most bamboo floors can be refinished.

How to remove spills

Blot the spill immediately with a soft, dry towel to avoid damage from common accidents. After cleaning up the spill, clean the bamboo floor with a clean, damp rag and dry the surface if water is still present.

If bamboo flooring is installed in a kitchen or bathroom, it is highly recommended that carpeting be placed there as well as in any other areas where spills or moisture may occur. Specifically, if the flooring is a dark-colored bamboo floor, make sure the carpet is made of breathable mesh and does not have a rubber or latex backing, as these materials can damage the surface or discolor it.

How to remove scratches

Place some wood floor cleaner diluted as needed on a soft, dry cloth and gently massage the floor to remove heel wear. When finished, the floor should be partially dry and look brand new.

Mopping in sections

Step #5: Mop in sections

To avoid liquid buildup on the floor, wring out the mop thoroughly so that it is only slightly damp. High moisture levels may be trapped in the spaces between panels, causing the wood to swell or buckle. Wet mop floors in sections, then let them air dry. You can also turn on a fan to speed up drying. Do not hand dry with a towel or rag as this may leave swirl marks on the floor.

Note: Do not apply wax or other floor finishes unless recommended by the manufacturer. Doing so will only leave stains or damage the floor.

More Tips for Keeping Bamboo Floors Spotless

Place runners or rags in high-traffic areas such as hallways to prevent any scratches or dents. Place furniture leg pads on tables or chairs to cover the rough edges of furniture that could damage the floor surface. Clean floors consistently and clean up spills immediately. Sweeping or vacuuming daily will help your bamboo floor last for years to come.