How to Clean Bamboo Flooring

In the age of sustainability, bamboo flooring has become a major player in hardwood options, notes TLC. Not only is bamboo sustainable, but it offers a uniquely stunning and rich look to any room. Bamboo planks can be dyed into a myriad of colors or kept a natural hue.

Now that your bamboo floor is installed, it is time to clean and maintain it. Regular maintenance will ensure your bamboo floors look great for years and will stay durable and strong.

Regular Cleaning

Bamboo is cleaned in a similar fashion to hardwood floors. Simply sweep or dust mop every few days to remove dirt and debris from your floors. Regular cleaning will remove any debris that can potentially scratch your floor and will keep your bamboo looking great. In fact, Flooring.About.com notes, “The main culprit in the deterioration of a bamboo floor is going to be tiny particles of dirt and sand that are tracked into the room from people’s shoes.”

Most bamboo flooring is finished with a clear urethane coating that can be damaged after exposure to dirt and debris. Once a week use a solution of one-fourth cup of vinegar with a quart of water to carefully mop your floors.

Bamboo Floor Maintenance

It's important not to wax your bamboo floors. Adhesion damage can occur to waxed bamboo floors, and doing so can permanently harm the integrity of the flooring. Heartier cleaning of bamboo floors is simple and easy, because bamboo floors are built to withstand a considerable amount of wear. If you have sticky and/or gummy leave behinds on your flooring, clean it using a piece of ice.

While you are cleaning your bamboo floors, inspect them to make sure no planks are scratched or damaged. If there are minor scratches, you may wish to refinish your floors. Floor sanders are easily rented at home improvement stores. Use gentle and even pressure to remove the existing finish and reapply a thin layer of new finish. If you apply more than one coat, sand the floor with a very light touch.

Here are a few additional tips for maintaining your bamboo floors:

• Avoid spills. If a spill occurs, quickly wipe it up with a cloth.

• Never scrub your bamboo floors and avoid harsh cleaners.

• Purchase extra planks when you install your floors in case you need to replace any.

• Use furniture pads on all your heavy furniture to avoid denting.

• Never drag heavy furniture across your bamboo floors.

• Use is non-alkaline, non-abrasive cleaning solutions.

The best way to maintain your bamboo floors is to prevent damage in the first place. Take the necessary precautions to prevent damage to your bamboo floors and enjoy them for longer.