How to clean the floors

Updated

Bystevengfowler

Before starting the floors, go around and pick up all the trash and take it to the outside bin.

Bring frequently used repair tools in the home inside your cleaning tray.
Plug the vacuum into an outlet that is in a position in the room that allows for the maximum amount of floor space to be vacuumed.
NEVER allow cords to rub on walls around corners. Be attentive to this and take the extra time to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Be careful not to bump or rub along baseboards or furniture.
When handling the upright vacuum, place it in a spot with enough clearance before taking the cord over to an outlet. This will prevent damages to walls or furniture if the upright vacuum falls as you move the cord towards the outlet.

Use the upright vacuum.
Go to the furthest carpeted room from the front door. If it’s a 2 story home, start on the top floor.
Plug into an outlet that will reach the maximum amount of floor space without the need to unplug and look for another outlet.
Start on the carpet furthest from the door.
Work left to right, then right to left as you work backwards towards the door.
As you vacuum, use long strokes and be sure to overlap just enough to vacuum all the carpeting.
If a spot needs extra attention, you can vacuum slower, or repeatedly over the same area.
Keep an eye out will for dirt in corners and hard-to-reach places as you move through the room.
Use your whisk broom as needed to move the dirt out and make it reachable for the vacuum.
Move small items on the floor as needed.

Use the small vacuum.
Step on one end, as you push the vacuum away from you.
Lift the vacuum at the end of the rug and continue moving left to right until the rug is vacuumed.

Use the small vacuum with the horsehair brush attachment.
It’s the opposite motion you use for carpeted floors. Start vacuuming at the entrance to the room and vacuum side to side while moving forward away from the door.
Vacuuming while moving forward keeps the exhaust behind one so it’s not blowing the dirt away while trying to vacuum it up.
Keep in mind, the better the vacuum job, the better the mopping will turn out.

The bucket should already be filled and in the kitchen. It should be warm water and a cap full of floor cleaner.
Drop 3 mop covers into the water.
Take the bucket to the hard floors furthest from the front door. This might be on the 2nd floor, or a bathroom on the 1st floor.
Place the bucket at the entrance of the room you will be mopping, you will go to the far side of the room and mop while moving backwards towards the mop bucket. This way you aren’t stepping on the floor you just mopped.
Wring one mop cover out and place it on the mop head. Make sure it is a damp mop head and not dripping wet. There should never be puddles on the floor.
Go to the far side of the room and begin mopping by pushing the mop forward and then bringing it back, shift to the side and repeat pushing the mop in the same direction.
When you can’t go any further to the side, move backwards and mop another row.
When the mop pad begins to dry or get too dirty to effectively clean, go back to the mop bucket and grab a fresh one. Wring it out until damp, and continue after replacing it.

Are you using too much cleaning solution?
Not changing the mop head enough? – 1 mophead per every 10×10 area in the home
Pick a pattern and stick with it! Go with the grain on the floor and do not make a rainbow shape!
Are you using too much water? Is the mop bucket slushing over?
Are you rushing and not taking your time?
Use two buckets – One with the solution and one with just water to rinse- Empty 2 or 3 times.
Are you changing out the water often enough? You need to change your water multiple times.
Double-check the floor if it’s sticky.
Walk on floors if needed using microfiber cloths.
If there is dog slobber or urine on the floor, wipe it with hot water first, then mop so it doesn’t just spread all around.
Are you using enough pressure on the mop? Put some elbow grease into it!!!

What do I do if …