Health and safety should be a priority for all individuals. This will often involve sanitizing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and desks. However, many forget about floors. In order to have a clean floor, it should be disinfected regularly. By doing so, you will kill viruses and bacteria. This can help prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases.
It is quite common to have confusion about the disinfection process. There are plenty of variables such as floor type and different disinfecting products. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about disinfecting floors and how it can help keep you and others safe.
Materials and Tools for Disinfecting Floors
To begin with, you will need a variety of tools. These all play an important part in the disinfection process. Understandably, you should have a disinfecting product that is safe for your floor. Certain disinfectants contain harsh chemicals that can damage and distort the floor. An experienced cleaning company will know what products to use. Depending on the size of the floor, microfiber mops or cloth may be required.
There are also materials needed for the pre-disinfecting process. You will need a broom and dustpan. A vacuum can work as well.
For post-disinfecting, you will need a dry mop or clean cloth.
It is also important to note that gloves and goggles can be helpful. This can prevent your skin from getting burned or irritated.
4 Steps for Disinfecting Floors
Now that you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to disinfect. You should follow all of these steps as they result in a properly disinfected and clean floor.
1. Sweep or vacuum your floor
To start, you should always sweep or vacuum your floor before disinfecting. This will remove any excess dirt or debris. By doing so, the disinfectant will have greater contact with viruses and bacteria. Also, this can help maintain floors as it will prevent scratches. This should be done for any floor type.
2. Apply the disinfectant
Afterward, microfiber mops or cloth should be used to apply the disinfectant. You should make sure that the disinfecting product you use is suitable for your floor type. The best disinfectants are effective against killing all forms of viruses and bacteria, eco-friendly, and do not contain strong-smelling odors. Depending on the product, you may need to dilute the solution with hot water. It is important to allow proper exposure time as this may lead to stronger results.
You should avoid using solutions that contain harsh chemicals. Although they kill viruses and bacteria, harsh chemicals may damage your floor. For example, avoid using bleach as it may distort the floor’s color. In addition, you should avoid using a steam cleaner. This creates excess moisture which can lead to warping or the buildup of mold and mildew.
3. Let the floor fry
Once you are finished disinfecting, it is time to let the floor dry. For most, this will involve opening doors and windows. This is effective as it allows proper airflow and can help eliminate potential disinfecting odors.
4. Wipe the floor with a dry mop
For quicker results, you can wipe the floor with a dry mop or clean cloth. Depending on the size of the floor, this may take time.
It is also important to wear gloves and goggles. Although they are safe, disinfectants contain chemicals that can irritate or burn skin. After cleaning, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water.
How Often Should You Disinfect Commercial Floors
The outsides of shoes contain a significant amount of germs, viruses, and bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to disinfect floors regularly as this can help prevent the spread of germs. This is even more prevalent in high-traffic commercial areas.
For example, places like office buildings, banks, and healthcare facilities can become quite crowded with significant amounts of movement. Commercial floors should be mopped daily and disinfected weekly. This can provide a greater level of safety for both employees and customers. In addition, it can help boost the location’s reputation.
With the help of a proper cleaning company, disinfecting commercial floors can be effective and affordable.
Special Considerations for Disinfecting Different Floor Types
Each flooring type is different and may require a variety of cleaning procedures. It is important to know these distinctions as they can keep your floors cleaner longer and can prevent damage.
The differences are listed in the table below.
| Floor Type | Special Considerations for Disinfecting |
| Hardwood | You should avoid using disinfectants that contain harsh chemicals. These can significantly damage hardwood floors In general, avoid using a steam cleaner. The vapors released can warp the floors. Likewise, immediately clean any spills as excess moisture is harmful to flooring. When drying the floor, try using a soft mop or cloth. |
| Tiles | You should pay close attention to grout lines as they can contain harmful germs and bacteria. Furthermore, you should make sure that the disinfecting product you use is suitable for tile and grout. When contaminated, grout can be tedious to clean. Since it is porous, grout can get dirty quite easily. |
| Vinyl | Similar to hardwood floors, harsh chemicals can damage vinyl floors. For many white kinds of vinegar is a suitable cleaning solution. If you choose this option, dilute the vinegar with hot water as this will prevent vinyl floors from losing shine. It is also important to use a soft mop or scrubber. Abrasive materials can permanently scratch flooring. |
| Laminate | As always, you should find a disinfectant that is suitable for laminate floors. Since they absorb moisture, clean any spills as quickly as possible. Furthermore, you should avoid using steam cleaners. Many times, a warranty may be voided for damage caused by these products. |
FAQs About Disinfecting Floors
How can I disinfect my floors naturally?
It is quite normal to be concerned about disinfectants. Although they are safe when used properly, some individuals may look for a natural approach to disinfecting. You can create a mixture of white vinegar, hot water, and dish soap.
Are vinegar and water suitable for cleaning floors?
Yes, vinegar and warm water can be suitable options for cleaning floors. Vinegar is antibacterial and can kill a variety of germs. However, this is not the best option. A proper disinfecting product will be significantly more effective in killing viruses and bacteria.
How to disinfect finished wood floors without damaging them?
You can disinfect finished wood floors by avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals. More than likely, solutions containing bleach or other strong chemicals can damage or discolor wood flooring.
What product can I use to disinfect COVID on ceramic tile floors?
Ceramic tile floors can be disinfected with most commercial disinfectants.
Learn More with Dallas Janitorial Services
Dallas Janitorial Services can effectively disinfect any floor type in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. You can schedule an appointment by calling 214-778-3629.
We are open Mondays to Fridays from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
