How to Clean Hybrid Floorboards

Hybrid floors combine the elegance of timber with the resilient qualities of vinyl, making them a smart choice for the modern homes of today. But in order to preserve their beauty and lifespan, regular maintenance tasks are essential; and doing this is easier than you think. All you need are the right tools, products and cleaning routine. With these three in place, you can prevent scratches, protect the surface coating of the floor and keep that fresh from the showroom look without resorting to the usage of strong chemicals or time consuming cleaning tasks.

This guide will walk you through some of the safest and most effective approaches to clean hybrid floorboards. Whether you’re doing a last minute spruce up before the guests arrive or are preparing for something more comprehensive like a cheap Vacate Cleaning Perth session before your day of final handover; these tips will help you maintain spotless and long lasting floors. By the end you’ll be confident on how to take care of these hybrids. Let’s start.

1. Understand the Properties of Your Hybrid Floorboards

Before you begin, it’s a good thing to try and understand what your hybrid floors are actually made up of. These floors usually have a rigid core made out of stone and plastic composite or a limestone polymer one, which is topped with a printed design layer and a tough wear coating. This special structure makes them water resistant, durable and stable even in varying temperatures. It’s the perfect option for Australian homes.

But despite its resilience, hybrid floors can still get scratched by grit, dulled by residue or gets damaged with exposure to excessive moisture. Knowing the strengths and vulnerabilities of this material will help you choose the correct cleaning approach.

2. Sweep or Vacuum the Floors Daily

When there is dirt and grit on any surface, it can be like sandpaper for that surface. Even small particles can create fine scratches that can build up with time. Hence, it is important that you either sweep or vacuum your hybrid floors daily, especially if these floors are fitted in the high traffic areas like the hallways and kitchen. And when you’re doing this, it’s better to use a soft bristled broom or a vacuum with a hard floor setting.

Do not use vacuums that have beater bars or stiff brushes as these can scuff the wear layer of the floors making them more prone to damage. Ensure that you’re removing the debris regularly. By doing so, you’ll make the subsequent cleaning much more easy for yourself and will be able to keep the surfaces smoother for longer.

3. Mop Your Hybrid Floors the Right Way

Hybrid floors are certainly more water resistant in comparison to their solid timber counterparts, it is important to remember that they are not completely waterproof (especially along the joins). So when you are mopping them, use a damp microfiber mop and not a soaking wet one and ensure that the cleaner you’re using along with it is a pH neutral one which is specifically designed for hybrid or vinyl floorings. Avoid any abrasive powders, steam mops and bleach based products as these can damage the protective coatings.

Work in small sections when you’re cleaning them, rinsing the mop frequently and drying the floors afterwards if you notice any standing water. If you happen to be preparing for a bigger cleaning like meticulous vacate cleaning in Perth, you need to ensure that the moisture levels are kept to a minimum. This will help you protect the boards and maintain their finish for the next occupants to come.

4. Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Spills are inevitable but quick action can prevent the issue from turning into a case of staining and swelling. If you spill liquids like wine, coffee or juice, blot up as much of the liquid as you can using a soft cloth or a paper towel, then follow it up with a pH neutral solution. If you spilled something sticky, it may need a little extra wiping, but avoid scrubbing with an abrasive tool. If you are in the middle of a busy week and can’t give your floors a deep clean straight away, at least ensure that you are removing the spill promptly; it’s one of the easiest ways to preserve the finish of your floors without any fuss.

5. Prevent Damage Before It Happens

Prevention is just as important as cleaning. To protect your floors, consider placing doormats at every entry to catch the dirt before it reaches the floor. Use felt pads underneath of furniture legs to avoid scratching when moving the items. In the dining areas, consider using rugs beneath the tables to catch any fallen food and reduce the wear of the floors further. If you have pets, it is imperative that you keep their nails trimmed; this will prevent tiny scratches that can accumulate over time from occurring in the first place.

6. Deep Clean the Hybrid Floors Periodically

Even with good habits, hybrid floors can benefit from a deeper clean every few months. This doesn’t mean that you need to use harsh chemicals or do aggressive scrubbing; instead you only need to use a gentle but thorough method of cleaning.  Start with giving the floors a full sweep or vacuum, and then mop the floors with a fresh solution of warm water and hybrid floor approved cleaner. Pay special attention to the corners and edges as this is generally where grime tends to collect.

For stubborn marks, you can take a look at the manufacturer’s stain removal guidelines and do as instructed. If you’re preparing to move out, scheduling a full house tidy with the comprehensive vacate cleaning Perth team can save you time and ensure every surface shines its best.

7. Know when to call in the Professionals

Although hybrid floors have been designed to be low maintenance, there are still times when a professional touch can be highly beneficial for them. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, extensive scuffing or a large scale clean before selling or renting your property, bringing in the experts will ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely.

Most professional cleaners have specialised tools and cleaning products that are formulated specifically for hybrid flooring, which can restore the surfaces without risk. This is especially valuable when you’re preparing for a property inspection/ handover.

Infographic for Ways to Clean Your Hybrid Floors

Wrapping Up

Caring for your hybrid floorboards doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need the right tools, the right products and a consistent maintenance routine, to help you in protecting both the beauty and the lifespan of these floors. Try out these tips out yourself and see the difference you create. Happy Cleaning!