How to Clean Bamboo Floors Gently, but Effectively

Learn the best way to clean bamboo floors in your home. Get a step by step breakdown of how to clean bamboo floors, including the dos and don'ts of bamboo floor care.

Best Way to Clean Bamboo Floors

Bamboo floors are stronger than other types of wood, but they still take a careful hand when it comes time to clean them. Therefore, you need to grab your gear before you dive into this cleaning job.

• Wood floor vacuum or broom and dustpan

• Microfiber mop

• Microfiber towel or sponge

• Hardwood floor cleaner

Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum the Bamboo Floor

One of the great things about bamboo flooring is it requires little maintenance. However, to keep dirt from accumulating in the cracks and crevices, you need to sweep it often. This can be done when it gets dirty and as part of your normal cleaning routine. Use a soft bristle broom or a vacuum with no beater bar to get rid of dirt.

Step 2: Give the Floor a Slightly Damp Mop

If you still notice a little dirt sheen to your flooring, then it's time to give it a mopping. A microfiber mop is perfect for picking up all the lingering dirt, and it's easy to get water out of it. Slightly dampen a microfiber mop with a bit of water and run it along the floor. The key is to get the mop damp. Too much water can ruin bamboo flooring.

Step 3: Immediately Clean Up Spills

Whether you are giving your wood flooring a cleaning or your spouse spilled some cola, spills need to be cleaned up immediately. Use a sponge or microfiber towel to absorb as much of the spill as possible. For sticky messes, run over it again with a damp cloth.

Step 4: How to Deep Clean and Disinfect Bamboo Floors

Floors that have sticky stains or spills that went unnoticed need a deeper cleaning than a damp mop. In this instance, you need to break out the hardwood floor cleaner. Create the proper mixture of water to cleaner using the instructions on the back of the cleaner. Use a dampened microfiber mop or towel and mop over the stain.

Step 5: How to Make Bamboo Floors Shine

To ensure you don't get any watermarks or streaks on your bamboo floor, you can dry mop it with a clean microfiber cloth. Not only does it work to dry any remaining water, but buffs the floor, giving it a beautiful shine.

How to Remove Scuff Marks From Bamboo Floors

Spills are one thing, but scuff marks happen too. If you happen to scuff your bamboo flooring with your heels, then don't despair. You need to grab:

• Hardwood floor cleaner

• Microfiber cloth

Simple Steps to Removing Scuff Marks From Bamboo Flooring

With your cleaning agents at the ready, the steps are simple.

1. Add a bit of hardwood flooring cleaner to the microfiber cloth per the instructions.

2. Gently rub at the scuff mark until it lifts.

3. Buff with a clean, dry cloth.

Can You Steam Clean Bamboo Floors?

Like other types of real wood floors, it's not recommended that you steam clean your bamboo flooring. The mixture of the heat and water makes the water penetrate deeper into the wood and could harm the flooring. This could lead to swelling and damage to the bamboo.

How Often to Clean Bamboo Floors?

How often you clean your bamboo floors depends on how often they are getting traffic. A bamboo floor in the kitchen or hallways might need to be cleaned every day or every few days, depending on how dirty it gets. However, a bamboo floor in the office or a spare room might only need to be cleaned every few weeks. Just to make sure you keep your bamboo floors sparkling, you might want to add it to your chore list.

Maintenance Tips for Bamboo Flooring

Regular cleaning is an important part of keeping your bamboo shining, but it's only one part. To maintain your beautiful flooring, keep a few of these tips in mind.

• Consider making your bamboo flooring a shoeless area. The dirt and grime from shoes can get ground into the flooring over time.

• Do not use vacuums that are heavy or have a beater bar.

• Use coasters or mats under furniture to avoid scratching and dents.

• Avoid rough cleaning tools like bristle brushes and acidic cleaners like bleach.

• Maintain consistent temperatures in the home.

• Don't leave standing water on the flooring.

Making Your Bamboo Floors Shine

Bamboo flooring is beautiful. And if you care for it correctly, it can last for a long time. Now that you know the best way to clean your bamboo floor, get cleaning.