28 Jun Best Way to Disinfect Hard Floors

Bleach is an effective disinfectant, but it’s not the only option that people have to kill bacteria and viruses. It’s also not necessarily the best choice for floors. It’s a good idea to clean floors before applying a disinfectant and it’s essential that the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed as to how long the solution should be in contact with the flooring.

Not all anti-bacterial solutions will kill a virus. Read the label before purchasing and choose a formula that specifically says it’s effective against viruses. If it will eradicate viruses it will typically kill bacteria, but the opposite isn’t always true.

Wood

Liquids should be kept to a minimum when working with hardwood flooring. Too much moisture on wood flooring will damage it. Damp mopping is far more preferable and there are a variety of affordable, premade solutions that can be purchased at almost any store that’s specifically created for wood flooring.

Many are designed to be utilized with microfiber spray mops that are lightweight and only dispense a small amount of moisture at a time. It can also be beneficial to dry wood flooring with a soft towel or chamois cloth to remove any residual moisture.

Vinyl and Laminate

Individuals with vinyl or laminate flooring will definitely want to avoid bleach. While effective, bleach is a harsh solution that can damage the finish. A good alternative is a solution of water and white vinegar that also works as an effective deodorizer. Simply mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water.

Tile

A vinegar solution is also effective for tile floors. It can usually be left on the floor for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. Individuals will also want to use a towel or chamois to remove any moisture that may remain.