How to Clean Cork Flooring

Introduction

Cork flooring is popular for its soft and biodegradable nature. It is made from a natural plant, cork oak. Its bark is ground and then crafted into glue-down tiles and click-lock planks. Because of comfort, warmth, durability, and eco-friendliness, cork flooring is the top choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and multi-story offices.

Besides its cellular structure, the slightly porous appearance of cork flooring attracts moisture, sand, and grit, which can accumulate and damage the surface over time. Regular care and maintenance help extend its lifespan while preserving its natural beauty for years to come. If you have installed cork flooring in your new home, Floor Land recommends following proper cleaning methods to maintain its fresh and elegant look.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Cleaning Cork Flooring

Some materials are essential for cleaning the cork flooring. Understand and collect these important cleaning tools and supplies with you for a smooth and hassle-free process. Given below are the essentials of the cork flooring cleaning process.

• Soft broom or microfiber dust mop
• Vacuum with hard-floor setting
• Mild pH-neutral floor cleaner
• Damp microfiber mop
• Soft cloths and towels

Some products are not favorable for cleaning this soft flooring. These agents might destroy the aesthetic appeal of that flooring. So, avoid these cleaning products for a safe and quick cleaning process.

• Bleach
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Steam mops
• Abrasive scrubbers
• Excess water

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Cork Flooring

Once you have all the cleaning tools in hand, start the cleaning process by following these steps. With this step-wise guide, you will successfully refresh the cork flooring with little effort.

Step 1 – Remove Dust and Loose Dirt

The fundamental step to keep the cork flooring in its best condition is to sweep it daily. For dusting purposes, use a microfiber dust mop. While removing dirt, focus on corners and high-traffic areas. Dusting is recommended daily to keep the floor away from dust.

Step 2 – Vacuum Carefully

After dust removal, vacuum the floor. You can use a vacuum cleaner that has a brush attachment. Use a vacuum without a rotating brush and avoid hard attachments. These can scratch the treated top surface.

A soft-bristle brush will serve the best while removing embedded dirt from the air-filled pockets. Do it daily or twice a week for a refined look.

Step 3 – Mop with a Damp Cloth

The third step is to mop the flooring with a microfiber cloth. Damp mopping is recommended for the cork flooring. Dip the clean mop in the water and wring it softly to remove excess water. A lightly damp mop is preferred over a wet one.

For better cleaning, start from one section and move forward to the next. This will protect the floor from the resettling of dust buildup.

Step 4 – Dry the Floor Immediately

Soon after mopping, allow the floor to dry quickly. Wipe excess moisture with the other dry mop. It is necessary to prevent water damage. If the sealant is poorly applied or the cork flooring is not installed properly, the wet mopping will result in water seepage. Avoiding this step will result in mold growth.

How to Remove Stains from Cork Flooring

Because of the slightly porous surface, there are chances to get stained after accidental spills. The best practice is to remove the spills immediately. See below the common stains in cork flooring and the possible solutions to remove them effectively.

Food and Drink Spills

Clean the food and drink spills immediately, as they will leave stains on the cork flooring. Use a mild soap solution to remove any residues. Follow the steps below.

• Wipe the spills using a dry microfiber cloth
• Then, prepare a solution of soap & lukewarm water.
• Soak the soft cloth and remove water till it is slightly damp
• Then mop the floor with this damp microfiber cloth.

Scuff Marks

To remove the scuff marks from the cork flooring, use a soft cloth or cork-safe cleaner. Ph-neutral cleaner is easily available in the market. Treat the surface gently because hard touching can destroy the sealant (protective finish). Once the scuff is clear, buff the cleaned area with another clean and dry microfiber cloth.

If you observe the loss of finish during the process or the shine of cock is lost, then applying a fresh protective layer will be the right option. It will help you to keep the flooring fresh and shiny for a longer period.

Tough Stains

When you leave the general stains unattended, they become tough and deep-seated in the cork flooring. Removing these stains also needs little care and gentle handling to protect the flooring and its finish. For grease, ink, or stubborn stains, spot cleaning is recommended. You can follow these rules for effective and safe cleaning.

• Spot-clean gently
• Avoid aggressive scrubbing

The safest methods you can adopt for cleaning the deep-rooted stains from cork flooring are:

• Soap + water Solution (to remove fresh stains)
• Baking powder sprinkling (for oil & grease stains & odour removal)
• Harwood cleaner that is cork safe
• Vinegar + Lukewarm water (a solution to remove deep stains)

Avoid using ammonia, excessive water, bleach, abrasive cleaning brushes or cloths, and wax/oil-based solutions. These are essential for protecting the surface finish and glory.

Daily and Weekly Cork Flooring Maintenance Tips

Besides daily dusting/vacuuming and weekly mopping, you should do some other practices to keep your cork flooring in the best condition. Here are some maintenance tips you must care about for long-term benefits.

• Place mats near entrances
• Use furniture pads
• Trim pet nails
• Clean spills quickly
• Sweep regularly

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

You might observe the discolouration on tiles or planks or the scratches on the cork flooring after cleaning. This is only due to some wrong actions you perform during wiping off or removing the stains. These mistakes should be avoided to extend the longevity of cork flooring.

• Using too much water
• Steam cleaning cork floors
• Using harsh chemicals
• Dragging heavy furniture
• Ignoring resealing needs

How Often Should You Deep Clean Cork Flooring?

After getting full awareness of how to clean the cork flooring efficiently and safely, one question arises. What should be the time lapse between the two cleanings? How frequently do my floors need attention for cleaning? It depends on the cleaning needs, depending on your cork flooring quality. Well-finished floors resist moisture and scratches. But the cleaning practices can affect your floor. The safe cleaning frequency is given below.

• Dust or vacuum the flooring for the daily cleaning routine
• Weekly damp mopping is crucial
• Deep cleaning at two months interval
• Monthly inspection and maintenance
• Seasonal deep cleaning after winter and summer to protect the floors from moisture, fading, and mould growth
• Sealant application twice a year to keep floors vibrant

Conclusion

So, cleaning cork flooring is a simple yet careful matter. Sweep or vacuum the floor daily to avoid dirt and sand. Using a soft, quick-absorbing microfiber cloth to mop the cork flooring every week. Damp mopping is recommended, followed by quick drying of the floor before next use. Cork floor safe cleaner or home-based ingredients like baking powder and vinegar can help remove the general stubborn stains. To keep the floor shining and scratch-free, keep focus on regular maintenance. Follow all the above instructions for a simple cleaning routine for long-lasting cork floors.