First, clean the steps of bamboo flooring
Step 1: Remove debris
Prepare a soft bristle or fine fiber broom in order to keep your bamboo floor in new condition. If you do not sweep regularly, it is best to do it once a day, otherwise the gritty dirt and dust will scratch the surface of the floor. While it is possible to vacuum bamboo floors, the vacuum cleaner must be equipped with a floor cleaning attachment or hard floor setting to prevent damage to the floor. Avoid using a standard vacuum cleaner as its heavy wheels and rotating brushes may cause scratches or dents.
Like other hardwood and laminate flooring, bamboo flooring and bamboo laminate flooring are susceptible to water damage, so it’s critical to clean up spills promptly to prevent water from penetrating and damaging the wood fibers in the panels. Carbonized bamboo flooring in particular, which is treated with extreme heat to produce rich, dark tones, lacks the strength of standard bamboo flooring due to its manufacturing process.
Step 2: Prepare mop solution
Mop weekly to maintain the shine and protect the surface. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as well as vinegar and other acidic cleaners, which can discolor or damage the finish and make the bamboo floor more susceptible to other damage.
Note: If the manufacturer’s instructions specify dilution with water, be careful not to over-dilute the solution.
Step 3: Remove Stains or Wear
Keep an eye out for stains and wear and tear when sweeping or vacuuming, as they may need extra attention. Do not attempt to remove stains or wear until all loose debris has been removed or you may grind loose dirt into the floor surface when treating wear or stains. (See below for detailed stain removal instructions.)
Step 4: Mop in sections
Thoroughly wring out the mop, making sure it’s only slightly damp so it doesn’t cause liquids to pool on the floor. Excess moisture can get trapped in the cracks between boards, which can cause swelling, cupping or buckling.
Step 5: Let the floor air dry
Resist the urge to manually dry your floor with a rag or towel, as this can create swirl marks. Instead, let the floor air dry, which usually doesn’t take long. Once dry, don’t apply any finishes or waxes unless specifically recommended by the flooring manufacturer — doing so could stain or damage the floor. Some manufacturers will even void a floor’s warranty if an unapproved finish or stain is used.
Spill, Stain and Abrasion Treatment on Bamboo Hardwood Floors
To protect your investment in bamboo hardwood flooring, it’s important to clean up spills promptly and efficiently and be vigilant about removing unsightly stains or wear and tear. Next, learn the best ways to clean your bamboo floors without damaging them in the process.
Spill Disposal
Immediately soak up any spills with a soft, dry cloth to avoid damage from everyday accidents. After picking up the spill, clean the bamboo floor with a fresh rag dipped in water and dry the area if there is still water.
If you have bamboo flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, it is highly recommended that you place a rug near the sink or any other area where spills or moisture may occur. Just make sure the carpet is made of a breathable material with no latex or rubber backing, as this can discolor or damage the floor, especially dark-colored bamboo floors.
Stain Treatment
Try to protect your bamboo flooring from stains as much as possible, but when stains do occur, the cleaning method used will depend on the source of the stain, the type of bamboo, and whether the stain has affected the finish or sunk into the wood. Using the wrong remover may worsen the problem.
Fortunately, the best bamboo floor cleaner may already be in your refrigerator or pantry. Some water damage or discoloration can be successfully treated with a piece of real mayonnaise. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe it off and buff with a soft, clean rag. If petroleum-rich mayonnaise doesn’t work, at least it shouldn’t make things worse; however, various other “remedies” you may have read about on the Internet have the potential to harm bamboo floors, so proceed with caution.
If the stain doesn’t come out after your best efforts, cheer up: many bamboo floors can be refinished, so you may be able to eliminate the stain when you refinish the floor.
Treating wear and tear
For signs of wear and tear on heels, simply apply a little wood floor cleaner (diluted as needed) to a soft, dry rag and gently scrub the floor. Spot dry when finished and the floor should look as good as new.
