When you have a fire in your home, one of the first things you’ll notice is the damage to your wood flooring. Sometimes, you must replace them and contact fire damage repair experts to salvage your house and belongings.
Fortunately, you can also do the cleaning with some elbow grease and the right cleaners if the damage is not severe.
Here are some of them:
Begin with sweeping or vacuuming up any loose debris from the floor.
Before cleaning the floor, wear protective gloves and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any soot. Sweeping or vacuuming any loose debris from the floor is the first step in cleaning burnt wood floors so that you don’t end up doing more damage while cleaning. Also, you can assess the damage to see how bad it is and if you need to replace any boards.
Gently wipe down the floor using a damp cloth or mop.
You don’t want to saturate the wood, so make sure the cloth is only slightly damp. Use mild soap or detergent in your water if the floor is too dirty. Be sure to rinse the floor well after cleaning it with soap.
In addition, it helps a lot if you are aware of the direct types of wood floorings so that you can use the most effective cleaning solution. Here are the most popular:
- Vinyl Floorings: These are the most common types of floors nowadays, as they offer easy installation, diverse colors, and low cost. When it comes to cleaning, vinyl floorings can be cleaned with a broom or vacuum cleaner. You can also use soapy water or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the surface.
- Parquet Floorings: These are made of small pieces of wood arranged in a pattern. Parquet floorings require special care when cleaning as the surface is delicate. You may use a broom or vacuum to clean the floor and avoid water or other liquid solutions. Use a damp cloth to wipe off stubborn stains.
- Linoleum Floorings: These are made of natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, rosin, and wood flour. It is a durable material that is easy to clean. You can use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Try using soapy water or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water for tougher stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the surface.
- Laminate Floorings: Laminate floors are made of multiple layers of synthetic material that are easy to clean and require little maintenance. You can use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the surface. You may use soapy water or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water for tougher stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the surface.
- Hardwood Floorings: Hardwood floors are made of natural wood and are one of the most difficult to clean. You can use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Like laminate floorings, soapy water or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water is effective for tougher stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the surface.
Scrub the stubborn stains with a paintbrush.
Stubborn stains that a damp cloth cannot remove may be eliminated by scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush. You may also try using a mild abrasive cleaner or sandpaper to remove the stain. Be sure to test the cleaner or sandpaper on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the floor.
Dry the floor.
After cleaning the floor, be sure to dry it completely. You can use a towel or mop to remove any excess water from the surface.
Apply a coat of sealer or polish.
Once the floor is dry, apply a coat of sealer or polish to protect the surface. This will also help to restore the shine to the floor. Buy products that are specifically designed for burned wood floors, which you can buy at most hardware stores or home improvement stores.
Consider hiring professionals.
If the damage is too severe or you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the floor yourself, you can always hire restoration professionals. They are experienced, knowledgeable, and have tools and equipment that can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Follow this link to learn more about fire damage restoration services.
