Cleaning Sealed Cork Floors

The cork used in floors is the same type of cork that comes in a wine bottle.

Cleaning sealed cork floors.

Cork comes from the cork oak tree that grows in the mediterranean. Cleaning cork tile floors. When it comes to maintenance cork flooring is easily kept in clean tip top shape much the same way as tile or wood. Today s cork flooring can now be used almost anywhere provided it is kept well sealed.

When it comes to cork floors always use a soft bristled broom to remove dirt and debris. Use a ph balanced wood or cork cleaning agent diluted in water. Cork flooring manufacturers usually apply a coat of sealant at the factory but this finish is often very thin and wears away over time. Use a soft mop to wash the floor with store bought cleansers soap and water or your solution of water vinegar and soap.

Good quality floor sealers last for at least a couple of years after which you will have to apply a new coating of sealer however just because you have a sealed concrete floor does not mean that cleaning is no longer necessary. The cork is the bark of the tree that splits from it naturally every 10 years or so. A cork floor can be cleaned once a month using a dry or damp mop method. Cork flooring is becoming all the rage with the renewable resource crowd.

This is also the first step in any floor cleaning process. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a little dish soap or neutral chemical cleaner. Cork flooring available in a variety of interesting colors and textures has a rich earthy appearance. However newer manufacturing techniques have created cork floors that closely resemble hardwood marble or even concrete.

Rinse off the cleaning solution or you might see streaks or a soapy film when the floor is dry. For a natural cork cleaning agent create a solution of four parts vinegar to one part. It s important to regularly sweep and dust cork floors. Never immerse the surface of the floor in water to clean it.

Avoid ammonia based or harsh abrasive chemical cleaners. Cork floors should be sealed yearly or whenever the color. Steam cleaning is a moisture intensive procedure and isn t a good option for cleaning cork flooring. Traditional cork flooring has a warm natural look that works best in spaces with an informal casual decor.

It s a durable material as tough as hardwood and laminate but like all floors requires periodic cleaning and sealing. Here s how to clean cork floors.