How to Clean your Cork Flooring

How to Clean Your Cork Flooring
Cork floors can add a great atmosphere to a home or office. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter and feels great on your feet. Cork is a low maintenance flooring option but it still requires proper attention and careful cleaning. The best tools for cleaning cork flooring are soft-bristled brooms, soft sponge mops, microfiber cloths, Murphy oil soap, and dish soaps or natural chemical cleaners.

Basic Cleaning

First, it is very important to sweep and dust cork floors! This step is important for any flooring option you may have but for cork flooring make sure to use a soft-bristled broom to remove dirt and debris.

Second, fill a bucket with warm water and add dish soap or natural chemical cleaner. Make sure the mixture is neither acidic or basic because this can damage the sealant in cork. If you use dish soap, don’t add too much because this can leave a film on the floor after it has dried up. Use a soft sponge mop to wipe the floor and be sure to ring the mop well before using it on the floor. Access water can saturate the cork and cause it to swell.

Finally, dry it off with a microfiber cloth and then let it air dry.

Other Maintenance Tips
  • Twice a year, cork flooring should be scrubbed with a small amount of Murphy oil soap.
  • Every 5 years, cork flooring should be refurbished using polyurethane, such as Bona Traffic, a polyurethane satin finish. This will be most necessary for cork flooring that experiences heavy traffic.
  • All spills should be immediately wiped up using paper towels.
  • Collection trays should be used under all plants and under pet bowls to avoid water from penetrating the floor.
  • Cork flooring should be kept away from direct sunlight. Shades, blinds and drapes should be utilized to minimize exposure to sunlight.

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