In our different homes, we have different kinds of floorings. The most common ones are tile, wood, engineered wood, laminate flooring, vinyl, etc. But, why does my floor make my feet black?
These floorings are durable, easy to clean and have a shine to them.
But, why does my floor make my feet black over time? Dust, dirt particles, clogged vents, cleaning products, and even pets affect floors in diverse ways, making our feet black when we walk barefoot around the house.
Related: Best Floor Cleaning Liquids (2022 Review)
Why Does My Floor Make My Feet Black?
Table of Contents
Here are some of the causes of why your floor makes your feet black.
1. Dust Particles
Dust and dirt particles from windows always constitute why your floors make your feet black.
It’s easy for dust from outside to get through the windows to your floorings; it is tiny enough to pass through the thin mesh and settle inside your house or on the window panels.
2. Clogged Vents
There can be a buildup of dust in the heating and ventilation systems in your home. This can disperse dust back into your homes.
3. Cleaning Products
The right cleaning products will give you a good clean floor that is devoid of any dirt that could make your feet black.
Some cleaning products contain chemicals and additives that will leave a residue on the floor, which can also diminish your flooring appearance over time. Specific mops tend to collect dirt and leave residue on the floor.
Read: How to Clean with Bona Power Plus Hardwood Floor Cleaner
4. High Traffic Areas
Places with the most foot traffic can also be a source of dirt accumulation.
Places like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and entryways should be prioritized to avoid tracking dirt to the other parts of the home.
5. Pets
Pets shed a good amount of hair occasionally, and this can accumulate as dirt particles on your floorings.
6. Cleaning Process
It is only suitable to clean your home in the correct order, bookshelves, tables, furniture, and cupboards should be considered first.
When you clean your flooring first and go back to clean the furniture, dust from it can settle back on the floor you just cleaned.
How to Prevent Dirts on Floors
These are ways to minimize dirt in our home
- Do a regular clean up and use the right cleaning products
- Doormats are necessary. Place a doormat at every entrance to your house
- Enforce a no-shoes in the house policy. Shoes tend to track in the dirt in and out of your house
- Clean your vents regularly and change air filters if necessary.
- Watch out for open doors and windows as dust can get in quickly through it
- Empty your dirtbags outside
How to Clean Floors
Now that we have known the different reasons for dirt on our floors let’s look at how to properly clean our floors.
Different floor types require other cleaning techniques. You should consider the type of surface used to avoid doing any damage.
How to Clean Laminate Floors
- Dust, wipe or vacuum with a slightly dampened mop, avoid the use of soap-based detergents and wax polish as they tend to leave residues and can make the floor slippery
- Removal of stains and marks can be done with a dilute solution of vinegar and water. Be mindful of using abrasive cleaners such as steel wool as they can scratch the surface
- Stubborn marks such as shoe polish can be removed with nail polish remover. You can use a nail polish that contains acetone or mild solvents. Trusty old WD-40 is recommended.
How to Clean Ceramic and Tiles
- You just need to sweep, mop with a mild cleaning solution, and rinse with clean water. You could also steam clean your tiles monthly as they are quicker and more effective. Remember to avoid using wax polish on tiles as this can get them slippery.
How to Clean Wooden Floors
- Avoid using much water in cleaning wooden floors as this can lead to swelling and splitting of wood.
How to Clean Carpet Floors
- Vacuum your carpets daily, spot treat any stains, and use vacuum accessories to target hard-to-reach areas. Different carpet cleaning kits and vacuums are designed for different carpet types; get the best available option suited to your carpet needs and use it according to manual instruction.
How to Clean Vinyl
- Sweep with a soft brush and vacuum, and use a damp mop soaked in mild detergents to wipe and rinse thoroughly. Use a cloth dipped in white spirit or neat soapy liquid to remove scuff marks on vinyl.
How to Clean Linoleum
- Sweep or vacuum to remove dust, clean with a damp mop and detergent. Use water sparingly and rinse after washing.
How to Clean Stones
- Mop frequently with damp clothes and mild detergents. Avoid abrasive cleaners as they strip and wear off the stone finish.
Reasons for Maintaining Floors
No matter the type of flooring used, all floors should be maintained to ensure their longevity.
Different floors require different maintenance processes. But here are four general reasons to maintain your base:
Appearance
The appearance of a floor can be appealing to the eyes, and dirty floors can irritate skin or be an eyesore. When you walk into a building, the overall perception of cleanliness is reflected in the floor’s appearance.
Safety
When a floor is maintained correctly, it makes it safe for everyday use for occupants and guests in the building, some floors tend to be slippery. If it is not adequately cleaned when things are spilled, it increases the house’s chance of slip/fall accidents.
Surface Protection
Our floor surfaces need to be protected from everyday use, and it needs to be protected from dirt, dust, dent, and scratches. Some floors can wear out quickly if it is not protected from daily use; surface protection leads to the longevity of our floorings.
Easy Cleaning
Floors that are adequately maintained make cleaning easier. You don’t need to put in much effort to get a floor cleaned if you have a proper maintenance structure.
Read: How to Deep Clean Laminate Floors
Conclusion
This article was written to help you in making understand why your floor makes your feet black.
The main reason why the floor makes your feet black is dirt. Maintaining a proper cleaning routine using the right cleaning equipment and techniques dramatically reduces dust and dirt on floors, thereby enjoying cleaner living spaces and feet.
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