How to Clean Bamboo Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Picture a floor as sustainable as it is stunning. Now imagine it’s also unbelievably durable. That’s bamboo flooring in a nutshell, and CALI is the reigning bamboo flooring expert, having developed and sold the product for almost 20 years. Bamboo flooring is super strong, green, and it definitely brings a wow factor. 

But here’s the kicker: to keep these floors shining, you’ve got to treat them right. Proper cleaning and maintenance is essential.Wondering how to clean bamboo floors? Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown!

Find a detailed guide on bamboo floor care and maintenance here.

Understanding Bamboo Flooring

What is bamboo flooring? Even though it looks and acts like wood, bamboo is not exactly hardwood. It’s technically a thick, woody grass. CALI has fine-tuned a proprietary “Fossilizing” process in which bamboo stalks are shredded into very fine fibers which are then pressed into ultra dense blocks and sliced into planks. This technique yields the World’s Hardest Floors, a title that’s been proven through Janka Test ratings.

Types of bamboo flooring: One of the great benefits of bamboo is that it can create highly customized planks in a variety of lengths, widths, and colors. Planks can come in both solid planks and engineered planks which feature a top veneer of bamboo layered over a stabilizing core of another sustainable wood like acacia or eucalyptus. Bamboo flooring can be made with click-lock or tongue and groove milling for installation versatility. Planks can also be smooth or “distressed” for a more vintage or reclaimed look. There’s truly a bamboo flooring style for every home. Explore all CALI Bamboo flooring styles here.

Advantages of bamboo flooring: Besides being super versatile and strong, bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available. As one of the fastest growing plants on Earth, stalks can be harvested every 5 to 7 years for use in flooring and regrow without any damage to the plant or surrounding habitat. That means the ecosystem remains intact with less disruption to the area’s wildlife and land. It also means less CO2 released into the atmosphere and a more sustainable source of raw material.

Read about the Top 10 Bamboo Flooring Myths

How to Clean Bamboo Floors: Preparation

Gather necessary cleaning supplies:

• A soft-bristle broom or vacuum (without the beater bar setting)

• A trusty microfiber mop

• Bona Pro Hardwood Cleaner or a similar pH-neutral floor cleaner

• A couple of soft cloths

• Protective felt pads or furniture sliders

• Purchase a supply kit here!

Remove furniture and rugs: Clear the deck! Or, you know, the floor. This will give you an open work space and help you see any sneaky hidden debris.

Inspect the floor: Keep an eye out for any damage, stains, or dirt that may cause scratches during cleaning.

Basic Maintenance

Daily cleaning routine:

• Give your floors a good sweep or vacuum to catch that daily dust and debris.

• Spilled something? Quick! Wipe it up! CALI Bamboo floors are protected by a 10-coat aluminum oxide finish, but even so, liquid that is left on any wood floor for too long can cause damage.

Weekly cleaning routine:

• Break out the microfiber mop for a gentle, dry once-over.

• Water and bamboo (or any wood) are not BFFs, so don’t flood your floors!

Deep Cleaning Bamboo Floors

Steps for a thorough clean:

• Mix your bamboo floor cleaner with warm water. Not too hot, not too cold.

• Get your mop damp, but not dripping wet.

• Show your floor some love with gentle, circular mopping.

• No puddles allowed! Dry the floor with a soft cloth.

Avoid common cleaning mistakes: No vinegar, no wax, no steam cleaning! Your bamboo floor doesn’t like anything harsh, acidic, or too wet.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Use rugs and mats: High-traffic areas may need some armor! Rugs and mats are the answer. Check out CALI area rugs here.

Apply furniture protectors: Furniture legs can trap debris, pet fur, and dirt, leading to possible scratches when moved around. Grab some protective felt pads and keep your floor scratch-free!

Keep humidity levels stable: Bamboo likes a stable indoor environment. Keep temperature and humidity levels steady, and your floors stay happy. Get tips on acclimation and controlling your home environment here.

Trim pet nails: CALI Bamboo floors are known for being especially pet-friendly, but it’s still a good idea to keep claws short and trim.

Knowing how to clean bamboo floors is an investment in your home, and well worth the effort. Keep up with regular maintenance, and your flooring will keep supporting your family and wowing guests for years to come!

Find detailed care and maintenance guides for all CALI floors here.