December 8, 2024

Best Ways to Clean Salt & Snow Residue off Floors and Entryways

Winter in New York City is a magical time, with its twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and festive cheer. Snow is inevitable and so is the spread of salt on roads and sidewalks. Salt is known for its ability to lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation. Sprinkling roads and sideways with salt helps improve traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls, making our daily commutes safer. However, this beneficial substance often gets tracked into our homes, leaving behind unsightly stains and eventually damaging our floors due to its corroding properties. Regular cleaning supplies often fall short in tackling this problem, as salt has unique properties that require specific cleaning methods and materials. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you effectively clean and protect your floors during the winter months.

How does salt damage floors?

Road salt is essential for maintaining safety on icy roads, and you probably already know it can be particularly harmful to vehicles, soil, and bridges. And now, its final destination is… your floors. Why is road salt a bad thing on your floors?

• Abrasive nature. Salt used on roads, commonly known as rock salt, is composed of 90% sodium chloride crystals, which, if mixed with sand or grit (to increase traction and enhance its spread), can act as tiny abrasives, scratching and dulling your floors. Adding to the problem is calcium chloride, another type of salt used during winter. These crystals are particularly harsh, acting like sandpaper on concrete, wood, and other flooring materials.
• Chemical reaction. Salt can react with certain materials, causing discoloration and deterioration.
• Moisture damage. Salt can absorb moisture from the air, leading to warping of wooden floors.

Types of floor damage caused by salt

When mixed with moisture, salt becomes a corrosive agent that can damage various flooring materials:

• Wood floors. When salt is tracked onto wooden floors, it can leave tiny scratches that cut through the protective finish. Over time, this causes the wood to look dull and worn.
• Laminate and tile floors. Although more resilient than wood, laminate flooring and mudroom tiles are not immune to salt damage. They can still get scratched and discolored over time.
• Carpets and rugs. Salt can penetrate carpet fibers, leading to stains and oily deposits. If not cleaned promptly, the fibers can break down, resulting in a worn and damaged appearance.
• Concrete floors. In garages, the corrosive chemicals from road salt and slush can seep into concrete floors, causing cracks and breaks.

As a result, the once lustrous finish of your floors can quickly turn into a scuffed and stained mess.

Cleaning supplies you need to clean the salty mess off your floors

Regular cleaning supplies often aren’t up to the task, so having the right tools and products is crucial. Here’s a list of essential cleaning supplies to effectively tackle salt and snow residue:

• Vacuum: helps pick up loose salt, dirt, and debris to prevent scratches.
• Microfiber mops and cloths: these soft, absorbent cloths are ideal for cleaning floors without scratching the surface.
• Neutral pH floor cleaner: designed to remove salt stains and dirt without damaging your floors.
• White vinegar: a natural and effective cleaning solution that breaks down salt deposits.
• Warm water: simple yet effective supply to dissolve salt and loosen dirt.
• Soft-bristled brush: gently scrubs away stubborn salt stains.
• Dish soap: cuts through grime and salt residues on various surfaces.
• Steam cleaner (for hard floors): breaks down and removes salt deposits with steam.

How to clean salt-stained floors?

For effective salt removal, ensure you prepare the surface before cleaning. Rid of debris and loose dirt using a vacuum or a broom. Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. If a vacuum isn’t available, you can also use a dry mop or a soft-bristle broom to sweep up the grit. Pay special attention to areas with heavy salt buildup, such as entryways and around doormats.

Cleaning salt off laminate and tile

Prepare a bucket of warm soapy water (a few drops of dish soap per bucket). Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and gently wipe the floors, ensuring you don’t saturate laminate surfaces which can be damaged by excess moisture. For stubborn stains, a mixture of white vinegar (1 part) and water (3 parts) can be particularly effective. Spray it over the stain, let it work for 10 minutes, wipe it with a cloth, and rinse well afterward. Dry the surface.

Cleaning salt off carpeting

When it comes to carpets, immediate action is essential to prevent salt from embedding into the fibers. Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to pick up any loose salt crystals. Follow up with a vinegar solution, applying it to the stained areas using a spray bottle. Blot the stains with a clean microfiber cloth, avoiding rubbing to prevent damage to the carpet fibers. For persistent stains, consider using a carpet cleaner designed to tackle salt deposits, always testing any solution on an inconspicuous area first.

Cleaning salt off hardwood floors

Cleaning salt off hardwood floors requires special care to prevent damaging the surface. Use warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth to gently clean the stained area. Be careful not to soak the wood. Excess moisture can cause warping.

For tougher stains (and only on sealed floors!), mix 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water, and apply it with a cloth, then rinse the area with clean water and dry immediately.

If salt residues persist, a neutral pH floor cleaner can be used for a more thorough clean, always ensuring the hardwood is dried promptly to maintain its finish and integrity.

Cleaning salt off concrete floors

Concrete floors, while durable, can still be affected by salt damage. Use a stiff brush to scrub the surface with a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaner or a pressure washer.

Whatever surface you clean, always leave it dry after cleaning to prevent residue!

How to keep your entrance clean during winter?

Winter can be tough on entryways, but with a few smart strategies, you can maintain a clean and welcoming entrance throughout the season.

• Invest in quality doormats. Place weather-resistant doormats both inside and outside your entryway to trap dirt, snow, salt, and sand before they can be tracked further into your home. Washable throw rugs are also a great option for entryways and high-traffic areas. They help to protect the flooring during inclement weather and can be easily washed in the washing machine.

• Set up trays or boot scrapers. Position trays or boot scrapers near exterior doors to capture excess snow and moisture from footwear. This encourages guests to clean their shoes thoroughly before stepping inside, reducing the mess. Durable rubber boot scrapers are a practical and easy-to-clean choice.

• Clear snow outside. Regularly removing snow from your property’s main pathways helps reduce the amount of snow and salt that gets brought indoors. This not only keeps your entrance cleaner but also improves safety by preventing slips and falls.

• Regular sweeping and vacuuming. Frequent sweeping or vacuuming is essential to prevent the buildup of salt and debris on your floors. Maintaining this routine will make it easier to keep your floors polished and clean, ensuring your home remains neat and inviting throughout the winter.

Expert winter cleaning for pristine floors

While DIY cleaning can be effective, hiring a professional cleaning service like White Glove Cleaner can offer numerous benefits. With years of experience handling New York’s harsh winters, we understand the unique challenges salt and snow bring to your home. Our team employs innovative technology suitable for sensitive surfaces and adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, using green cleaning products whenever possible. Professional deep cleaning not only guarantees you pristine floors throughout the winter but also helps extend your floors’ lifespan.  

This holiday season, let us handle the mess winter brings. Spend more time with loved ones and less time worrying about cleaning. Trust White Glove Cleaner to keep your home immaculate and inviting, allowing you to enjoy the joy and warmth of the holidays. Call us today for a free estimate!