How Do You Clean A Wet Room Floor?

Why is Regular Cleaning Important for Your Wet Room Floor?

Regular cleaning of your wet room floor is about more than just keeping it looking good; it's crucial for safety, hygiene, and long-term durability. Wet rooms typically use safety flooring designed to prevent slips, even when the surface is wet. However, if dirt, soap scum, and bacteria are allowed to build up, they can reduce the floor’s slip resistance and compromise its effectiveness. Consistent cleaning helps maintain the floor's performance, keeps harmful germs at bay, and extends the life of the flooring.

Prevents Mould Growth

Wet rooms naturally have high humidity, making them the perfect breeding ground for mould to thrive and grow in the textured surface of safety flooring. Left unchecked, mould not only damages the safety floor but also poses serious health risks, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues, which is why regular cleaning is so important.

Reduces Bacterial Buildup

Water, soap scum, body oils, and other organic materials can accumulate on the floor if not cleaned regularly. These bacteria can contribute to infections, foul smells, and an overall unhygienic environment if not cleaned up frequently. 

Maintains Slip Resistance

Safety flooring is designed with a textured surface to provide grip, even when wet. However, if dirt, grime, and residue accumulate, they can fill in the texture, making the floor more slippery and hazardous. Regular cleaning helps maintain the surface's friction, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Extends the Life Span of the Floor

Dirt and grime can act like sandpaper, wearing down the safety floor over time. Routine cleaning protects the floor’s surface and extends its lifespan, saving you money on repairs or early replacement.

How To Clean A Wet Room Floor (Step-By-Step)

1.) Clear the Space 

Begin by clearing the wet room of anything that might obstruct your cleaning routine, such as shower chairs, bath mats, bins, and personal toiletries. This helps ensure the entire floor surface is accessible and easy to clean thoroughly.

2.) Sweep the Area

Using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner suitable for hard floors, clean the area of any debris, such as dust, dirt, hair, and other loose particles that would otherwise mix with cleaning products and create grime or residue.

3.) Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

In a bucket, combine pH-neutral floor cleaner with the correct amount of water, as per the dilution instructions on the label. Avoid using harsh chemicals, like bleach or anything too acidic, as these can damage the textured, slip-resistant surface of the safety flooring.

4.) Apply the Solution 

Apply the cleaning solution evenly across the floor using a mop, sponge mop, or spray bottle, taking care to reach corners, edges, and areas around the drain where grime tends to collect. If there are any stubborn spots or visible buildup, gently scrub those areas with a soft-bristled brush, a deck brush, or a non-scratch scrubbing pad.

5.) Rinse and Squeegee 

Once the entire floor has been scrubbed and cleaned, rinse it thoroughly with clean, fresh water. Use a floor squeegee or an absorbent microfiber mop to remove as much excess water as possible, pushing it toward the drain to prevent puddles from forming and to speed up the drying process.

6.) Allow the Floor to Air Dry

Leave your floor to air dry and avoid walking on the wet floor until it is fully dry. To help the drying process, open a window, turn on the extractor fan, or leave the door open to improve air circulation.

How to Clean Textured Wet Room Flooring

In wet rooms, textured and R12-rated safety flooring is commonly used to reduce the risk of slips and falls. However, its rough surface can trap dirt, soap scum, and bacteria, making regular deep cleaning essential for hygiene and safety. Start by applying a pH-neutral floor cleaner evenly across the surface and scrub with a soft or medium-stiff brush in circular motions, section by section.

For stubborn grime, sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas and apply white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps break down soap residue, dirt, and limescale. Let the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly with clean water. If the flooring allows, steam cleaning is an effective, chemical-free option for removing deep-seated dirt and killing bacteria or mould, just check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Once clean, rinse the floor well and remove excess water with a squeegee or absorbent mop, pushing it toward the drain, and allowing the floor to dry completely before use.

How to Choose Between Homemade and Store-Bought Cleaners

When cleaning wet room floors, you can choose between homemade natural cleaners or store-bought commercial products, but deciding which is best for your home can be tricky. 

The benefits of homemade cleaners are that they are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective, since they use common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. They are also often safer for children, pets, and those with allergies. However, they may require more effort and time to remove tough grime and typically don’t last long once mixed.

On the other hand, commercial cleaners are powerful and convenient, designed to tackle heavy dirt, mould, and soap scum quickly. But they typically contain harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and damage safety flooring if used improperly. 

FAQs

Can I Use a Steam Mop On a Wet Room Floor?

You can use a steam mop on many wet room floors, especially those with safety or textured surfaces, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines first. Steam cleaning helps kill bacteria and loosen grime without harsh chemicals, but some flooring materials may be sensitive to heat or moisture.

Does Anti-Slip Flooring Need to Be Cleaned?

Yes, anti-slip flooring must be cleaned regularly. Dirt, soap scum, and mould can build up in the textured surface, reducing its slip resistance and creating hygiene issues. Regular cleaning keeps the floor safe, hygienic, and effective at preventing slips.

Why Does My Wet Room Floor Still Feel Slippery After Cleaning?

Leftover cleaning residue or soap scum can cause your safety floor to still feel slippery. To prevent this, make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water and remove excess moisture after cleaning.