Learn how to take care of your floor the right way and it will repay you in the long run.

Proper floor care is critical to keep your home and office hygienic and appealing. Constant foot traffic results in dirt, debris and allergens accumulated on your floor. After all, they are the ground that you step-on every day. Proper care and maintenance keep your floor looking great for years.

Floor maintenance and care doesn’t have to be complicated. It is because clean floors are the expectation, not an exception.

 If you follow some simple tips and smart cleaning solutions, you can add years to your floor’s life.

Tips for the Maintenance and Care of Different Types of Floors

Use these tips to preserve your precious flooring and add value to your home.

Carpet

Your carpet needs proper maintenance and care on a daily or weekly basis. Clean all the dirt and debris from your carpet by vacuuming frequently. Depending on the type of the carpet, you will vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar or suction only. To keep your carpet soft, choose vacuum cleaners with efficient airflow and large wheels.

If you accidentally spill the liquids on the carpet, add water and blot to the affected area. Vacuum back and forth with the highest suction. Add more water if necessary and suck it out with a vacuum cleaner till it is completely dry.

If you do not prefer to use a lot of detergents and cleaners, carpet steam cleaner is the best choice. Once you steam clean your carpet, wipe off all the soil and debris with towels and rags.

Tile

Floor tiles can easily be cleaned by sweeping or vacuuming followed by moping with warm water.

On a weekly basis, you need to thoroughly clean the grout lines. Choose a mild cleaner and scrub with a non-scouring tool like a sponge or brush.

Avoid using acidic cleaners as they can dull the shine of your floor.

Laminate

It is important to frequently clean your laminate floor tiles as dirt and sand particles can cause scratches on the surface. Similarly, spills should be wiped off immediately.

Avoid flooding your floor because water can easily seep through the laminate boards and damage your floor.

You can occasionally mop your floor. Ideally, a mop with a microfiber pad should be used to clean the floor so that it uses minimal water and cleans all the debris.

Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors require sweeping and mopping with minimal water. It is important to remember that there are various types of wooden floors and require care and maintenance accordingly.

Lacquered wood floors can be cleaned with a synthetic cleaner (with no grease content) whereas oiled floors can be cleaned with soap (containing grease).

Consider applying a polish or a finisher after every few weeks to keep them looking great.

Vinyl

Vinyl can mimic many other flooring types like hardwood floors or tile. It can withstand a lot of foot traffic and requires relatively less maintenance.

You can clean the floor with a brush and mop it with warm water. Wipe up spills as soon as possible. The tough stains should be cleaned with a good Vinyl floor cleaner.

Make sure your furniture or heavy appliances have protective pads to protect denting and scratching. You can also use protective mats where there is a lot of foot traffic.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury Vinyl Floor is fairly easy to maintain. Remove the dirt or grit by sweeping or vacuuming. Using brush roller agitation on your vacuum is not recommended. While mopping, use a pH neutral floor cleaner or a solution of ammonia and water (4 parts water, 1 part ammonia).

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, one-step polishes or vinegar on your Luxury Vinyl Floor. Protect your floor from dirt and debris and dents by using non-staining mats.

Cork

Cork is vulnerable to dents and scarring. Choose a soft-bristled brush or a static duster to clean the dirt and debris. If you prefer to vacuum, avoid using the vacuum with a beater bar.

Mop the floor with as little water as possible. A few drops of detergent or a mild wood cleaner is all you need to clean the cork floor. Use a cleaner that is pH balanced and made specifically for the Cork floor.

Also, remember that a standard Cork floor needs to be properly sealed to protect it from water damage. The sealer is usually a UV-resistant polyurethane mix that creates a protective layer on the floor. When the sealer wears off, consider re-applying it as it protects your floor against water damage.

Natural Stone

According to the Marble Institute of America, the Natural Stone is broadly categorized into two main categories: Siliceous Stone and Calcareous stones. The flooring consisting of either of the two types requires certain maintenance and care. Dust mopping and cleaning with mild soap and water can keep your floor looking great. Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or abrasive cleaners as such cleaners can make your floor dull. Similarly, avoid using the vacuum cleaners which are worn out as the metal or plastic attachments can scratch your floor.

The tough stains can be removed by cleaning with an effective stone-cleaner. The stone specific poultice is another great way to remove the tough stains. However, you must remember that the efficacy of poultice depends on the nature of the stain and how long it had been on the stone.

Key Takeaway

Routine Care and maintenance are extremely important to maximize the beauty of your floor. Clean and well-maintained floors can add value to your home as well as a refined look. By following these handy tips, you can keep your floors looking clean in the years to come.