Nothing says ‘home’ quite like the warmth and comfort of perfect flooring. Whether you have carpet, tile or hardwood, keeping your flooring in top condition doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are five simple tips for maintaining your floors and ensuring a high quality look for years to come.
One, vacuum or sweep your carpets and hard floors at least twice a week. This will help reduce dirt and debris, keeping your floors looking their best and making your home more inviting. Try to focus on those high traffic areas such as your entryway or hallway. If you have tile or hardwood flooring, make sure to use the appropriate cleaner to keep your floors looking their best.
Two, protect your floors from dirt and debris by using welcome mats near entryways and doormats in high traffic areas. Not only will this make your home look tidier, it will also help you maintain the life of your flooring. Regularly shaking, washing or replacing these mats is recommended to keep them looking their best.
Three, if you have kids or are naturally clumsy, consider using area rugs in high traffic areas. Not only do rugs add beauty and color to your floors, they also offer an extra layer of cushioning and protection to help avoid scratches and dents.
Four, when using non-chemical cleaning products to clean and maintain hard floor surfaces, such as stone, ceramic or porcelain tile, make sure to use a neutral pH cleaner as acidic or alkaline-based cleaners can cause permanent damage. Additionally, when mopping, be sure to avoid using too much water as it can seep into the grout or between tiles and cause long-term damage to your flooring.
Five, add some cushioning underfoot with a good quality rug pad. This will help reduce slipping or sliding on hard floors and add an extra layer of cushioning for comfort. Plus, a rug pad will help protect your floor from scratches and wear and tear.
Finally, don’t forget to practice proper maintenance by having carpets professionally steam cleaned at least once a year. Not only will a thorough steam cleaning help remove dirt and debris, it will also help to restore the natural colors and sheen of your carpets. This is especially important if you have pets as those pet dander and oils can get trapped in the carpet fibers over time.
When it comes to the care and maintenance of flooring, the devil is in the details. By taking the time to focus on the little things, these small efforts can make a huge difference in keeping your home looking and feeling its best.