Maintaining your home flooring is essential in keeping it looking good and prolonging its life. By following these golden rules, you will be on your way to having amazing, attractive floors that last.
1. Vacuum Regularly. Regular vacuuming is the most important way to maintain your floors. A thorough vacuum in all corners of each room may seem tedious, but it will keep your floor looking spotless and free from dirt and dust. Vacuuming regularly also helps reduce the build-up of allergens in the home.
2. Move Furniture Gently. Moving furniture is a necessary part of the home maintenance process. Moving furniture will inevitably cause scratches and dents, so it is essential that furniture is moved gently. Place a layer of smooth cloth or cardboard between your furniture and the floor to prevent any damage.
3. Clean Spills Immediately. Spills can cause irreparable damage to your floors, so it is essential that they are cleaned quickly and efficiently. Paper towels are ideal for blotting a spill from a soft surface and then it is wise to follow up with a damp mop or cloth.
4. Mop Regularly. Mopping helps to remove excess dirt and grime that may become trapped in the crevices of your floor. Regular mopping keeps your floor looking clean and fresh.
5. Make An Entrance Mat. Installing an entrance mat at the front door helps to reduce the amount of dirt, debris, and grit that gets tracked into the home. It’s a kind of barrier that stops anything potentially damaging from entering the home.
6. Avoid Sharp Objects. It is important to be mindful of any sharp objects being dragged or dropped on the floor. They can cause deep scratches and gouges that are difficult to repair. A good tip is to use plastic glides or furniture pads under the feet of any furniture.
7. Use Protective Coatings. Applying protective coatings such as sealants and waxes, helps maintain the shine and finish of your floor. Floor coatings also provide protection from liquid spills and other elements that could potentially damage the floor.
1. Use Coasters. Placing coasters underneath cups and glasses protects your floors from becoming staining and discolored from liquid spills. When cleaning up a spill, be sure to use a cleaning product that is normed for the type of flooring – this will ensure no damage or discoloration is done.
2. Use Rugs. For larger areas of carpet, a rug can be a great way to keep carpets clean and in a good condition. Aside from offering a decorative aspect to a room, they also help to protect your carpet from dirt, stains, and general wear and tear.
3. Clean In Sections. Cleaning your floor in sections makes the process easier and more organized. Start in one corner and work your way towards the far side of the room. Be sure to check for any dirt stuck in the corners or other hard to reach areas.
4. Test Cleaning Products. Before using any cleaning chemicals, be sure to conduct a small test in an inconspicuous area of the room. This will help you ensure the product will not cause any damage to the floors nor affect their color.
5. Avoid Scrubbing. Scrubbing the floor too hard with a mop or cleaning brush can damage the surface, so it is best to avoid at all costs. Use a broom to loosen any dirt and dust before mopping – this will give a much better end result.
6. Refinish Floors. Refinishing floors is an effective way to give them some extra protection whilst also reviving their appearance. It can also help to fill in small scratches and dents that may occur over time.
7. Hire Professionals. If all else fails or if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the task of maintaining your flooring, it is best to call in professional cleaners to do the job. They are well equipped to handle any kind of cleaning job and can carry out the work quickly and efficiently.
1. Use Door Mats. Placing door mats at every entrance to the home will help to reduce the amount of dirt and debris entering the home, thus reducing the amount of cleaning you will need to do. They help to create a barrier between the outdoor elements and the floors of your home.
2. Avoid Wearing Heels. High heel shoes can cause serious damage to certain types of flooring – particularly hard types such as wooden floors. Avoid wearing heels or any other type of shoe that may cause damage.
3. Check The Manufacturer’s Guidelines. Every type of flooring has its own specific guidelines that should be followed in order to maintain its look and condition. Check these guidelines regularly as they will provide you with specific cleaning tips, types of cleaning products to use, and other useful maintenance advice.
4. Invest In Quality Products. Investing in quality cleaning products is always the best move when it comes to maintaining your home floors. You may pay more for quality products, but in the long run it is worth it as they help to ensure your floors look pristine.
5. Cover Areas When Painting. When you’re painting, it is important to cover the floor areas so that any paint splashes can be avoided. Carefully moving furniture and placing a drop cloth over the floor helps to ensure any accidents are avoided.
6. Use Quality Cleaners. Some cleaning products and DIY solutions can damage certain floors. Examples include vinegar and bleach; these products should be avoided at all costs. Use a good quality floor cleaner specific to the type of floor instead.
7. Protect The Floor From Sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause some floors to discolor and fade over time. To prevent this, use window coverings such as curtains or blinds and limit direct sunlight to the flooring areas.
1. Manage The Temperature. Different temperatures can lead to different types of floor damage. Good air conditioning and heating systems help to protect floors from extreme temperature fluctuations which can cause cracking and warping.
2. Repair Immediately. Not repairing damaged floors immediately can result in more extensive problems in the long run. Small scratches, chips, and dents should be repaired as soon as they occur in order to avoid deeper problems in the future.
3. Inspect For Signs Of Wear And Tear. Look regularly for signs of wear and tear in your floors. Small cracks, worn patches, and splinters are some of the signs you should look out for which may require only a small repair job or refinishing.
4. Clean Spills With Warm Water. Sometimes spills may occur that require a more involved cleaning process. Be sure to use warm water and the right cleaning product for your floors in these cases. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Don’t Walk On Wet Floors. Walking on a wet floor may cause serious damage as it could leave deep marks or chips in the surface. It is best to always let floors completely dry before walking on them.
6. Use Soft Bristles. When brushing or mopping the floor, it is best to opt for a brush or mop with soft bristles so as to avoid damaging the floor surface. Hard bristles can cause scratches or mop marks in the floor.
7. Dust And Sweep Regularly. Dust and pet hair can easily find its way into the grooves of the floors, so it is important to dust and sweep regularly. A good way to keep dust off floors is to use a vacuum cleaner with a dusting attachment.