If you have brand new floors, maintenance to keep them looking new is probably already on your radar. It’s easy to get complacent as floors age, but keeping up with some regular maintenance routines is the best way to have beautiful floors for many years. Quality flooring is a smart investment, and like all investments it should be protected so that it maintains its value over time. We’re giving you our top five tips for keeping your flooring looking fantastic.
Consistent Cleaning Routine
If it seems like this is a simple tip, well, it is. It’s also the number one thing that will keep your floors free from scratches and other premature wear. Since different floors have different needs, the ideal routine is the one the manufacturer suggests. If you don’t have that information, you can follow these general guidelines.
A soft mop – first dry, then damp – is best for hardwood flooring. Remember to avoid excess moisture and any abrasive bristles or brushes. Harsh cleaning products can damage the finish, so avoid those and stick to natural products such as diluted white vinegar.
If you have tile or laminate daily sweeping followed by mopping with a pH-neutral product helps remove dirt and debris without causing damage. For carpet, vacuum regularly. Avoid products that sprinkle on to your carpet as they have a tendency to build up and create more problems than they solve.
Use Mats or Rugs for Protection
You don’t need to cover your entire floor for this to be effective. Mats on the inside and outside of entryways helps keep dirt and debris that causes damage away. Adding rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways and dining areas adds a layer of protection against foot traffic as well as chairs being slid back and forth over the same areas repeatedly. Make sure all mats and rugs have a non-slip backing or they are a major slip hazard on hard surfaces.
Prevent Scratches with Furniture Pads
If you prefer to not have rugs under all your furniture another option is either felt or rubber backed pads that fit on the feet of your furniture. Use the rubber version for furniture that is meant to stay in place and felt glides for any furniture that should move freely.
Implement a No-Shoes Rule
Okay, we know, this one can be a hot-button topic. In some households this is already the norm. If it’s not this might be a hard-sell for you. Either removing footwear inside entirely or having everyone switch into shoes worn only indoors can have a significant impact on the condition of your floors over time. This change could take some time to get used to, but we promise it will be worthwhile.
Maintain Environmental Control
In other words, avoid big shifts in temperature or humidity. This tip is mostly for all types of hardwood flooring. A stable indoor environment prevents issues like swelling, warping, splitting, and shrinking. Here in Austin, we usually have fairly temperate weather conditions. However, adding extra mats during those rainy weeks and a humidifier during long stretches of hot and dry weather is still a good idea.
If you are unsure of what the best practice would be for your flooring the experts at Flohr are here to help. If the time has come to replace your floors, we can help with that, too. We offer free consultations where we collect accurate measurements and other information that allows us to offer you an accurate estimate. Give us a call to set up yours today.
