Flooring is one of the most important investments you make in your home. With daily care and preventative maintenance, it will extend the life of the flooring. Here are some maintenance tips to keep them keeping them looking as beautiful as the day you moved into your new home:
Hardwood
For day-to-day upkeep, you only need to do regular sweeping and wiping with a dusting cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a product that is specifically formulated for hardwood. It is recommended to avoid using too much liquid products as over time the excess liquids could damage the flooring. A few times a year, polish the floor with a water-based polish that’s formulated for hardwood that does not leave a waxy build up.
Do not use soap-based or steam cleaners or a water-vinegar solution, as these will dull the hardwood finish.
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile
Tile flooring is known for its water resistance and easy cleaning that will stand up to wear for years with regular maintenance. Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any dust or debris before using any cleaning products. Damp-mop your tile floor at least once each week, and more frequently for heavy traffic areas, to decrease wear and abrasion from grit and soil.
Preserve tile and grout, by making sure that the grout is properly sealed after installation. Seal the grout once a year to maintain its beauty. This will keep stains, dirt, and water from being able to penetrate the protective barrier.
Natural Stone Tile
Natural Stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile. Many of the cleaners acceptable for use on ceramic tile can stain, damage or dull stone. Dirt and dust will scratch the surface of stone. Therefore, stone floors should be vacuumed or dust mopped frequently to remove abrasive agents from the stone surface. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners.
Do not clean natural stone with acid or bleach. Even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage natural stone.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is strong and durable flooring with moisture-resistant properties. Clean up spills as soon as they happen with a dry mop or towel. Use specifically formulated products for bamboo to deep clean.
Avoid using water to clean it since excess moisture will dull bamboo’s finish. Never use wax-based products, bleach, abrasive cleaners, ammonia or vinegar on bamboo.
Concrete
Clean concrete on a regular basis to remove normal dirt and grim build up. Seal joints in the concrete to minimize water intrusion through the joints. Finally, seal the concrete surface to repel water and dust while providing resistance to abrasion.
Be sure to repair cracks right away to minimize water intrusion, which could potentially cause problems in the sub grade.
Carpeting
At a minimum, vacuum new carpet every week. Be sure to vacuum more frequently in high-traffic areas or if there are pets in the home. A solution of mild dishwashing detergent in water should take care of most stains, but for heavy stains, a steam-cleaning machine or wet vacuum may be needed.
Whichever type of flooring you have, with proper care and preventative maintenance it will hold its beauty for years to come.
