Floors are arguably the most important surfaces in your home, and taking care of them is crucial if you want to avoid making costly repairs. They tend to last a long while, but only if you take care of them properly. With this in mind, there are specifics that you need to watch out for when cleaning, repairing, and maintaining them. Here are a few tips to help you keep the floor in good condition.
Use the right cleaning products
Ready for some spring cleaning? Be careful when handling those floor cleaning products. Floors might be tough and durable, but they are susceptible to chemical damage from cleaning products. If you use a harsh cleaning agent, you can cause damage to the flooring or ruin the finish rather easily. This, of course, depends on the type of floor you have. Some are more resistant to chemical damage, while others are rather sensitive.
To avoid having a dull or damaged floor, you have to choose your cleaning products wisely. After you have your floors installed, consult the contractors to learn which cleaning products would best suit them. Floor cleaners that are designed for specific types of floors are a good idea, especially if you can’t consult anyone for specific choices.
A good all-around choice is distilled white vinegar. It can clean most types of floors without issue, and it doesn’t cause damage to the floors or the environment.
Give attention to high traffic areas
Depending on where they’re located, your floors can see different amounts of foot traffic. You’re more likely to pass through the hallway or foyer multiple times per day than the bedroom. Entryways are generally the parts of the home that see the highest foot traffic throughout the day. The floors in these areas need extra attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Remember to freshen up the finish and inspect floors located in these areas more often.
All of this goes double if you have carpeting on these floors. Dust and dirt can get trapped between the fibers of the carpet and make it look old and worn out. Vacuum carpets frequently and make sure that you take them to get professionally cleaned from time to time. It’s going to make them look fresh and new even if they’re in high foot traffic areas.
Don’t use a wet mop for every floor
Speaking of cleaning, wet mopping is probably the first task that comes to mind when it’s time to freshen up the floors. However, this particular cleaning method might not be suited for every type of floor in your home. Surfaces like vinyl and porcelain can be mopped without issue, and you don’t have to worry about the moisture harming them.
On the other hand, hardwood floors and laminate don’t go well with wet mopping. They’re not waterproof, which means that adding too much water and moisture could ruin them over time. Standing water is considered bad for the finish of many types of flooring, which is another reason to avoid mopping them, just in case. Stock up on the recommended floor cleaners instead, as they’re specifically designed to take care of the flooring.
Maintain floors properly
Different types of floors have different needs, and they all need to be maintained in one way or another. Using the proper method can allow your floors to last much longer without staining or cracking.
For floors made out of wood, refinishing is absolutely crucial. If you notice any large scratches or stains, refinishing will take care of this, and your floors will look and feel brand new. You can do this on your own by first sanding the surface and then applying the finish, but it’s recommended that you let professionals handle the job. Someone that has experience with applying finish can make the end result look much better, and it’s considered worth the additional cost.
Replace tiles and floorboards
While it may seem like the most obvious thing to do, you should definitely replace any tiles and floorboards that are damaged. This is especially important in areas where you can expect a lot of foot traffic or moisture. Broken floor elements can make it easier for mold to build up and ruin the rest of the flooring.
If possible, you should replace the existing tile or floorboard with the same type. However, this isn’t always an option, so you might have to settle for something of a similar color and texture. Alternatively, you can create a section of the floor that is different, though this may be a bit of an expensive endeavor.
Add mats and carpeting
While carpets might be wonderful aesthetic elements, they also serve a protective function. When placed correctly, they can minimize the impact of foot traffic and stains on flooring. For obvious reasons, you’ll want to place carpets in areas where you can expect the most foot traffic. Mats also serve a protective function, but they are especially well-suited for outdoor areas.
Some surprisingly good spots to placemats and carpets include porches and patios. You probably won’t enter your patio barefoot every time, and when you have guests over, you can expect a lot of foot traffic in shoes and boots. Consider adding outdoor mats in these areas, as they can protect any type of floor from scratches and stains. If you spend a lot of time on your patio during the winter, anti-slip mats are another good idea.
Consult professionals
The best way to take care of the floors in your home is to stay in touch with professionals that know more about them than you do. They can tell you everything you need to know about installation, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance for every type of floor, which is why their information is so invaluable.
If you have any dilemmas regarding how to deal with a flooring issue, you should call the contractors that installed your floors or get in touch with new ones if you lost their number. You’ll have a much easier time doing any kind of work or repairs on your floors with the right information.
Conclusion
There are lots of things you need to watch out for if you want to keep your floors in tip-top shape. As tough as they may be, floors still require some attention and maintenance, so you can’t just treat them like they are invulnerable. Keep the above tips in mind whenever you need to make changes or repairs for your floors, as they can come in handy for preserving them well.