Floor Maintenance
The flooring in your home also needs some TLC if you want to maintain its appearance and prolong its life. Regular cleaning using floor-specific products will go a long ways. Regular polishing and sealing can also be very beneficial, depending on the flooring. Here are some cleaning and preservation tips for your floors.
1. Tips for caring for your home flooring.
- It may be counter productive to use more cleaning products on the floor. The finish on the floor can be damaged by harsh chemicals. It can lead to serious damage. You should instead increase the frequency of cleaning in order to achieve better results and ensure the longevity of your flooring.
- Sweep and mop with a damp mop. Mopping with too much water can also damage the floor. If the flooring material is porous or can hold water, you should use as little water as possible when cleaning.
- Basic cleaning products are essential for flooring. A broom or dustpan, mop, cleaning towel, and vacuum cleaners. Choose cleaning products that are specifically designed for your type of flooring.
- The finish of your floor can be damaged by constant exposure to harsh and direct sunlight. Close your blinds and curtains when you are exposing your floors to direct sunlight. This will prevent fading.
- Avoid damaging the floor by taking precautions when moving heavy items. When moving heavy appliances or furniture, use trolleys. Avoid rolling or sliding them on the floor. The majority of hard floorings are not resistant to friction and wear.
- To avoid dents and staining on your floors, use floor protectors as a support for furniture. The wider the protector, the heavier the furniture. To prevent discoloration, make sure the protectors do not contain pigments. The protectors must be at least one inch in diameter and should lie flat on the floor.
- The best way to clean spills is by blotting. To avoid stains, use paper towels to blot spills, such as wine or paint splatters. Start at the edge and move towards the center to avoid spreading the spill. After cleaning, dry the area to avoid it becoming slippery.
- Place mats and carpets in areas where there is heavy traffic to prevent dirt from spreading and extra tile wear.
2. Tile care.
Tile flooring is one of the least expensive and most durable options. Here are some floor cleaning tips to ensure longevity and look.
- You must avoid any buildup of debris, water, or cleaning products. It can become stained and slippery if not regularly cleaned. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are affected.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner and then clean water to remove any film.
- Tiles can be damaged by cleaners containing wax and oils. Avoid such cleaners.
- You may need to use a scrubber or mop on textured tiles, and you will have to change the water frequently when wiping the last time.
- Grout is used to install tile, so you must also maintain it. Avoid cleaning solutions containing acids or ammonia. Choose a cleaner that is specifically formulated for grout. After cleaning, it is important to dry the tiles thoroughly.
3. Cleaning and maintenance of stone floors.
With proper floor cleaning and care, stone floors can last for a lifetime.
- Avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaning agents on natural stone surfaces. Choose cleaners that are specifically designed for stone.
- Follow the instructions and suggestions of the manufacturer when using the cleaning solution. Let it sit for some time before you start agitating.
- Use a soft-bristled sponge or scrubber to agitate the cleaning solution.
- Check that your vacuum cleaner attachments are in good condition. Wearable metal and plastic can cause stone floors to scratch.
- To remove grease, wax, or other debris from stone flooring, use heavy-duty cleaners. Use a soft sponge or other material to wipe the floor and then buff it.
- Remove stains with a stone-specific poultice. You can use stone polish to restore shine if it dulls polished stone.
- Sealing all stones is essential to protect them from stains. Re-seal your stone floor every two years to maintain it and avoid stains.
4. Carpet care.
Carpets are easily stained and dirty. Cleaning carpeted flooring in wellington regularly and correctly is a big part of maintaining them.
- Establish a regular vacuuming schedule. A weekly vacuuming is essential. For areas with heavy traffic, it is recommended to do this twice a week.
- The best way to remove stains from carpets is by blotting. Be careful not to saturate the spill with too much water. Cover the area damp with a soft, clean cloth and let it dry completely. This will protect it from dust or further staining. Avoid scrubbing carpets, as this will cause the liquid to sink deeper into the carpet.
- Carpet care requires professional deep cleaning at least every 15-18 months. It will prevent dirt and debris from settling into the carpet.
- Steam cleaning is recommended at least every three months to prevent the accumulation of microbes and pollutants that can cause illness.
- It takes a lot of liquid to thoroughly rinse regular detergents. These can attract dirt if they are not completely removed. Opt. for cleaners that are designed to be absorption-friendly and made for carpet cleaning.
5. Hardwood floor cleaning.
It is important to maintain your wood floors according to the manufacturer’s directions. This will help minimize wear.
- It is not advisable to clean a hardwood floor using water or steam. Floors can be damaged by any cleaner that uses water as the solvent. Follow the instructions on how to use hardwood floor cleaners. Moisture can damage the wood and dull it’s shine.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor daily to keep it clean. Use the brush attachment or felt attachment to avoid scratches if you vacuum.
- To move heavy appliances or furniture, use dollies, protective plywood sheets, or mdf sheeting. This will protect your floor from scratches and dents. Find out which material, mdf or plywood, is the best for your home.
- To protect your floors from excessive expansion or shrinkage, you must maintain humidity levels within the home. Use humidifiers if you live in a region with low humidity. If you live in an area with high humidity, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters can help maintain temperature and humidity at home.
- Hardwood floors age due to constant exposure to sunlight. The wood will discolour and fade. Move the furniture and rugs around the room periodically to ensure that the wood ages equally.
6. Vinyl floor care.
Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance and relatively durable, but it can also dis-colour and be damaged if not maintained regularly.
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop it regularly. It will prevent scuffing caused by debris and grit.
- Remove spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
- Avoid vacuums that have beater bars.
- Be sure to use vinyl-safe cleaning products. Otherwise, they may cause dis-coloration and fade.
- Avoid mats and rugs that are backed with rubber or latex, as they can leave permanent stains on the floor. Avoid mats with latex or rubber backings, which can permanently stain the floor.
- Use rubber casters and glides to move furniture without fear of scratches.
