How To Maintain Your Floors After Installation For Maximum Longevity
Once you've bought a new floor for your home or business, you need to make sure it lasts for a long time. Taking care of your floors the right way is important to keep them looking good and working well. If you just put down new flooring in Earlwood or anywhere else, here are some important things you should do to keep it looking great and working well.
1. Understand Your Floor Type
Before you start any upkeep, you should know what kind of flooring you have. Care needs vary for various materials. Hardwood, concrete, tile, and carpet, for example, all need different ways to be cleaned and cared for. If you're not sure how to take care of your flooring properly, talk to your flooring installation Earlwood professional or look at the manufacturer's care guide.
2. Regular Cleaning Is Essential
Cleaning your floors often is one of the best and easiest ways to keep them in good shape. Dust, dirt, and other small particles can scratch and wear down things over time if they are not cleaned up. A soft broom or a cloth dust mop is best for tile or hardwood floors. Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar attachment on the surface because it could damage it.
If you have tile or stone floors, you should sweep or dust them often to keep the grout lines clean. You could also use a mop with a mild cleaner made for that type of tile. If you have carpeted floors, you might want to clean them more than once a week, especially in areas that get a lot of use, so that dirt doesn't get stuck in the fibres.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Products
While cleaning is crucial, it’s just as important to use the right cleaning products. Some commercial cleaners can damage or strip the finish from certain types of floors. For instance, hardwood floors require cleaners specifically formulated for wood surfaces to avoid dulling or discolouring the finish.
For tiles or stone floors, make sure to choose a cleaner that’s safe for porous surfaces. You can find these specialised products at most home improvement stores. When in doubt, use a mild soap-and-water solution, which is usually safe for most surfaces.
4. Protect Your Floors from Scratches and Dents
Preventing damage from the start is one of the most effective ways to keep your floors in top condition. To keep furniture from getting scratched when you move it, put felt pads under the legs. Area rugs or doormats in high-traffic zones can also catch dirt and grit, preventing it from being tracked onto your floors.
For hardwood floors, be mindful of heavy furniture or appliances that could dent the surface. If you need to move something heavy, use a furniture slider to make the task easier and prevent any damage.
5. Address Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, but addressing spills promptly can go a long way in maintaining your floors. For wooden or laminate floors, moisture can seep into cracks and damage the material. It’s important to clean up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
To clean up spills on plush floors, use a clean cloth and be gentle. Do not scrub, as this can make the liquid go deeper into the fibres. If the spot is really tough, you might want to use a carpet cleaner that is safe for your floor.
6. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
It's important to keep the humidity level in your home at the right level so that your wooden floors don't crack or shrink. In the winter, warmth inside can dry out the air, and in the summer, humidity can cause water to build up. Using a dehumidifier or mister can help keep the humidity level in check, which will protect your floors and keep them stable.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
While regular cleaning and care can keep your floors in great condition, professional maintenance is an essential part of extending their lifespan. If your floors were recently installed, it’s a good idea to ask your flooring installation expert in Earlwood for advice on periodic maintenance. Some floors, like hardwood, may benefit from professional refinishing after a few years, which restores the original shine and protects the surface.
8. Reapply Protective Coatings When Necessary
For certain types of flooring, such as hardwood, applying a protective coating every few years can help maintain the surface and keep it looking new. These coatings keep dirt and spills out, making it easier to clean and avoiding damage that won't go away. Consult your flooring installer in Earlwood to determine when it's time to reapply a protective finish.
Conclusion
By keeping up with these easy care tips, you can make sure that your floors look good and work well for many years. Whether you just had Earlwood flooring installed or have had it for a while, it will look its best with regular cleaning, the right protection, and professional care.
