Flooring Care and Maintenance Tips

After you have installed the flooring of your choice, you will need to give it a final “clean up” before you move your furniture in. Every type of floor requires a different type of cleaner. For vinyl, wiping it with a damp cloth, natural detergent and warm water should suffice. Laminate and wood flooring usually need a quick sweeping to remove dirt or dust and then a dry cloth to remove little bits that might be left over. After that, you will be ready to move in.

Some of us might be tempted to leave cleaning to the last minute, but the longer you wait to remove dirt and stains, the more difficult they are to clean. Quick, regular cleaning requires less work and is far more effective than a once-a-month deep clean. This is especially true if you want to maintain your flooring for longer.

Laminate

To clean laminate, vacuum or wipe up dirt with your mop. Wipe the floor every two weeks, at a minimum, with a damp mop sprayed with a laminate cleaning solution. Finish it with a dry mop and cloth.


Vinyl

Keep your flooring in tip-top condition by using a soft brush or vacuum to remove dirt and finish it with a natural detergent and water.

Wood

Use a buffing cloth or broom to remove dirt from the top surface of your flooring. Then, about once a month, use a damp – not wet – cloth to clean the surface. There are literally thousands of cleaning solutions available for hard wood.

Flooring, unlike carpet, prevents spots and stains from sticking around. You do not have to worry as much about dropping drinks, food, or paint on the surface. Nevertheless, it is always best to clean stains or spots immediately. It is a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you are cleaning the material properly as well.