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Flooring is a fundamental component of any property as it improves your interiors visually and physically. It’s critical you learn everything about flooring maintenance to keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible.
To help you, we’ve created this guide to show you the processes involved in flooring maintenance, how they differ depending on flooring materials, and much more!
Any action that contributes to keeping your flooring in good condition falls under floor maintenance. It includes regular cleaning, polishing, repairing, and other activities that help extend the lifespan and preserve the appearance of your flooring.
Following a regular maintenance schedule for your floors will reward you in a variety of ways. Here are a few benefits of routine upkeep:
Since floor maintenance entails several activities, we thought we’d outline them for you to help you take care of your flooring the right way:
Always clean up spills right away to avoid injuries or severe damage to the flooring material. Spills can cause the flooring to become slick, increasing the risk of slipping accidents. They can also turn into stubborn stains that discolour the flooring and oftentimes cause water damage.
Sweeping debris or loose dirt particles every few days, especially in high-traffic areas, is an essential step in maintaining the flooring’s surface. When dirt starts accumulating, it can scratch and scuff your flooring, damaging its finish and dulling its lustre.
You should clean the floors thoroughly, employing a combination of vacuuming, sweeping and mopping.
Not only does this help maintain a fresh look, but it also improves air quality by removing dust, which usually carries pathogens that aggravate allergies.
Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or even regular wear and tear. Repairing the affected parts is easier and cheaper when the damage is still in its early stages.
Aside from preserving the aesthetics of the flooring, fixing damaged areas allows you to avoid potential hazards caused by fractured parts.
If you notice damp areas in the flooring—water stains or excessive moisture, for example—you must replace them immediately. Otherwise, waterlogged parts can spread to other areas and weaken the flooring, causing severe structural deterioration.
Restoration plays a major role in boosting the flooring’s resilience and longevity. Although the process varies depending on the material, it usually includes replacing damaged areas and refinishing worn-out parts. It also involves treatment processes like polishing, varnishing, and sanding.
Yes. There are various types and materials of flooring, each with its own maintenance requirements.
Here are some common flooring types, along with the highlights of their upkeep:
If you have hardwood flooring, sweep it daily and hoover it thoroughly once a week to prevent dust particles from scratching the finish. Avoid using wet mops because wood is prone to absorbing moisture, and that could seriously damage it.
It’s also important to refinish the flooring every three to five years to restore its glossy look.
Carpet maintenance entails regular sweeping and cleaning. This prevents dust from accumulating in its fibres, which can trigger allergies and deteriorate the material.
You should also deep clean your carpets every six months. If you’re not familiar with the process, hire a professional.
With vinyl flooring, clean it with products that won’t scratch the surface. You should vacuum it routinely, and when removing stains, use soft bristle brushes and steer clear of abrasive tools like steel wool.
Remember that the majority of laminate floors are water-resistant, not waterproof. This means you should avoid cleaning it with excessively wet mops, or you’ll find the floor swelling and bubbling.
Just like with vinyl, use soft cleaning materials to protect the floor’s surface from scratching or scuffing.
Many of the upkeep requirements for wood flooring also apply to linoleum. You should sweep linoleum flooring daily to get rid of grit and any scratching particles. It’s also best to clean it with a dry mop or a slightly damp one as this material absorbs moisture.
Additionally, linoleum needs polishing every now and then to maintain its durability and shiny appearance.
There are many hard-wearing flooring types used in commercial properties, so the upkeep process varies depending on the material installed.
However, commercial flooring maintenance generally includes constant cleaning, sweeping, and mopping as well as immediate replacement of worn-out parts.
Each flooring material has its own distinct characteristics. Hence, the supplies used to maintain floorings will vary depending on the material.
To give you a general idea, here are three of the most widely used flooring care products:
The flooring material isn’t the only factor influencing how to care for your flooring. Different conditions and environments, such as those listed below, also impact its maintenance.
Increased foot traffic translates to more dust, grime, and wear brought on the flooring. That’s why you’ll need to clean busy areas frequently and deep-clean them periodically to remove embedded dirt.
It would also be ideal to apply a finish that protects the flooring surface if the material allows it.
With children present, the risk of spilling incidents increases, so you must be alert to such instances before they permanently ruin your flooring.
When applicable, apply stain and water-resistant coatings to mitigate the damage, such as a moisture-cure urethane finish for hardwood.
You should also be on the lookout for any damage and repair it immediately so kids can move around the house safely.
If you have furry friends around, you’ll need to sweep more frequently to get rid of their fur, especially if you’re allergic. If your flooring isn’t scratch-resistant, we recommend applying a scratch-resistant finish or adding carpets to avoid scratches caused by your pet’s nails.
You should keep cleaning products on hand in areas where food spills are common, such as the kitchen. Mop the flooring with appropriate cleaning agents regularly to prevent spills from turning into stubborn stains.
Water exposure can cause swelling, warping, and even mould growth in certain flooring materials. If your flooring isn’t waterproof or only water resistant, keep it dry to avoid permanent damage.
Extreme temperatures can negatively affect some flooring types, and if this issue isn’t addressed quickly, it can cause structural damage.
For example, when wood flooring is exposed to extreme heat and humidity for extended periods, it can develop splits that can be easily repaired before they progress to severe cracks.
Consequently, you must identify and prepare for the risks that your flooring type may face in certain weather conditions.
High-impact sports can lead to scuffs and dents in the flooring, so if it isn’t impact-resistant, you’ll need to add a layer of protection. This layer could be rubber flooring, which not only absorbs shock but also repels water.
You should routinely inspect the flooring in factories and other buildings that house large machinery. This will allow you to identify damaged areas and repair them quickly before the weight of the machinery exacerbates the problem.
You might want to invest in protective mats to prevent permanent dents and scratches on the flooring surface caused by heavy equipment.
When exposed to elements such as sunlight and rain, your outdoor flooring could discolour and deteriorate. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and, if possible, apply a UV protection coating or a water-resistant layer to the flooring.
You should also clean the outdoor flooring constantly to prevent debris from building up.
The flooring you have installed indoors will be subjected to spills, dust accumulation, and regular wear. To keep it in good condition, sweep, hoover and clean it regularly. You should also use furniture pads to prevent furniture from leaving dents in the flooring.
Yes, various flooring brands may have different maintenance requirements.
The type of flooring largely determines the level of upkeep required. However, different brands can produce materials with different properties and thus varying maintenance requirements. That’s why you should always review the manufacturer’s instructions.
The lifespan of floorings mainly depends on their type and quality; they can last anywhere from five to 100 years.
Here are some of the most popular flooring types, along with their life expectancy:
You’re now well-equipped with all the key information and major tips for properly maintaining your flooring!
Just remember that various flooring types necessitate different upkeep methods; what works for one may damage the other. Before using new maintenance techniques on your flooring, make sure to research their viability and consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.
For professional flooring installation and upkeep, get in touch with Clever Carpets & Flooring. We’ll be happy to assist!
