As a homeowner, you have the option of choosing from numerous styles of floor coverings, each with its own unique features and advantages. However, it’s important to remember that no matter what floor covering you choose, they all have one thing in common: regular care and maintenance extends their lives and improves their overall aesthetics. Consider the following tips for taking care of four of the most popular types of flooring:
Carpet
• Immediately after the installation, you may notice some shedding. This is a common occurrence with new carpet, and the loose fibers can be easily removed with regular vacuuming. The condition should diminish after a few weeks or months, depending on vacuum frequency. If the carpet shows snags or sprouts, clip them with scissors—don’t pull them.
• If possible, vacuum high-traffic areas two or three times a week and other areas once a week.
• Move heavy furniture occasionally to avoid excessive pile crushing.
• Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
• Don’t use chairs or appliances with wheels or rollers unless you place a rubber mat under them.
• Spot clean the carpet as long as possible to forestall an overall carpet cleaning. Blot liquid spills quickly with a clean cloth or towel. Repeat as necessary before using a detergent or other cleaning solution.
Wood floors
• Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring powder or steel wool to clean a wood floor.
• Place a floor mat or throw rug near outside doorways.
• Place a floor mat in front of the kitchen sink.
• Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
• Immediately wipe up food and liquid spills with a dry or slightly dampened towel.
• Always make sure furniture legs have large surface, non-staining floor protectors. When moving heavy furniture, completely pick it up and carry it to its new location.
• Regular dust mopping or vacuuming is an essential part of wood floor care. A good quality dust mop or vacuum head is the most effective tool for cleaning dust and dirt off the floor.
• For general cleaning, use a water-based, environmentally responsible cleaner specifically formulated to clean polyurethane finished wood floors or factory prefinished no-wax floors.
Laminate floors
• Place a floor mat or throw rug near outside doorways.
• Always make sure furniture legs have large surface, non-staining floor protectors.
• Use a vacuum cleaner or dust mop to keep grit off the floor.
• Don’t use polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners, scouring powder or steel wool.
• Immediately wipe up spills. Don’t allow liquids to stand on the floor.
Vinyl floors
• Keep traffic light during the first 24 hours after installation so the adhesive can dry properly. If the floor has been seamed, avoid stepping on the seam sealer for 24 hours so it can dry undisturbed.
• Avoid scrubbing or washing the floor for at least three days after the installation. Spot clean the floor but avoid all seams. Clean any adhesive residue with a clean white cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
• Always move heavy furniture and appliances with care to avoid gouging or tearing the floors.
• Don’t use a vacuum with a beater brush, because it may damage the floor’s surface.
• Occasionally mop with a resilient floor cleaner. Avoid one-step “mop and polish” products, dishwashing liquids and oil-based cleaners. Also, avoid cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents—they may permanently damage your floor.
