Our home is our castle, and we want everything to look good. The floor in your house makes a huge visual impact because it covers such a large expanse and can be costly to purchase; therefore, it is vital to look after it so it stays in mint condition. Here are some easy ways to look after your flooring.
Carpet
Carpet can be one of the trickiest flooring types to look after as it takes more than just a mop and bucket to clean it. Fortunately, the composition of carpet is changing with technology, and many have become more durable and resistant to stains. Carpets with fibers made from nylon, polyester, and olefin offer high durability and stain resistance levels, with nylon being the most effective. Some modern carpets can be cleaned with bleach, should they become stained.
Carpets can be kept looking their best by being vacuumed regularly to keep dust and dirt a minimum, avoid treading on them too much with heavy boots are sharp heels, keep them shielded from direct sunlight as it can cause fading, and be careful when moving furniture across the floor. If your carpets are soiled and need to be cleaned, find a professional company that clean carpets or hire/buy a machine to do it yourself.
Wood
You can maintain wooden floors by sweeping them on a daily basis to remove debris and vacuuming weekly. If liquid gets spilled on the floor, ensure it is wiped up straight away and not left to sit for too long as it can stain and warp the wood. To clean dirt from the floors, it is best to use a mop or microfibre cloth with a diluted cleaner which is suitable for wooden floors. Vinegar mixed with water is an effective floor cleaner.
Real wood is soft, so it is vital to protect it from dents and scrapes. Try to remove your footwear before walking on it – unless you are wearing soft slippers or socks. Put protective caps under the legs of your furniture and take great care when moving furniture.
Keep your wooden floors looking good by applying a fresh coat of wax or varnish every couple of years.
Tiles
If you have floor tiles made from ceramic or porcelain, they will be reasonably easy to maintain. These tiles can be cleaned with a mop and diluted cleaning solution. It is essential to sweep or vacuum them every day as grit and sand can dull the surface and get lodged into the grouting. A film of soap scum can form on the surface of the tiles during cleaning, so it is essential to change the water frequently. If stubborn stains form, use a mild abrasive or some lemon juice to shift them. However, lemon juice is an acid and shouldn’t be used on stone, granite, slate, or marble flooring.
Tiles made from natural substances cannot be cleaned with acidic floor cleaners – they need a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Abrasive cloths and brushes should not be used to scrub stone, slate, granite, and marble as they scratch easily. Water spots can be avoided by drying the tile surface immediately with a soft towel.
