Flooring: Maintenance
Whether covered with ceramic, wood, linoleum or carpet, floors are the thing most likely to get dirty on a daily basis. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum every day, no matter what type of flooring you have. It will contribute to its durability and to the ease of maintenance over the long term.
- Use very little water, and a gentle soap (pH neutral) without any abrasives to wash your flooring, if you don’t have a specific product for it.
- Choose microfibre cloths; they are often softer than any other type of cloth.
- It is also recommended to put felt protectors under furniture (especially heavier pieces) to avoid scratching the floor when you have to move them.
Below are a few tips for each type of flooring.
Hardwood
Varnish
It is recommended to use a cleaner that is intended for varnished wood floors. You should never use vinegar, household cleaning products or products intended for other purposes. These products are not intended for wood and can leave marks or stains that will be very difficult to remove. However, you can use a damp cloth (only with water) to remove stubborn stains caused by splashes for the best result. If the stains remain, use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Oiled
If you have an oiled floor, you should know that for optimal durability, it is suggested to oil the floor every three to five years to maintain its finish. It is also recommended to clean it with professional products made specifically for oiled floors. These products contain ingredients that are necessary for proper maintenance.
Tiles
Regardless of whether your tiles have a polished, semi-gloss or matte finish, the easiest way to clean them is to use a microfibre cloth and a bit of mild, non-abrasive soap in water. In the long term, washing tiles only with soapy water can leave a thin film that is difficult to remove. Matte tiles have a tendency to stain more quickly due to their rougher finish. If stains persist, it is important to use a product intended for tiles to avoid damaging them. If your grout is dirty and has changed colour over time, there are grout dyes that can restore its colour, and make it look just like new! Avoid using very acidic products or water with bleach too often. These products can damage the grout and cause seepage that will cause more serious problems than dirty grout!
Linoleum
If you want to keep your linoleum floor in the best condition possible for as long as possible, you should wash it regularly with a product intended for linoleum.These products often don’t require rinsing and do not damage the original shine of the flooring. If stains persist, despite regular cleaning, clean with a stripper made specifically for linoleum.
Carpet
Carpeting is no exception to the rule, it must be cleaned regularly since carpet fibres retain more dust and dirt. So, you should vacuum regularly and be sure to clean thoroughly, not just on the surface. That the level of maintenance of your carpet will impact how long it lasts. The more you take care of it, the longer it will last. If something has been spilled on your carpet, the best way to remove it is to moisten the stain with lukewarm water and then sponge it off to remove the stain. If your carpet is really dirty, wash it with a steam cleaner for carpets.