Many people find it hard to care for their floors, often because of a lack of know-how. It is critical to give your chosen floor the best care so that it always looks beautiful and we have put together some tips that will help you care for your floors.
Timber floors. Usually, natural wood floors represent a bigger investment than floors made of other materials. For this reason, you will want to ensure that your timber floor keeps its gloss, tone, feel, texture and functionality for a long time. Your wood floor will deteriorate if inappropriate cleaning agents and cleaning techniques are used, and this may also lead to expensive repairs.
For durable engineered floors or solid floors, cleaning is important. Care starts with regular vacuuming. Removing debris and dirt will keep scratches to a minimum. Using rugs in hallways and entrances will also help to control wood floor scratches.
Spills of any kind on wood floors should be mopped up with a damp cloth, immediately with all moisture dried, to avoid staining.
Maintaining your floor will depend on its finish. For instance, floors with oil finishes will be best maintained by applying the manufacturer's recommended oil products annually.
Dishwashing or washing detergents will leave residue on your wood floor, so it is not advisable to use these for cleaning. A lacquered-finish floor needs little maintenance - regular vacuum cleaning and mopping will do to keep the floor looking good. Our carpet fitters near you can install timber floors and help you with more maintenance tips.
- Laminate floors. This type of floor needs minimal maintenance. A simple mop will remove spills, and oiling, is not needed. Wet your cloth or mop and wring it out so that it is damp, to clean the floor. For stain removal from laminate flooring, consult your manufacturer's guide.
Laminate cleaners and repair wax can be purchased for cleaning, but be guided by what your manufacturer says. Just like wood, laminate is prone to scratching. With a good entrance mat, you can lessen the risk of scratches on laminate floors.
- Vinyl flooring. Cleaning vinyl floors is easy and this type of easy-care floor is commonly found in homes and offices. The option of luxury vinyl planks presents a highly durable choice of floor that will compliment any space you have. If you have a busy home or high foot fall business, vinyl will be a great floor as it is very hard wearing.
Vinyl floors are easily cleaned. For spills, you can mop them up easily and vinyl won't be damaged by water spills. To remove difficult stains, specialist floor cleaners can help.
- Bamboo flooring. With the same advantages that laminate and wood floors offer in maintenance and longevity dirt removal from bamboo flooring can be undertaken using a soft broom, dust mop or vacuum cleaner.
Moisten a cloth to clean and wipe down spills immediately from bamboo floors. Avoid the use of washing liquids to clean this type of flooring and clean up spills immediately. Bamboo floors are not good with oil-based soap, cleaning agents, or a wet mop.
The danger of leaving a spill un-removed on a bamboo floor is that the floor will absorb moisture and increase in volume. Failure to use the correct method of removing spills will render your warranty invalid.
Do not use a steam mop, oil-based polish or wax products to clean this type of floor.
If you are not certain about the right cleaning method, please refer to the care and maintenance guide provided by the manufacturer which will be different for different floors.
If you are considering new flooring, we are your trusted carpet suppliers in London, and will be glad to advise you on the right flooring for your needs.