Routine maintenance of floors can go a long way toward keeping them looking their best over time. Sweeping or vacuuming daily is an excellent start, and using a clean dust mop afterward. Furthermore, oil-based products (wax, regular household detergents) or mixtures of vinegar and water which may damage floor finishes should be avoided for best results.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming regularly (using an appropriate vacuum for your flooring type) helps remove grit and dirt that could otherwise scratch or dull the finish, as well as avoid scratches caused by using canister vacuums without beater bars or beater bar brushes. To minimize scratches on finishes and ensure long term care free use.
Sweeping regularly – particularly in high traffic areas – can keep hardwood floors looking their best. A dry mop may also be used regularly, though ensure it wrings out thoroughly after each use to avoid over-mopping that could damage the finish. Never use wax, oil soaps or liquid cleaners on hardwoods!
Install interior and exterior door mats at entryways to absorb soil, sand, grit, asphalt and driveway sealer tracked onto floors. Place rugs and runners inside for extra protection – and don’t forget to remove and clean them regularly! Also keep pet nails trimmed short and keep paws off floors so as to prevent scratching and dulling!
Sweep Often
Sweeping and vacuuming regularly removes dust and dirt that could scratch all types of floors, especially if you wear shoes such as high heels and certain sports footwear. It is especially essential if your footwear includes sharp edges such as high heels.
Utilize a soft bristle sweeper or vacuum attachment without a beater bar to protect SPC flooring from being damaged, and place rugs or door mats inside and outside entrances to collect grit, sand, and other substances from people’s feet that could potentially scratch hardwood floors.
Mopping SPC requires using clean water in a bucket with a soft cleaning cloth or mop to apply. Beware of overwatering the floor as excess moisture may damage its tile surface; ensure to wring the mop well after every use and hard-to-remove stains such as crayon, candle wax and chewing gum can be easily removed with hardening it with ice before gently scraping away using plastic scraper such as credit card size plastic scrapers. Rather than drag heavy furniture or appliances across it when mopping, lift them over sliding them on felt pads attached to their legs in order to protect laminate and linoleum floors from scratchings on laminate and linoleum floorings.
Use a Protective Mat
Use mats at entrances to prevent dirt and grit from scratching your flooring, while indoor area rugs provide additional floor protection in high traffic areas. Sweep or vacuum your floors frequently using the hard floor attachment if available.
Always clean up spills, splatters and wet spots as soon as they occur to prevent drying and staining. Stains can usually be removed with a clean damp cloth and non-abrasive cleaner; for tougher marks such as chocolate, grease, juice or wax acetone or nail polish remover may be necessary for removal.
Never drag or push furniture across hardwood floors as this can result in scratches and dents. Instead, use dollies, protective plywood sheets, or MDF sheets to support it instead. Also ensure humidity levels in your home are optimal to prevent excessive expansion, cupping, or shrinkage of the wood – please refer to your flooring guide for assistance in maintaining optimal humidity levels.
Keep It Dry
As soon as a puddle or spill appears on the floor, quickly wipe it up using a damp cloth before it has time to dry on its own. This will reduce grit, dust and mildew accumulations that could otherwise develop over time.
If you run an indoor facility, place mats near entrances to capture dirt and sand. Look for vinyl rug backing or laminate-safe mats; avoid rubber or foam-backed ones which limit airflow or contain particles with sharp edges that might scratch.
If your flooring is exposed to outdoor conditions, increase frequency of sweeping and mopping in areas prone to moisture build-up such as hallways, foyers, and entrances. A broom attachment for forklifts can help squeegee water off floors quickly while sweeps that attach to brooms allow fast snow pile clearance at entryways. Heavy furniture can also be supported using non-staining furniture pads that reduce denting or scratching; desiccants may be useful in commercial settings for eliminating moisture build-up while mold prevention measures may help.