Your floors are some of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home after all, they’re the very foundation of your living space! Floors also go through quite a bit on a daily basis. Knowing how to properly take care of them can extend their lifespan and keep your house feeling like a clean home.
Read on for our guide on taking care of your floors, including special instructions for different kinds of flooring, so you can keep your floors looking and feeling great for years to come.
General floor care tips you should know
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Establish a regular cleaning schedule.
No matter what kind of flooring you have, it’s important to get into a regular routine to get rid of dirt, debris, and dust that can gather on your floors. Make it a point to sweep, vacuum, and/or Swiffer your floors frequently.
If your home is especially prone to collecting dirt and debris (for example, if you have pets or spend lots of time outside and tracking dirt in), you may need to do this more frequently. You should also take extra care to clean your higher-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and family rooms to keep everything clean and tidy.
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Know what to do in the case of a spill.
Spills happen, so knowing how to handle spills on your floors can go a long way in preserving their quality over the long run. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and damage on vinyl, hardwood, and stone floors.
On carpet and rugs, blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to avoid spreading the stain. No matter what kind of flooring you have, make sure you have an appropriate cleaning agent on hand to neutralize those spills as quickly as you can.
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Use appropriate cleaners for your floor types.
The kind of care that your flooring needs will vary based on the materials it is made of. Invest in cleaners that are specifically designed for your floor type, taking care to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surfaces and finishes of your flooring.
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Take proactive measures.
Being proactive can go a long way in protecting your floors and preserving them for years to come. Consider putting down rugs and mats in entryways to your house so that you can catch the majority of dirt and moisture before they end up on your expensive flooring, and use pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching and dents.
Similarly, consider area rugs in highly trafficked areas like your living room to protect the flooring beneath from spills, scratches, and other damage. Finally, you might even consider a “no shoes in the house” policy to minimize the dirt and debris that can be tracked throughout your house. Every member of the Home Carpet One team has adopted this policy!
How to care for your carpet
Installing carpet makes your home warm, cozy, and inviting. However, carpet is also notorious for collecting dust, dirt, and odor, which means that you’ll need to keep up a regular maintenance routine to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan.
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Know your carpet type:
The kind of care that your carpet requires can depend on its specific fibers. Talk to one of our team members or do some research to figure out the kind of carpet you have and the kind of specific care it requires so that you’re investing in the right cleaning solutions. Common carpet types include wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.
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Vacuum frequently:
Regular vacuuming can eliminate much of the dust, dirt, and allergens that can accumulate in your carpet fibers. Vacuum at least once a week, or more in high-traffic areas like living rooms and entryways.
If you have pets, you may need to vacuum even more frequently to take care of excess hair and dander. Make sure to use the appropriate vacuum for your carpet fiber.
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Spot clean:
One of the potential downsides of carpet flooring is that it can stain easily, so you’ll want to address any spills or messes as quickly as possible. Use a spot cleaner that is specifically designed for your type of carpet, making sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot of your home first to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.
Then use a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel to blot the stain and lift it from the carpet fibers (not rub, since this can make stains worse). After spot cleaning, use a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture and allow the spot to dry thoroughly.
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Deep cleaning:
Even if you establish a regular carpet cleaning routine, your carpet can still accumulate dirt and grime that embeds itself in the fibers. To extend your carpet’s life and refresh it after months of wear and tear, make it a point to deep clean your carpets at least once a year.
Consider buying or renting a carpet cleaner and a shampoo suitable to your carpet type, working in overlapping sections to ensure even cleaning. Alternatively, you might also consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. Let us know if you’re looking for recommendations!
How to care for your hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are equal parts elegant and timeless, adding warmth to any home. To keep their luster and natural beauty, you’ll need to maintain them regularly.
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Regular sweeping and vacuuming:
Frequent sweeping and vacuuming eliminates everyday dirt and debris that can hinder your floor’s shine and even scratch the surface. Sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors daily or as needed, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas that are prone to mess.
Move in the direction of the wood grain to avoid pushing debris into the seams between the boards, and use a hardwood floor attachment if using a vacuum to avoid scratching.
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Dusting:
In addition to regular sweeping/vacuuming, it’s also a good idea to invest in a microfiber cloth or mop to remove dust and allergens that can collect over time. Run these dusters over your floors at least once a week to keep them clean and debris-free.
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Deep cleaning:
Beyond routine maintenance, hardwood floors often require periodic deep cleaning to preserve and restore their quality.
Clean your hardwood floors every few months with a product that works with the type of wood floors you have, applying a thin even layer with a microfiber cloth or mop and following the wood grain for a natural, even application.
How to care for your tile/stone floors
Tile and stone flooring are great options for adding a design-forward vibe to your home.
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Regular sweeping and vacuuming:
Sweeping and vacuuming your tile or stone floors eliminates the everyday dirt and dander that can accumulate and mask their shine. Sweep or vacuum daily or as needed, paying extra attention to areas that receive high levels of traffic.
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Mopping:
Regular mopping will remove stubborn dirt and grime, keeping your floor’s surface clean and shiny. Use a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner that is formulated specifically for tile and stone to avoid accidentally damaging your stone’s natural finish.
After mopping, you should also rinse your mop and go over the floor once more with just water to remove any excess residue that can build up and dull your stone over time.
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Spot cleaning:
Some kinds of stone and tile can stain permanently, which means that addressing spills immediately is key.
Use a tile stone cleaner for spot treatment, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid spreading the stain. You can also use baking soda and water to address tougher stains.
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Deep cleaning:
Grout lines are one of the unique features of tile and stone flooring, and you’ll need to dedicate time to maintaining these joints to keep your flooring looking clean.
Use a commercial grout cleaner (or baking soda and water) and a small grout brush to tackle discoloration and dirt. You may also need to seal your grout every year to protect it from additional stains and moisture.
Conclusion
Routine maintenance and occasional deep cleaning are key for keeping your floor clean and like-new. Get to know the unique care instructions necessary for your floor type so you can properly take on its care and keep your home fresh and beautiful.
Looking to tackle a new flooring project in Chicago? Need specific advice on caring for your floors? Check out Home Carpet One! We have a huge selection of flooring options and a team of experts who are ready to help you create the home of your dreams.
