Tiles, floorboards and carpet all require different forms of maintenance. No matter what flooring you have, they can all, unfortunately, be prone to damage of different forms. And, because it’s the surface underfoot, it’s likely to face all kinds of wear and tear. From spills and stains to rips and cracks, flooring can be difficult and expensive to repair. That’s why we’ve put together a list of handy tips to prevent harm and keep your floors looking as fresh as the day they were installed!
Use The Correct Cleaning Products
No, you can’t use bleach on everything. Not all products or tools are made to clean with an all-purpose method. Even vacuums have different attachments and heads for specific types of flooring. It’s worth researching into which disinfectants, sprays and cleaning goods are appropriate for your flooring. In not doing so, you risk having your floors change colour, risking water damage or worse – being damaged beyond repair. There are plenty of inexpensive cleaners on the market that can actually maintain your flooring and keep it looking as good as new.
Invest In Decorative Rugs & Mats
A quick hack for protecting your flooring is by covering it up – especially in high traffic areas such as the entryway. Décor such as rugs and mats will provide a layer between feet and flooring, add warmth to your home and add an element of style. Win-win! When you’re shopping for rugs, keep in mind that different areas of the home have different needs and therefore different materials are more appropriate. Jute rugs are great because they don’t fray easily and can handle the harshness of shoes. Wool rugs are softer and are more suitable for bedrooms.
Apply Protective Sprays To Carpet
We love carpet as much as the next guy, but entertaining guests and fearing that someone will eventually knock over a glass of wine is a scary thought. The good news is that there are some sprays on the market that will make carpet stain-proof or water-resistant so that spills can be cleaned up without a fuss. So, you can have food around and still enjoy the comfortable feeling underfoot.
Have A “No Shoes” Policy
This one seems obvious (and it is) but if you can get the family to remove their shoes at the door instead of walking straight through, you’ll be saving your flooring from debris, dirt, mud and all other unwanted nasties from outside. Keeping a discreet shoe rack in the entryway can go a long way and will help develop a new habit that means less mopping and vacuuming.
Keep Pets Groomed
Ensuring that your furry friends are groomed and have their nails clipped will mean that you’re a lot less likely to find scratches on your floorboards or pulls in your carpet from claws and paws. It’ll also prevent fur from gathering and making it difficult to vacuum. If you are building a brand-new house and have a cat or dog (or both), you may want to consider what flooring is best for pets too. Vinyl flooring and tiles are good options because they are more durable and resistant to scratches compared to other options. Talk to one of our friendly New Edge Homes team members to find out which flooring would suit youyou’re your family best.