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How to Maintain Your Floors 101

If your reaction is anything like the picture above when it comes to maintaining your floors, this one's for you.

We spend countless hours in our lives cleaning, but do we know when, and how to use the right products? Sometimes we think we're doing the right thing, and come to find out, we're doing more damage than good.

This can be frustrating to learn. Which is why we're here to help! Flooring can be a fortune and it's important that we keep its integrity so we can maintain its longevity. 

Enough of the hullabaloo, let's get into it.


Carpet 

We all have carpet somewhere in the house. EVEN if it's an area rug, you'll want to pay attention to this.

1. Regular vacuuming. Experts say to vacuum daily in high trafficked areas and the entirety once a week. 

Now if you're like most people and don't have the time to vacuum daily, don't fret. At the very least vacuuming 1-2 times a week will keep your carpet in good shape. As it will be preventing dust, debris, and dirt from imbedding into the carpet itself, which in turns makes it harder to clean out later if not regularly assessed.

2. Professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months.

Steam cleaning can be a very effective way to restore the freshness in your carpet. The use of the hot water will help extract that stubborn dirt that's deeply imbedded into your carpet. Leaving you carpet fresh and clean like the day you got it. 

Now money can be a factor into having a job like this done. You can hire a professional to save yourself the time and hassle or do it yourself. Experts at Shaw recommend if you're doing it yourself, to use a machine with CRI Seal of Approval. (Carpet and Rug Institue.) 

Here is the CRI'S direct website with their recommendations.

3. Assess Stains ASAP 

It is CRUCIAL to assess any carpet stains immediately. This way the stain does not seep through into your subfloor. Leaving room for bacteria and mold growth. 

Shaw has a really great and cool stain removal tool on their website. Where you can choose what stain happened on what floor. Pictured below.

 

This tool can be used for all types of flooring. Here is the direct link.



Vinyl


Vinyl is one of the easier floors to take care of. Here's what the experts say:


1. Sweep regularly with a soft bristle broom.


Sweeping often can help the floors by preventing dirt and dust from wearing the floors.


2. Periodic wet cleaning


Deep cleaning with a wet mop will help keep up the floor's appearance. Use your favorite mop, some warm water and a neutral PH floor cleaner.


Martin's Floor Covering carries Bona. A professional strength water-based cleaner recommended by flooring experts.


We carry Bona mops similar to the 'Swiffer Wet Jet' and their refillable solutions, for ALL types of hard surfaces.

Make sure to stop on by our show room, to grab your hands on these wonderful professional grade cleaners!


3. Clean up spills IMMEDIATELY


Just like any other floor, you do not want the spill to seep through onto the sub floor. This can cause bacteria and mold growth, an issue no one has time for.


When cleaning with wet products. It is recommended to NOT use abrasive cleaners. This can actually do more harm than good. Harsh chemicals like bleach can strip the floors protective layers. It can also leave stubborn film, and streaks. Making your floor/s look dull.


Wood / Engineered Wood


Treat your hardwood floors like a baby (yes even if they're engineered). Hardwood is a sensitive flooring and has more needs than most. Let's dive into their care and maintenance.


1. Sweep dust and vacuum regularly


Did you know that built up grit can ruin hardwood finishes? That's why it's important to sweep and dust regularly.


Make sure when using any dry cleaning method, your bristles are soft. You don't want to make the mistake of using an abrasive bristle head, that will in turn scratch your floors.


And as always, make sure to address spills/messes immediately.


2. DO NOT use water


Now this may come across as common sense. However with the rise of social media cleaning videos, it's important we address this for the people who may not know.


Trust us, the flooring people and not someone online who claims to have "cleaning hacks". Water will damage the hardwood floors, making it buckle and bubble. Leading to uneven floors and what could be an irreversible issue.


Do however use a misting hardwood safe cleaner (preferably one approved by the manufacturer and safe for pre-finished hardwood). Lightly mist the floor and go over with a microfiber mop, for a deeper clean. Then remove any excess moisture with a dry cloth.


3. Avoid these


Paste wax based products, products with ammonia, oil soaps, and lemon oil cleaners.


They'll dull  and discolor the finish and affect the chances of recoating later on.



Laminate


Laminate has come a long way from what is used to be. However it is still a sensitive floor and should be treated with care.


1. Sweeping Regularly


Making sure the dust, dirt and debris don't build up. As this can cause scratches over time. Using a soft bristle broom too.


Avoid vacuums with a beater bar as this can be too abrasive for the floor.


Use a microfiber cloth when dust moping.


2. Should you use water?


Well this all depends on the specific product you bought. Depending on the product and it's specific warranties, there is different protocols. Some have warranties under steam moping, waterproof technology and more. This is important to know before you start scrubbing away.


We recommend looking into the blue folder (the one given to you upon closing the sale). There will be your product warranty and care information. However if this has been misplaced, don't worry.


You can always research online on the manufacturers website. There you'll be able to read/print the PDF's with all of this information.


And as always, if you have any questions or need help about finding product information. We're here to help!



3. Avoid these


Oil soaps, detergents, abrasive cleaners, wax, polishes, and or other household products to clean the floor. Never use power scrubbers to clean the floor, as this can damage the finish.



Tile


Tile is one of the more easier floors to take care. However a lot of factors do play into it. Depending on the your grout situation, the type of tile and much more. We'll categorize this section by the type of tile you have.


1. Ceramic


DO: Clean routinely with an all purpose low VOC cleaner (household or commercial) that is also grout joint compatible. Use a cotton mop, or microfiber cloth when using a multi-purpose cleaner (such as one designed to remove built up scum and soap). Vacuum / dust mop before any wet cleaning.


DON'T: Use ammonia or acid based products. As the acid can damage the grout and ammonia can discolor the tile itself.


For unglazed ceramic, routine cleaning with concentrated tile cleaners that have a safe neutral pH. Making sure it is also compatible with the grout.


2. Porcelain


Basic cleaning with warm water and mild soap will be enough to keep your floors looking great. It's also okay to use a multi-purpose cleaner to remove soap scum as well. Always dry thoroughly after cleaning.


DON'T: Use ammonia or acid based products. As the acid can damage the grout and ammonia can discolor the tile itself.


3. Natural Stone


Natural stone surfaces should only be cleaned with products specifically designed for natural stone. Avoiding anything that has bleach, acids and vinegar. As these can wear the seals for the natural stone over time.


4. Glass & Metal


Glass: Clean regularly with a non-abrasive product that is specifically recommended for glass. DO NOT use sandpaper, scouring pads or steel wool.


Metal: Using a liquid non-abrasive cleaner routinely will be sufficient for cleaning. DO NOT use sandpaper, scouring pads or steel wool. It is also recommended to test new cleaning products in an inconspicuous area to ensure it is compatible with your metallic tile.


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That is all, we hope this helps you out. Again if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 


All the best and happy cleaning! :)

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