Every flooring system comes with its own sets of pros and cons. Different flooring can work better in some environments than others, and we do not choose flooring solely on aesthetics but on its quality and maintenance for each situation. That being said, every flooring system has some different maintenance properties, which you should consider doing for its longevity. To help, here are several flooring systems and their general maintenance:
Carpet
Carpet fibers are great for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. When it comes to carpet, however, dust and dirt can be packed deep down into the fibers. To keep these nuisances from wearing down your carpet, it is best to vacuum regularly. Additionally, carpet does not respond well to substantial amounts of waters and liquids, but this may be necessary to remove stains. If you have carpet in your home, you may want to consider having it steam cleaned once a year to remove any stubborn stains.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl planking has revolutionized the flooring industry. It is very low-maintenance and comes in many beautiful designs. To clean, simply use a broom or vacuum to remove dirt or debris. For a deeper clean, you may want to buy the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product to clean the floor. Additionally, most LVPs do not have a high shine or sheen to them, so do not wax these flooring systems.
Vinyl Composition Tiles
Vinyl composition tiles are typically used in extremely high-traffic areas or garages. If you have VCT, you should use a broom to dust away debris regularly. Typically, these floors need waxed and polished once or twice a year. This task really comes down to the amount of wear and tear that they are exposed to on a daily basis.
Hardwood
Hardwood and water are a terrible combination! Do not mop your hardwood floors. This will warp your boards and destroy your floors. Instead, sweeping your hardwood floors is the best way to remove debris. You can vacuum, however, be cognitive that the wheels or beater bar may scratch your flooring. If your flooring does become scratched over time, you can always sand and refinish the flooring to make it look brand new.
Tile
Tile is excellent for a wet environment. It can be cleaned with pretty strong cleaning products depending on the tile. Remember that marble tile can etch with acid-base cleaners, though. Additionally, you will want to thoroughly clean grout lines with a grout cleaner and brush when they become dirty.
Every floor and manufacturer may have different recommendations for the product. These are just several popular flooring systems and some regular maintenance tips. If you have any additional questions about a specific type of flooring, be sure to leave us a comment. Thanks for reading!
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