When it comes to the proper maintenance of flooring, most of us take the one-size-fits-all approach without even thinking twice about the kind of material it is made of.
Different floor types have different proper ways of cleaning and maintenance. Even if you reach out to contract flooring providers in London or Birmingham, they will all tell you the same thing.
We took the liberty of listing down the different types of flooring materials and the simplest yet most proper ways of taking care of them for greater longevity.
Home Flooring And Proper Maintenance
1. Timber
Timber has certain unique qualities that make it ideal as a flooring material. Each piece is different, which has great aesthetic appeal over other types of flooring and is quite durable. While timber has sponge-like qualities that absorb humidity and moisture, it can be treated to make it moisture-resistant.
Maintenance: As there are a wide variety of timber sources, it is best to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. Generally, timber does not do well with moisture so instead of using a wet mop, use a damp one. Do not wash it in water. Vacuuming and sweeping should be done as much as possible and a once-a-week general cleaning is recommended.
2. Laminate
Laminate flooring is suitable for those who want the visual beauty of natural materials at lower costs. It is easy to install and has a lesser risk of getting damaged from scratches. Top-quality laminates are so durable that some even have a 20-year warranty.
Maintenance: Avoid using liquid-based cleaning agents as the humidity will not do the material any good. Use a microfibre dust mop instead to get rid of dust, dirt, and sand.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are the practical choice if you want durable flooring that’s easy to clean and maintain. You can easily install them by gluing them to the floor. Getting wet is not a problem as it does not buckle when exposed to water and other liquids. Plus, it’s inexpensive so replacements are never an issue.
Maintenance: Remove dust and dirt daily with a vacuum cleaner or a broom. A weekly cleaning routine should also be established with the use of a damp mop.
4. Bamboo
While it is not as durable and scratch-proof as wooden floorings, it is still durable and highly aesthetic. It is water-resistant and is a renewable resource, which makes it more sustainable compared to other types of flooring materials.
Maintenance: Other than sweeping the floor daily using a soft-bristle brush or vacuum, it is recommended that you do a weekly cleaning of the flooring with the help of the right cleaning spray and microfibre mop. Wipe away any spill immediately to not cause any damage to the floor.
5. Cork
Cork floors are resistant to moisture which makes it suitable for a range of areas around the house, including bathroom and basement installations. While it can be easily damaged by sharp objects, people still prefer them because they are warm to the feet and are flexible.
Maintenance: Vacuum and sweep the floors regularly and wipe away any spill promptly. Do not use any cleaning agent on it other than the ones recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Tiles
Whether it is porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone, tiles are extra strong and durable and are harder to scratch. The installation process is a bit more challenging and complicated, but the aesthetic payoff, especially with natural stone tiles, is worth it.
Maintenance: Sweeping regularly with a soft-bristle toothbrush or vacuuming makes cleaning tiles less of a chore. You can easily remove stains by spraying a good floor cleaning agent and mopping it up. Grouts are more challenging to clean as you need to make a cleaning solution for it. Apply the solution to the grout lines, brush it, and let it soak overnight. Wipe it dry the following day with a clean, wet cloth.
7. Carpet
Carpets are made from various materials that are twisted together and woven and are attached to a backing. There are limitless design and texture options available. They are not just visually pleasing, but they also serve as an additional layer of insulation.
Maintenance: Carpets are generally easy to maintain by vacuuming them. However, since different carpets are made from different types of materials, it is still advised to refer to the specifics cited by the manufacturer.
As discussed, each material is unique in its own way, which requires a specific set of treatments to ensure that they stay in great condition for a long time.
