Whether it took you a year to pick out your flooring or you've had your carpets for 10 years, the way they look is important to you. Your floors play a huge role in the way the rest of your home looks, so it's crucial to know exactly how to take care of them properly.
Floor care takes a commitment, but with just a little work every day, your floors will continue to sparkle and shine for years to come. Here are a few tips to take care of the most common floor types:
Carpets
Carpet is the most challenging type of flooring to keep clean, but it is easily manageable with these little tricks and tips.
- Vacuum your floors regularly (at least twice per week.) Those homes with children or pets should vacuum high-traffic areas daily, if possible.
- Keep floor mats at every entrance so less dirt and dust are tracked in through the home.
- Consider becoming a "no-shoes-in-the-house-family." Although this may take a while getting used to, it will ultimately help out with unwanted dirt and carpet stains.
- Always clean up spills as soon as they happen. The longer that you wait, the less chance you'll have of getting it out.
- When it comes to stains, never rub or scrub. Always dab gently with a damp cloth with a bit of mild dish soap.
- Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on carpets. Harsh cleaning agents can fade or bleach a carpet, as well as contaminate your indoor air.
- Get the carpets professionally cleaned to keep up their beautiful appearance.
Wood Floors
Wood floors give a gorgeous glow to any home, and can last a lifetime, if cared for properly. Here are a few tips to remember:
- Just as with carpeting, it's important to place a mat at each entrance to prevent dirt and dust from entering the home.
- Sweep your floors regularly with a high-quality broom or a vacuum without beater bars.
- Don't use excessive water to clean your floors, as they may warp over time.
- It's recommended that you limit sun exposure if you have wood floors because it will gradually fade them. Be sure to install a window treatment to block the sun.
- Try not to scoot furniture when rearranging, as it can scratch and possibly tear up the flooring.
- Trim your pet's nails regularly and try not to wear stiletto heels inside, both of which can scratch floors easily.
- Schedule a professional wood floor cleaning to restore luster and keep it beautiful for life!
Tile Floors
Tile flooring can give your home a beautiful and earthy appearance. Here's how to keep them glowing:
- Regularly sweep or vacuum your floors to eliminate dust and dirt. Before vacuuming, make sure yours doesn't have the beater bars attached.
- Just like carpeting and wood flooring, keep a mat at every entrance to your home to keep it clean.
- Spot clean stains or spills with a sponge and some mild detergent to prevent stains from setting in the grout.
- Take proper precautions when rearranging your furniture to prevent scratching.
- Don't use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can discolor the grout.
- Be familiar with what stone type your tile is and know the manufacturer's instructions in order to keep your warranty.
- Schedule a tile floor cleaning to keep your floors gorgeous as long as possible.
For more information about floor care, call Kiwi Services today to speak with one of our friendly home care consultants!
