It’s hard not to admire the glossy polish of new hardwood floors, enjoy the crisp brightness of white tile, or relish the luxurious softness of thick carpet. But after the installation crew has packed up and gone home, how do you care for your new floors so they can stay in fresh, new condition as long as possible?
Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine
One of the easiest ways for your new floors to get damaged is through the buildup of dirt and grime. Dirt can work its way into the fibers of your carpet, leading to a dingy appearance and stubborn stains. Grit and grime can also damage the finish of your hardwood floors.
You can easily prevent damage by setting up a thorough and regular cleaning routine. Sweep and vacuum several times a week as needed, have your carpets professionally deep cleaned once per year, and remember to clean up spills immediately before they can stain.
Don’t Overdo It
While cleaning carefully is a great way to care for your new floors, how you clean your new floors is important. Stronger chemicals aren’t always better. Some can strip the polish from your floors and damage the fibers of carpets. Always use what your local floor care experts at Walk About Flooring recommend for your specific type of flooring.
While you might think splashing about soapy water is a sure way to get your new floors clean, you should take care not too use too much water, especially when cleaning hardwoods and carpet. Wood can warp when exposed to too much water, leading to creaky, damaged floorboards. Similarly, leaving too much water in your carpet and not drying it thoroughly can lead to mold growth. Always damp mop natural hardwood floors and consider professional steam cleaning for your carpets as needed.
With a little careful attention and care, your new floors will stay in excellent condition for a long time to come.