MAINTANANCE TIPS

 

Engineered Hardwood Floor

Engineered hardwood flooring is composed of a core of solid hardwood, and covered with a thin layer of finished hardwood veneer. Engineered hardwood is completely made of genuine hardwood. It offers all the benefits and attractiveness of hardwood flooring, along with added durability and strength. To prevent damage to this costly investment, you must take some steps for regular care and maintenance.

Items Needed:

  • Broom
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Plastic furniture guides
  • Throw rugs

Step 1 - Clean Regularly

Use a soft broom to clean your engineered hardwood floor daily. Dust, dirt and grime can rub on the surface of the veneer and cause scratches and dents. This will also reduce the luster of the veneer. After cleaning with a broom, it is preferable to follow up with a vacuum cleaner, to get rid of all the minuscule particles. Clean all the corners and under furniture thoroughly.

 

Step 2 - Keep Floors Dry

Never let water accumulate on engineered hardwood floors. Protect the floor as required, especially if you have a water filter or indoor plants. Never mop wood floors with a wet mop. If it takes time to dry, the floor will absorb the moisture, and swell over time. Before mopping, squeeze out maximum moisture from the mop and then clean the floor. Take care of food spills and drops right away.

Step 3 - Use Recommended Cleaners

Never use general floor cleaners on engineered hardwood flooring. This can cause serious, permanent damage and spoil the look of the veneer finish. Because the veneer cover is so thin, it must be treated with utmost care to avoid wear and tear.

Step 4 - Place Throw Rugs or Mats near Entry Points

To avoid tracking in dirt and grime from outside, place throws or doormats near all doors. It is also vital to vacuum the throws on a daily basis to avoid transferring grime from these items onto the floor.

Step 5 - Never Walk around with Outdoor Footwear On

Always leave outdoor footwear near the door as soon as you walk in. Never wear sharp heels on engineered hardwood, as they can chip or scratch the surface badly. Only use indoor footwear with soft soles, and clean them regularly.

Step 6 - Protect Floor from Furniture

Use protective items such as plastic glides on the legs of furniture to protect the floor from accidental damage. It is always possible that the furniture may be moved around accidentally, scratching the floor in the process.

Step 7 - Use Rugs near Sinks

It is not a good idea to use wood floors in the kitchen. However, if you do have engineered hardwood in the kitchen, you can preserve its longevity by protecting it appropriately. Use a rug or throw in front of the kitchen sink to protect the floor from water splashes.

Step 8 - Use Caution when Moving Heavy Items Around

You must be very careful when moving around heavy items such as furniture or appliances. Remember that engineered hardwood can only be sanded up to 3 times because the finishing layer is so thin. It is therefore important to avoid damage. Before moving any heavy items, place a thick cloth or a milk carton under it, so that there is no friction or direct contact with the floor.

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Laminate Flooring

 

 

 

Laminate wood flooring is very durable and made to last. Only simple maintenance is required to keep it shining for years.

Tools and Materials:

  • Mats
  • Runners
  • Protective Pads
  • Broom,Sponge and Mop
  • Vinegar

Step 1 - Prevent Scratches

Laminate wood floors are susceptible to scratching and gouging. Dust and dirt cause micro-scratches that may not be visible to the eye but eventually cause laminate to look dull. Small rocks and pebbles cause more severe scratching and gouging. Place mats at entryways to wipe feet. Place runners on high traffic areas and put protective pads under furniture feet.

Step 2 - Cleaning

Sweep laminate wood flooring on a daily basis and vacuum regularly to keep dust and dirt from accumulating. Use only a mop dampened with water for cleaning since excess water can result in warping of wood planks. Remove stuck on spills with a sponge and a solution of 2 parts vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Wipe up any water spills immediately.

Step 3 - Products to Avoid

Do not use commercial cleaning products, ammonia, bleach, detergent or abrasives on laminate. They aren't needed and will damage the floor. Do not use wax or polish on laminate. It has a natural shine that could be damaged.

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Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors

 

 

 

Porcelain tile floors are relatively easy to keep clean if you have a regular cleaning routine that will keep dirt from grinding into the tile. Follow the simple steps below to keep your porcelain tile flooring looking like new.

Tools and Materials

  • Vacuum cleaner (with brush attachment)
  • Mop
  • Scrub brush
  • Bucket
  • White vinegar

Step 1 - Vacuum Up Dirt

Prior to mopping, you will want to vacuum up all of the dirt from your floors. Move furniture out of the way so you get all of the area clean. Use your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment to get in the crevices and corners. After vacuuming the entire surface well, you can mop your floor.

Step 2 - Mop the Tile

Mix 1 cup of white vinegar into a bucket of warm water. Be sure to only use distilled white vinegar. Anything you use to clean porcelain tile may stain it if it has color. Mop your tiles, using plenty of the solution. When the floor is saturated, allow the solution to sit for 3 to 5 minutes, but not until it is dry. If you have an area that has been stained, use the vinegar solution and a scrub brush to scrub the stains away. Mop the floor again with the solution, and allow to completely dry before walking on the surface.

 

 

All maintainance tips credit to doityourself.com