What is the secret to long-lasting floors? The answer is simple: proper care and maintenance.
Cleaning them should be part of your household ritual, but the real question is: are you doing it right?
Here is where we can help. The Reno Superstore’s management has been in the renovation industry for over 20 years. Needless to say, we have learned a thing or two about keeping your floors looking good. Now we are going to share it with you.
Whether you have solid hardwood, engineered, vinyl, or laminate floors, there is a specific way to care for and maintain them. Take a look at our floor care guide and how you can protect your investment.
Floor Care Guide for All Types of Flooring
Protect your investment and care for your floors the right way. This is the ultimate guide to floor care for every kind of flooring.
1. Solid Hardwood Floors
This is a traditional choice of flooring and an all-time favourite. In fact, hardwood is considered one of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring because it increases your home’s resale value. Even though your hardwood floors are pretty durable, they are sensitive to water exposure.
Here’s what you need to get them looking good.
- Things To Avoid
Hardwood is a natural flooring material, and certain products can strip it of its natural beauty.
Water (or any kind of moisture) is hardwood flooring’s arch-nemesis. It will cause it to warp, expand, and cup, so a wet mop is a no-no. Always clean up water spills or your pet’s accidents immediately.
Refrain from using products that contain ammonia, wax, solvents, bleach, detergents, or vinegar. Avoid products with rough surfaces, like steel wool, and steam cleaners.
- Best Way to Clean
Use a gentle hardwood cleaner approved by your manufacturer along with a microfiber cloth. Vacuum cleaners are a great way to get rid of dust. For best results, sweep and clean using a soft hardwood brush two or three times a week and use a cleaner once a week.
- Repair and Maintenance
Gradual wear and tear is normal for all floor types. The best thing about hardwood flooring is that it can be repaired several times with a bit of refinishing and retouching.
Are your floors looking dull? Use a refresher or revitalizing product recommended by your manufacturer to revive your hardwood. Speak to a Reno Superstore professional to assist you in this process.
Need information about hardwood floors? Take a look at our collection here.
Please note: These instructions do not apply to waxed, oiled, or unfinished hardwood floors. Special hardwood floors require specific considerations and instruction from the manufacturers; otherwise, it may affect the warranty.
2. Engineered Hardwood Floors
Looking for floors that have the natural look of solid wood but offer better resistance against moisture? If so, then don’t hesitate to embrace engineered wood. These structurally stable floors look and feel the same as hardwood but differ in many ways. We have compared them right here.
Here’s what you need to know about maintaining them.
- Things To Avoid
Do not allow water or moisture to sit on these surfaces for long periods. They may be more resistant to water but are not waterproof. Since the top veneer is made of real hardwood, they tend to react in a similar fashion.
Additionally, avoid the use of ammonia, acid (e.g. vinegar), bleach, wax, and harsh detergents. Also, avoid using steam cleaners, rough cleaning products (like stiff cleaning brushes), and steel wool.
- Best Way to Clean
A regular regime of sweeping and vacuuming at least twice a week is recommended. Use a soft and slightly damp microfiber cloth for mopping. Avoid using a wet mop. Get rid of pet accidents and spills immediately and allow them to dry.
Make sure to follow manufacturer cleaning instructions for the best floor care. Have questions about your floor? One of The Reno Superstore’s representatives is always available to help.
- Repair and Maintenance
Scuffs and accidents are a part of life. But, depending on the extent of the damage, your engineered flooring can be fixed. Certain wood repair products can smooth small nicks and scratches.
For more serious damage, your engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished to give you that brand-new floor look once again. Similar refreshers for solid hardwood can be used to restore the shine and beauty of your engineered floors.
Please note: Engineered floors can be refinished as long as the top layer is thick enough. With every sanding, the top wood layer reduces, after which you will need to completely replace your floor planks. Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid voiding warranty terms and conditions. Explore our engineered wood collection right here.
3. Laminate Floors
This multilayered budget flooring system debuted in the 1970s and has evolved quite a bit since then. It can mimic any flooring material and is water and fade-resistant, making these floors perfect for medium to low traffic areas.
Here is how you can get them squeaky clean.
- Things To Avoid
Remember, laminate flooring is moisture resistant and not completely protected from prolonged water abuse. So, avoid steam cleaners and wet mops. Also, do not use rough cleaning materials such as stiff brushes and steel wool which may cause unnecessary scratches.
Don’t allow water to pool and settle either. Accidental spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid stains.
- Best Ways to Clean
Mopping with a damp microfiber cloth and vacuuming is ideal. Gentle floor cleaning products will also preserve these floors for longer.
To protect your floors longer, use felt lining underneath your furniture to minimize chances of scratches and dents.
- Repair and Maintenance
Minor scratches and dents are manageable using a laminate repair kit. Ask the experts at The Reno Superstore to help you find suitable products. If the damage is severe, it will require complete replacement.
If you are looking for laminate floors, check out our collection here.
4. Vinyl Floors
Vinyl floors are affordable, stunning, and versatile. What’s more, they are completely waterproof. From Italian marble to textured hardwood, there’s no design that vinyl planks or tiles cannot mimic. You can also install them in the most humid areas of your home as these floors will work well anywhere.
So, how do you clean them?
- Things To Avoid
These super sturdy floors work well in moderate to high foot traffic areas. However, be careful not to drop sharp or heavy objects on these soft floors as they can get punctured or damaged. Exposure to sunlight can also fade them if they don’t have a UV-resistant coating.
Using certain chemicals like acetone or oil-based cleaners may lead to permanent damage and discoloration. This also applies to using rubber on vinyl.
Avoid rugs with rubber backing or rubber soles as they will lead to friction and discoloration. Do not clean with bleach, wax, or varnish.
- Best Way to Clean
Vacuuming and mopping twice a week is a good way to keep your floors clean. Using a wet mop is acceptable once a week or more, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Even though your vinyl is ready for whatever life throws at it, it’s best to address stains right away.
- Repair and Maintenance
Vinyl floors cannot be repaired or refinished. Once damaged, it is best to replace them based on the extent of the damage. If you are using sheet vinyl, replacing a portion of the damaged floor will not be possible; instead, it will need to be replaced completely.
There are plenty of stylish and affordable vinyl options available at The Reno Superstore which you can browse here.
5. Porcelain Tile Floors
Durable and stylish porcelain tile is a popular flooring option for both residential and commercial spaces. Glazed porcelain tiles are completely impervious to water and most stains. Even though considered low maintenance, there are certain ways to keep them looking new for years to come.
- Things To Avoid
Smooth glazed tiles are the easiest to clean and maintain. But avoid products that contain ammonia, bleach, or harsh acids as these may erode the smooth surface.
Avoid using rough steel wool or hard bristle brushes to clean your tiles. Corrosive chemicals will also damage the grout lining between tiles.
- Best Way to Clean
A good quality floor cleaner or detergent is enough to keep your tiles sparkling clean, but there are stain removal solutions specifically suited to porcelain tiles.
Regular sweeping or vacuuming is good for getting rid of dust particles. Steam cleaners may also be used to deep clean your tiles occasionally. To that end, a damp mop also works well.
Grout lines are prone to staining. Apply a mixture of equal parts water and baking soda between them with a small brush and leave on for some time. Wipe it away with a damp cloth to ensure proper cleaning.
Make sure to ventilate the space properly to avoid inhaling chemical cleaning products.
- Repair and Maintenance
Tiles are quite resilient and best suited to moderate to high traffic areas. They can be installed indoors and outdoors without any hassle but need periodic maintenance.
Grout lines in particular are vulnerable to damage while protecting your subfloor and tiles from water damage. So, replace your grout lines completely to ensure your porcelain tile’s maintenance. Tiles installed in bathrooms and spas need to be properly monitored, and mould occurring on the grout should be addressed.
Depending on the extent of damage, it is best to completely replace any cracked tile. We suggest getting a few extra tiles when installing your floors; that way you will always have the exact spare tile on hand.
Explore a wide range of stunning, high-quality porcelain tiles right here.
Please note: This cleaning method is applicable to glazed porcelain tiles only. Subsequently, this method of cleaning can be applied to polished natural stones and mosaic tiles as well. Consult our flooring experts to understand how best to protect your floors, in case of any doubt.
Installing good floors is not the end of your responsibility to them. Proper cleaning and maintenance are also imperative. Not only does it help you create a hygienic atmosphere, but it helps to considerably prolong their life as well. Each type of flooring undergoes wear and tear, but cleaning and maintaining them protects your investment. It is recommended that you develop a regular cleaning routine to ensure your floors get the care they deserve. For floor installation and maintenance questions, get in touch with The Reno Superstore today.