The Inspiring Guide to Flooring Maintenance: Tips, Techniques, and Expert Insight

Flooring can make or break the overall aesthetic of a home, as it provides the foundation for all other interior elements. To ensure your floor stays looking and feeling as good as new, it's important to follow the correct maintenance and care techniques. 

At Ottawa Diamond Flooring, we've compiled an extensive Dos and Don'ts guide with expert tips covering various flooring types, such as Hardwood, Laminate, Carpet, Tile, and Vinyl.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are known for their luxurious appearance and natural beauty. To maintain their lustre, you must adopt the proper cleaning methods.

Do:

• Use area rugs, doormats, and runners in high-traffic areas to minimize scratches and wear.
• Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent dents and scuff marks.
• Sweep or vacuum at least once a week, using a microfiber mop or cloth to trap dust, dirt, and grime.
• Utilize a vacuum cleaner with no beater bar to avoid scratches.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they occur with a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent water damage, staining, and warping.
• Employ a humidifier during dry winter to maintain the hardwood's moisture, thus reducing the risk of gaping.

Don't:

• Steer clear of water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners, as these could dull the finish and potentially harm the wood.
• Refrain from dragging heavy furniture or appliances across hardwood floors to avoid unsightly scratches.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a great, low-maintenance alternative to hardwood that still offers the appearance of natural wood. Keep your laminate floors looking their best by adhering to these care tips:

Do:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly, taking care to remove lingering dirt and debris.
• Utilize a laminate floor cleaner or a solution of water and mild dish soap, applied with a soft cloth or mop. Gently buff to elicit the desired shine.

Don't:

• Avoid using traditional wet mops, as excess water can seep into the seams, causing the laminate to swell, warp, and lift.
• Refrain from using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder since these can scratch the laminate's surface.

Carpet Flooring

Carpets are an ever-popular choice for adding warmth, comfort, and style to your home. Preserve your carpet's quality and appearance with these maintenance recommendations:

Do:

• Vacuum at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
• Rotate your furniture occasionally to prevent indentations from forming.
• Schedule an annual deep clean using a professional-grade carpet cleaner to eradicate any built-up dirt and allergens.
• Treat stains immediately, blotting from the outer edge towards the centre to prevent spreading.

Don't:

• Avoid harsh stain removers, testing any cleaning agents on a hidden carpet patch before widespread application.
• Please resist pulling on snags; trim them using scissors instead.

Tile

Tile floors are timeless and durable, requiring only basic maintenance to retain their clean, polished appearance.

Do:

• Mop or wipe your tile floors weekly using a mild detergent with clean water.
• Target tough stains with a soft brush or cloth, never resorting to harsh chemicals.

Don't:

• Avoid using abrasive cleaning products such as bleach or ammonia, which could lead to tile discoloration or grout degradation.
• Pay attention to the grout; utilize a toothbrush and a water-baking soda blend to clean these often-overlooked areas effectively.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring boasts an attractive appearance that's versatile and easy to care for. Keep your vinyl floors looking brand new by following our expert advice:

Do:

• Regularly vacuum and gently mop using a dedicated vinyl cleaning solution.
• Clean up spills promptly to avert stains.

Don't:

• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools, which could scratch the vinyl surface.
• Refrain from using a steam mop, as excessive heat may cause the vinyl to buckle or warp.

Conclusion

Your flooring is a substantial investment that deserves proper care and attention. By following these essential Dos and Don'ts, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your floors. At Ottawa Diamond Flooring, our dedication goes beyond providing installation services and a wide range of flooring options. 

Our expert staff is here to offer tips, advice, and solutions for all your flooring needs. Visit our showroom today to discover the perfect flooring choice for your home. Contact us today to get started.