How to Care for Your Flooring: Complete Guide for Every Surface

Preventing Scratches and Damage

• Use felt pads or rubber caps under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across floors. Lift and carry items to prevent gouging surfaces.
• Place protective mats under rolling chairs, exercise equipment, or pet areas.
• Trim pet nails regularly to avoid scratches, especially on hardwood or laminate.

Cleaning Spills Immediately

Moisture, acidic liquids, and spills can damage all flooring types if left untreated. For example, wine on hardwood can stain permanently, and water on laminate can cause warping. Always wipe up spills immediately and use appropriate cleaning products for each floor type.

Using Rugs and Mats

Entryway mats trap dirt, sand, and moisture before they reach your flooring. Area rugs in high-traffic zones reduce wear and tear. Non-slip pads underneath rugs also protect both the flooring and people from accidents.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning

• Sweep or vacuum using a soft-bristle attachment to remove dust and grit that can scratch surfaces.
• Mop with a lightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid excessive water, which can cause warping.
• Use hardwood-safe cleaning solutions. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.

Protecting Against Moisture

• Immediately wipe up spills to prevent water damage and staining.
• Consider humidity control with humidifiers or dehumidifiers to prevent expansion and contraction of wood.

Refinishing and Long-Term Care

• Hardwood floors may require refinishing every 7–10 years depending on traffic and wear.
• Apply protective coatings or waxes to prolong lifespan and maintain shine.
• Rearranging furniture occasionally helps prevent uneven wear and fading.

Avoiding Water Damage

• Laminate is susceptible to swelling and buckling if exposed to water. Never use steam cleaners.
• Wipe up any liquid spills immediately.

Repairing Minor Scratches

• Laminate repair kits can fix small chips and scratches.
• Replace damaged planks for larger imperfections to maintain a uniform appearance.

Proper Cleaning Methods

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit and debris that can scratch the surface.
• Use a damp mop with laminate-safe cleaners. Avoid soaking the floor.
• Do not use abrasive scrubbers that could strip the protective finish.

Regular Cleaning Routine

• Sweep daily or vacuum to remove dirt and grit that can cause micro-scratches.
• Mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Avoid waxes or oil-based cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them.

Protecting Against Heat and Furniture Marks

• Use protective pads under furniture legs.
• Keep hot appliances or heaters away from the floor to prevent warping or discoloration.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

• Many LVT products have a wear layer that protects against scratches and fading. Refresh this layer with manufacturer-approved treatments as needed.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Care

• Sweep and mop regularly to remove dirt and prevent scratches.
• Avoid harsh abrasives or acidic cleaners that can dull the tile surface.

Grout Cleaning and Sealing

• Scrub grout with a specialized brush and cleaner to remove dirt buildup.
• Reseal grout every 1–2 years to prevent staining and water infiltration.

Suitable Cleaners for Stone

• Only use stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaners.
• Avoid acidic substances such as vinegar or lemon juice.

Sealing and Resealing Stone

• Seal stone every 1–3 years depending on type and foot traffic.
• Test with water droplets—if absorbed, reseal to protect against stains.

Protecting Against Etching and Stains

• Use coasters and rugs in high-risk areas.
• Wipe up acidic or staining substances immediately.

Vacuuming Techniques

• Vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice weekly.
• Use HEPA-filter vacuums to improve air quality and reduce allergens.

Spot Cleaning and Stain Removal

• Blot stains instead of rubbing to prevent spreading.
• Use mild, carpet-safe cleaners or DIY solutions like vinegar and water.

Deep Cleaning Recommendations

• Steam clean professionally every 12–18 months for best results.
• Increase cleaning frequency if you have pets or high foot traffic.

Humidity Control

• Use humidifiers during winter and dehumidifiers during summer to prevent warping and shrinking.
• Stable humidity helps wood and laminate maintain their integrity.

Winter Salt and Dirt Protection

• Place mats at entrances to reduce salt, grit, and moisture damage.
• Clean floors more frequently during snowy or wet months.

Natural Cleaning Products

• Use baking soda for odor control.
• White vinegar works on some surfaces but avoid on stone floors.

Reducing Chemical Use

• Microfiber mops can clean effectively with just water, reducing the need for chemicals.