Ever notice how clean a room looks after simply vacuuming the carpet or mopping the floor? A clean, well-kept floor can change the entire feel of a room for the better. The perceived value of a room is drastically increased with a beautiful floor. Forget scented candles and accent pillows – nothing makes a room more relaxing than a clean floor. With this in mind, let’s examine the best ways to extend the life of your floor.
A Clean Floor is a Lasting Floor
Different flooring materials require different cleaning methods and products. It is important to understand how each floor in your house or office needs to be cleaned. When dust and dirt accumulates on your floor, it can scratch and stain. By regularly cleaning your floor in the recommended way, you keep dust and dirt away.
Add Rugs to High Traffic Floors
High traffic requires floor replacement sooner. Using accent rugs in places where people are most likely to walk will reduce the wear and tear on the floor beneath. Accent rugs are also an excellent way to decorate.
Place Mats by Outside Doors
Make sure you include mats for wiping off dirt and leaves before entering the house. Choose a matt that has an abrasive surface that easily removes dirt from shoes.
Have a No Shoes Policy Indoors
This is not for everyone, but removing shoes when you come in to your home will dramatically reduce the dirt and residues that tracks throughout the house. Less dirt and residue means fewer stains and scratches, which will extend the life of your floor even more.
Maintain a Finished Floor
If you have laminate, linoleum, vinyl, or wood floors, it’s important strip and wax the floor every so often to keep it protected and shiny. Depending on traffic, aim to re-finish the floor every 6-12 months. Dull looking floors are a sign it’s time for a strip and wax.
Extend the Life of Your Floor with Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular cleaning, make time or hire a professional to perform a deep cleaning every so often. Just as a dentist’s visit removes build-up you can’t remove with daily brushing, a deep clean of your floor will remove dirt, mildew, and contaminants that regular cleanings don’t. Aim to deep clean carpets twice a year and steam clean bathrooms about once a quarter.