Do you know the best maintenance practice for floors? If not, you could be unknowingly ruining your floors with bad floor care habits. Flooring can be expensive to replace, so it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing to maintain it.
Not Sweeping or Dusting Regularly
Most floors have a protective surface or coating. Neglecting to sweep and dust regularly can lead to scratches and other surface damage. Dust particles are made up of tiny pieces of grit and debris, which can act like sandpaper and scratch through the surface to start wearing your main flooring. At least once a week, use a soft bristled or cleaning cloth broom to effectively remove dust and dirt. It’s also a good idea to keep rugs and mats near doorways to help trap dirt before it gets tracked inside.
Not Vacuuming Enough
Vacuuming on a regular basis helps remove dirt, dust and even mites that can accumulate on your floors. Failing to do this regularly can result in a buildup that can be hard to get rid of and will lead to long-term damage. Vacuuming cleans deeper and clears out grooves and seams that sweeping cannot touch. Vacuum at least once a week and more frequently in high traffic areas.
Not Cleaning Spills Immediately
Spills and stains on your floor can be extremely difficult to remove if they are not cleaned up immediately. Food and drink, even just water, cannot be left sitting on your floor or carpet. Often a bit of soda water and a drying towel can work but be careful of cleaning agents that may leave their own damaging mark or discoloration.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Many people assume that any cleaning product will do, but it’s important to know the types of flooring you have and choose the best product for that specific surface. Using an abrasive or overly harsh cleaner can damage the sealant, reduce the life span of the floor, and increase the need for costly repairs.
Using a mop and bucket is also often a poor choice for floor protection. This method can cause water damage, warping, discoloration, and staining. Instead, invest in a good quality microfiber mop and a cleaner made specifically for your floor type.
Not Protecting Your Floors from Furniture
One of the worst mistakes you can make when it comes to floor care is not protecting your floors from furniture especially chairs. Furniture can easily cause dents, scratches and other damage to your flooring over time. Invest in some furniture sliders or felt pads for your furniture feet. Additionally, try to avoid dragging furniture across your floors to avoid scuff marks that can damage the finish and even the flooring underneath.
Floors are made to be durable and resistant to wear. So floor care is often neglected until it is too late. Repairs are often expensive. Unlike a wall that can be patched and painted, floors damage often requires that the entire surface be refinished. In a commercial setting, your LACOSTA team is trained to maximize the longevity of all of your flooring surfaces – cleaning in a manner that maintains their professional appearance and durability.