Whether you’re installing new floors in your home, or just want to take great care of the ones already in place, we understand the importance of protecting your flooring investment. Our goal is to help our customers find a floor that they will enjoy for years, so we’ve put together a few tips for keeping your floors looking like new!
1. Use floor mats
This may seem like a no-brainer, but we can’t emphasize enough the importance of floor mats and rugs for protecting your floors. This is especially true if you have hardwoods in your home. Rugs and mats provide an extra layer of protection between shoes and your beloved floors, and can drastically cut down on the wear and tear your floors see. Place doormats on each side of every entrance into your home – this will help trap any mud, water and dirt that may get tracked in on the bottom of shoes. We also recommend placing rugs in hallways and entryways, as well as in the kitchen.
2. Remove shoes
Another simple thing you can do to prolong the life of your floors is to make your home a “shoe free” home. Place a shoe rack and boot tray by your front door and ask family, friends and visitors to remove their shoes when they enter your home. This will protect your floors by reducing the amount of dirt and grit that gets tracked in, which can cause staining and damage over time.
3. Keep pet’s nails trimmed
This tip is key if you have hardwood floors! Too-long nails can scratch the finish of your hardwoods and cause lasting damage. Protect your floors by keeping your pet’s nails trimmed to an appropriate length.
4. Keep up with maintenance
Sticking to a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule is important to keep your floors looking great. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Carpet: Requires regular vacuuming and professional cleaning on a yearly basis. Spot clean any spills or messes that occur in between shampoos.
Hardwood: Sweep and dust-mop regularly; damp mop when needed. Hardwoods require refinishing or resealing every 10-15 years.
Tile and other hard-surface floors: Sweep and damp-mop as needed.
5. Pick a floor that fits with your lifestyle
This point is something to think about before you decide to invest in a certain flooring type. If you have a family with children and pets, that white plush carpet isn’t going to last long, even if you are diligent about cleaning. Conversely, if you know you don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for your floors, you should pick something that is low-maintenance and durable. If you’re unsure which flooring type will work best in your home, let us help! Our team here at Floor Coverings International and Poulin Design Center can work with you to find the best option for your home and lifestyle.
