Happy spring cleaning! Spring is the perfect time to take proper care of your floors. Whether you’re dealing with carpets, hardwoods, LVP, laminates, or tile, ensuring regular maintenance is key to preserving their beauty. So, grab your cleaning supplies today, and give your floors the appropriate care they deserve, so you can enjoy a fresh and rejuvenated home for months.
Carpet:
Carpet adds style and flair to any home, elevating its aesthetic appeal. However, without diligent maintenance, it can quickly accumulate stains, diminishing its allure over time. It is important to take proper care of your carpet to keep it looking fresh. We advise vacuuming your carpet thoroughly, both horizontally and vertically, at least twice a week. This effectively eliminates dirt, dust, and debris, maintaining its cleanliness. Additionally, clean stains as soon as they happen; do not wait. Immediately spot clean with a damp towel and the appropriate stain removal agents to prevent stains from setting and becoming more challenging to remove later. To enhance your carpet’s freshness, a periodic deep cleansing by a professional is essential, and we recommend this be done every 12-18 months. Steaming or shampooing carpets effectively removes embedded grime, revitalizing the carpet’s appearance. We encourage hiring a professional team to deep cleanse your carpets, such as Certified Clean Care, a local Athens business.
Hardwoods:
Hardwood is an excellent flooring option because it’s known for exceptional durability when maintained effectively. To keep your hardwood floors looking vibrant, let’s go over some tips and techniques! Begin by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the entire surface to eliminate accumulated dirt and debris. Refer to your flooring manufacturer’s suggested cleaning solution and adhere to their instructions for dilution. Prepare your solution accordingly and mop along the wood grain, using a dry microfiber mop to prevent water damage to the hardwood. Effectively dry your floors using a microfiber cloth.
Luxury Vinyl Plank:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) stands out as an excellent flooring option due to its remarkable water resistance and durability. Ensuring the proper maintenance of your LVP floors is essential to uphold their radiant appearance and extend their lifespan. Start by thoroughly vacuuming or sweeping the floors weekly. When vacuuming, ensure that the beater bar is up to prevent potential scratching. Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines to identify the most suitable cleaning solution for your LVP floors. Dilute the solution as directed and mop the floors using a non-abrasive mop, preferably one made of microfiber. To eliminate scuff marks, attempt to rub them out with a damp microfiber cloth. For more stubborn scuffs, rub with a mildly abrasive cleaner like baking soda. Address stains promptly by cleaning them with soap and water. For tougher stains, resort to a commercial-grade stain remover for effective removal.
Laminates:
Laminate flooring follows similar cleaning guidelines as LVP floors. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to eliminate any accumulated dirt. Remember to deactivate the beater bar while vacuuming to prevent potential damage to your floors. Next, use a damp microfiber mop with the cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure thorough drying of the floors afterward, as excess water can lead to damage.
Tile:
In general, tiles demand a bit more upkeep than other flooring options, but their beauty makes the effort well worth it, and with proper care, you can prolong the lifespan of your tiles. We recommend sweeping or vacuuming your floors weekly to keep them clean. However, it’s important to note that there are multiple types of tiles, each requiring specific cleaning care. But don’t worry, we’ll cover the cleaning methods for each below.
Porcelain Tiles:
For proper maintenance of porcelain tiles, it’s crucial to clean them every week. For glazed porcelain tiles, mop them using a mixture of vinegar and hot water, and then rinse with warm water and dry with a towel. If you have unglazed porcelain tiles, utilize a gentler commercial-grade cleaner, rinse with warm water, and dry with a towel.
Ceramic Tiles:
To maintain ceramic tiles, you should mop them monthly using a solution of mild detergent and hot water. Use a microfiber mop for optimal cleaning results.
Natural Stone Tiles:
When cleaning natural stone tiles, use a microfiber mop with a mild detergent and hot water solution. Avoid acidic cleaners, and ensure you are thoroughly drying after mopping.
Grout:
To clean grout, you will want to use a commercial-grade grout cleaner directly on the surface of your tile with a grout brush. Avoid metal brushes, as they will scratch your tiles.
By following these guidelines tailored to each flooring type, you will ensure your floors remain beautiful and inviting! If you are considering new floors, schedule an appointment with one of our designers, who will assist you in selecting the perfect flooring to complement your home!
