Caring for Your Floor
Expert advice about cleaning and maintaining your carpets and flooring to help keep them looking good.
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Caring for your floor is an integral part of maintaining your home, but the specific methods you use for cleaning and upkeep will depend on your flooring type. The benefits of caring for your flooring are undeniable, and cleaning your home’s flooring is crucial for its longevity and appearance.
With the right floor cleaning procedure, you can help preserve the quality of any flooring. We’ve compiled expert floor care advice to help you keep your carpets, rugs, vinyl, LVT and laminate looking good for longer.
Carpet & Rug Care
Keep your carpets fresh and looking good
Good quality carpets usually have a long lifespan and provide years of comfortable use if they are cared for and cleaned correctly. So, here are a few pointers to help you with carpet care.
Cleaning your carpets and rugs
There are many types of floor cleaning and maintenance. For carpets,
it is essential to have a routine. A cleaning schedule makes a clean and organised house more manageable, and you should include floor care.
Cleaning a little daily is far easier than cleaning large areas simultaneously and helps prevent a buildup of dirt and grime that could damage your carpet over time.
Vacuuming your carpet
Regularly vacuuming your carpet or rug is crucial to eliminate dirt that builds up in the tufts and loops. Removing dirt helps preserve the original carpet colour and texture and ensures the carpet’s cleanliness.
It’s best to vacuum a newly fitted carpet soon after installation. The tufts may appear patchy due to compression in various directions. But to avoid damage, consult the carpet fitters to determine the appropriate waiting period before vacuuming.
Cleaning Twist Pile Carpet
Using either a cylindrical brush action or power brush attachment to vacuum twist pile carpet will help restore the tufts to an upright position and give them a uniform appearance.
Cleaning Loop Pile Carpet
Using only the suction head is best when cleaning a loop pile carpet with a vacuum. Using a brush head can cause carpets to become fuzzy and develop a “felt-like” appearance.
Cleaning Saxony Carpets
Saxony carpets are soft yet hardwearing, have a tufted construction, and are relatively easy to vacuum, with a vacuum designed specifically for plush carpets.
Cleaning Rugs
Knowing the material of your rug is crucial for proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure longevity. Different materials require specific cleaning methods and vacuum styles. Understanding these differences can keep your rugs in excellent condition for years.
While rugs made from different materials have specific cleaning requirements, a few vacuuming best practices apply to all rugs in your home.
Follow the rug manufacturer’s guidelines regarding rug care. They may recommend a particular type of vacuum. Use your vacuum with a rug setting if available; if there are any suitable vacuum attachments, use them, too.
Start by shaking the rug outside to remove any loose dust or dirt. Once you have done this, vacuum the underside first, as this will help to loosen the dirt buried deeply in the rug.
Next, vacuum the other side, moving the vacuum slowly in multiple directions. Doing this will ensure you extract dirt from all sides of each fibre.
Remember that you should clean different rugs at different intervals. Again, refer to the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Deep cleaning your carpet
It is a good idea to occasionally deep clean carpets with steam. Hiring a skilled carpet cleaner can effectively remove much of the hair, dirt, and dust that may have accumulated in your carpet’s fibres.
A professional carpet cleaner is more effective than regular vacuums as it can penetrate deep into the fibres to eliminate all dirt and grime. An alternative option would be to hire a professional cleaning machine to clean your carpet.
Maintaining your carpets
Many people overlook the cleanliness of their floors and skip the tiring chore of cleaning them. Like anything else in your house, floors need maintenance and care.
Whether we have carpet, vinyl or laminate flooring, thorough floor care requires more than occasional vacuuming or mopping.
Besides regularly cleaning carpets and rugs, there are other things you can do to keep them looking their best and lasting longer.
Beware of sunlight
Certain parts of your carpet may get more sun exposure than others. This prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to the carpet’s original colour fading. There are several things you can do to prevent this.
Installing blinds can help because you can position them in a way that allows light into a room while limiting the amount of sunlight hitting the carpet. Closing blinds (or curtains) when a room isn’t in use can also reduce the carpet fading caused by sunlight.
Protecting your carpet from sun damage can also be achieved through the use of ultraviolet window treatments. UV window treatments are coatings that can be applied to your windows. They help block harmful UV rays while allowing natural sunlight to enter your home.
Spills & Stains
Unfortunately, carpets are susceptible to occasional spills and stains. However, the damage can usually be avoided or reduced with quick and remedial action. Act promptly and use an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll to blot – not rub – a liquid spill such as red wine.
If you have hard or stubborn stains, it is best to loosen them before trying to remove them. You can then scoop soft substances up with the edge of a spoon and vacuum any remaining loose particles up.
The next step is to use warm water on the spill/stain and blot firmly using a cloth or sponge. Repeat this several times, ensuring you rinse the cloth or sponge between each. Always test a small hidden area of the carpet first and take care not to overwet the carpet.
To dry out the carpet, put several layers of kitchen roll on the wet area, place something heavy on top of it, and then leave it to dry for two to four hours.
These things are easy to implement and form the basis of caring for your floor. In this instance, carpets and rugs.
Carpet care dos and don'ts
Tips to help keep your carpet looking good and lasting longer.
Dos
- Do follow the carpet manufacturer's advice
- Do treat stains immediately
- Do vacuum your carpet regularly
- Do use protective cups on your furniture
- Do keep the use of water to a minimum
- Do move your furniture around regularly
- Do keep your pets' nails trimmed
- Do put doormats by doors
Don'ts
- Don't ignore stains or spots
- Don't rub carpet stains
- Don't pull at loose tufts of carpet
- Don't over-expose your carpet to direct sunlight
- Don't over-wet the carpet when removing stains
- Don't use harsh cleaning chemicals
- Don't drag furniture across your carpet
Time for an upgrade?
If you are considering a change, why not browse our extensive range of carpets?
LVT and Vinyl Care
Caring for LVT and Vinyl floors
Luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl are available in many designs. It’s worth noting that there are also varying levels of quality available. However, caring for your flooring, if it is vinyl, isn’t complicated.
In general, luxury vinyl tile and vinyl flooring have gained immense popularity as flooring options due to their durability and versatility. Manufacturers employ the newest technology to create stunning designs, making it a highly sought-after choice.
Even under a home’s highest traffic conditions, vinyl and LVT flooring are long-lasting and durable. But they are not indestructible. Luckily, cleaning vinyl and LVT flooring is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive procedure. And if you are caring for your floor correctly, it is easy to maintain your flooring’s attractiveness.
Tips on caring for your floor
Caring for your flooring requires different methods depending on the type, quality, and current state. Consider the following general tips to keep your vinyl and LVT flooring clean and in excellent condition.
Minimising dirt and damage
Always take steps to minimise dirt, abrasions and stains before they occur. Dust and dirt can wear down and degrade the finish on any flooring over time. A good idea to help prevent this is to have a quality doormat or rug in front of doorways to help stop as much grit and grime from coming into the house. Of course, it is best to clean the doormats regularly, too.
Moving furniture
Occasionally, we may need or want to move furniture around our homes, but doing so can cause scratches on hard floors.
When moving furniture across the floor, use a sheet of plywood or panelling to help prevent tears or scuff marks in your vinyl or LVT. Using coasters under the feet and legs of furniture can help safeguard against causing permanent indentations.
Dealing with spills
To ensure your flooring remains tip-top, we recommend promptly wiping away any liquid spills and doing routine mopping with clean water. By doing so, you will not only maintain the aesthetic appeal of your floor but also prolong its lifespan.
Removing light scuffs and scratches
You should be able to remove light scuff and abrasion marks by applying a mild spillage remover and gently rubbing with a cleaning pad or any non-abrasive pads.
Manufacturers guidelines
Most manufacturers recommend you clean vinyl and LVT flooring with plain water and a damp sponge mop. Some companies whose flooring we stock, like Amtico, offer special cleaning products.
Amtico also provides a Floorcare Starter Kit, a comprehensive guide to caring for your LVT flooring. Their starter kit includes these valuable tips.
We recommend you ask for the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines when buying vinyl flooring. Alternatively, you can search for advice on the manufacturer’s website.
A word of caution
It’s essential to exercise caution when utilising things like furniture polish because an excess spray of silicone can result in a slippery surface.
Laminate Flooring Care
How to care for laminate flooring
Laminate floors are popular due to their durability and resistance to wear and tear, but it is vital to take care of them to ensure they last as long as possible. You can do a few things to ensure your laminate flooring lasts longer and remains at its best.
How to keep laminate floors looking shiny and new
As discussed in our Laminate Flooring Buying Guide, preventing damage is a crucial part of caring for your laminate floor. These three methods can help:
1. Limit the buildup of dirt and grime
Dirt can build up on the surface of your floor, especially around entrances and internal doors. Placing mats near these doors will help catch dirt and help you avoid any build-up that leads to long-term damage to your laminate flooring.
2. Protect your laminate floor from scratches
Scuffs and scratches are relatively common. Hard shoes can cause scuff marks, so removing shoes before entering a room with laminate flooring makes sense. Pets with sharp claws can cause scratches, so if you have a pet, you may want to limit their access.
One of the most effective ways to safeguard your floor against unsightly scratches and gouges is by placing protective pads under the feet and legs of your furniture. Doing so lets you enjoy your furniture without worrying about the damage it may cause and keep your floors looking their best for longer.
3. Avoid getting your laminate flooring wet
Do all you can to avoid exposing your flooring to moisture. Maintaining low humidity levels in your home is essential to help increase the durability and longevity of your floors. Consider using a dehumidifier, especially during the summer months.
Do all you can to avoid exposing your flooring to moisture. Maintaining low humidity levels in your home is essential to help increase the durability and longevity of your floors. Consider using a dehumidifier, especially during the summer months.
The quality of some laminate floors makes things easier regarding floor care – for example, Karndean laminate flooring has an enhanced surface treatment, which makes it easier to clean.
Balterio Laminate Flooring
Cleaning laminate flooring
Cleaning laminate flooring is relatively easy. Firstly, to remove dirt and dust, use a vacuum suitable for hard surface floors or sweep as you would typically do using a dry dust mop. Better choices exist than a broom because it can leave dirt in the grooves of your flooring.
You can then clean the floor with a damp (not wet) mop or cloth. The best types of mops for laminate flooring are microfibre mops. Do not use abrasive chemicals when cleaning laminate flooring. If you want to use anything (other than a damp cloth), you can buy products specifically formulated for laminate flooring.
Your flooring manufacturer can always recommend the best floor cleaning product, too.
Finally, you can finish off by drying the surface of your laminate flooring with a pad or a dry mop. If you choose, you can also create a shine by buffing it with a microfiber cloth.
Act quickly after any spillages
Accidents will always happen, but quick action will help to minimise their impact on your laminate flooring. Ensure that any liquids spilt onto your floor are not allowed to settle or soak through the floor by cleaning them up immediately.
Use a dry cloth to soak up and wipe the spill gently. Avoid using a wet mop or cloth, as the moisture could cause your laminate flooring to warp or expand.
How often should you clean laminate floors?
The frequency of cleaning your floors depends on the kind of lifestyle you lead. If you have a busy household with pets and kids, you should clean them more often than someone who lives alone. Similarly, if you live in an area with high humidity or dust, you might need to clean your floors more frequently to keep them looking clean and hygienic.
Carpet and Flooring Guides
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