With beautiful floors comes great responsibility. When choosing flooring for your home, it’s important to consider the wear and tear of each material and the required care methods. While natural timber has a gorgeous finish, its vulnerability to damage could make maintaining that finish a challenge, which is why flooring experts, like Parks Flooring, are just as passionate about care routines as they are about flooring styles.
To help you keep a stunning home, ArchiPro caught up with David Hong of Parks Flooring to learn more about getting the best out of your floors.
“Proper care helps maintain the integrity of the flooring material, preventing premature wear and tear,” David says. “By following the manufacturer's instructions, you can extend the lifespan of your floors.” Image: KronoSwiss Laminate in Zermatt Oak.
Why is it important to follow the care instructions for your floor?
While wear and tear is inevitable, it is possible to keep your floors looking beautiful and functioning well for years after installation if you care for them correctly.
“Proper care helps maintain the integrity of the flooring material, preventing premature wear and tear,” David says. “By following the manufacturer's instructions, you can extend the lifespan of your floors.”
On the surface, maintenance is important to protect the aesthetics of your flooring material.
“Flooring can lose its shine or develop stains and scratches if not cared for correctly. Following care instructions ensures the floor will continue to look its best,” David says.
However, it’s also important to note that many warranties are contingent upon following the proper maintenance guidelines, and failure to do so could void the warranty. Plus, if your flooring material has an added safety layer to prevent slips, the care instructions will be designed to address potential hazards like moisture buildup.
“Different flooring types (hardwood, tile, laminate, carpet, etc.) may require specific cleaning products or techniques. Using the wrong product or method can damage the floor’s functionality, causing issues like warping, fading, or cracking,” David explains. “Preventative care helps you avoid costly repairs or replacements by keeping the flooring in good condition.”
“Different flooring types (hardwood, tile, laminate, carpet, etc.) may require specific cleaning products or techniques. Using the wrong product or method can damage the floor’s functionality, causing issues like warping, fading, or cracking.” Image: KronoSwiss Laminate in Sunset.
“Flooring can lose its shine or develop stains and scratches if not cared for correctly. Following care instructions ensures the floor will continue to look its best,” David says. Image: Engineered Hardwood in European Oak.
“I’d also recommend embracing a shoes-off policy for your home, as high heels or sharp objects inadvertently carried in on footwear can create indentations and scratches. Similarly, harsh chemicals found in some household cleaning products can cause streaking, discolouration, or material breakdown, so make sure you’re using products specifically designed for your floor type.” Image: Engineered Hardwood in European Oak.
Support your care routine with these handy tips
Outside of your cleaning routine, there are also several practical ways to protect your floors from damage.
“Mats and rugs are a great way to reduce damage from dirt. Place doormats at entrances to trap dirt, moisture, and grit before they can damage the floor. In high-traffic areas, use area rugs to protect the surface from wear and tear.”
Furniture, especially those mid-century pieces with elegantly pointed legs, can leave nicks or dents over time.
“Attaching felt or rubber pads to the feet on your furniture, or using protective gliders or pads under chairs, will prevent scratches and dents from heavy furniture being moved or dragged across the floor. This is particularly helpful in spaces where chairs are moved frequently, like dining rooms and offices.”
Moisture can cause significant damage to hardwood and laminate flooring. Too much moisture can cause your flooring to warp, while excessive dryness can cause cracking or shrinking. Maintaining humidity levels with a dehumidifier or humidifier, cleaning spills immediately, and avoiding steam cleaners are all great ways to protect these flooring styles.
“I’d also recommend embracing a shoes-off policy for your home, as high heels or sharp objects inadvertently carried in on footwear can create indentations and scratches. Similarly, harsh chemicals found in some household cleaning products can cause streaking, discolouration, or material breakdown, so make sure you’re using products specifically designed for your floor type,” David explains.
For additional care, you may want to polish or refinish your floors periodically. This will help to restore shine and protect the surface from scratches and stains. As always, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
