Cleaning and Maintenance for Different Types of Flooring Materials
When you’re deciding on what type of flooring to install in your home or business, it’s important to know how much time and energy you want to spend on cleaning and maintenance. As discussed how the right floor can increase your home value, regular cleaning is an important aspect of home ownership. Especially if you are planning to rent or sell your apartment in the near future, it’s essential to keep your flooring material looking at its best after installation. Yet, with the hectic lifestyle in Singapore, cleaning and maintaining your flooring may seem like a time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be!
With this blog post, we hope to provide you the information that you need about sprucing up the look of the new flooring in your home. Whether it’s laminate or vinyl flooring, there’s a proper way to go about cleaning it.
General Cleaning Instructions
Before we dive into the details, it is essential to take note of any specific cleaning instructions for your floor as a start. When purchasing your flooring, remember to check with your flooring contractor on the recommended cleaning products to use. There are many different products on the market in Singapore that can help you with the job, but which one should you use?
If you’re giving it a go yourself, you may want to test any cleaning solution out on a small hidden spot to be safe. That way, you can have peace of mind that it’s suitable for use before proceeding to clean the entire floor. With that in mind, here’s how you can clean the various types of flooring:
1. Vinyl flooring
Believe it or not, vinyl flooring is actually very easy to clean but it does require some attention. Whether your vinyl flooring is installed in tiles, sheets or clickable planks, this type of floor is relatively easy to care for. With that being said, the amount of time it takes to clean your vinyl flooring varies depending on the type of dust and dirt that is on the floor. This is why sweeping and vacuuming comes as a useful way to keep dust to the minimum. So, when it comes to mopping your floor, it’ll be much easier to clean your floor more effectively.
On top of that, vinyl flooring such as our Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF) is highly moisture-resistant and termite-proof. This means that you can tend to any spills and splashes without having to worry about the risk of damage. A well-maintained vinyl floor will surely be worth the investment for your home.
However, take note to avoid using detergent and other harsh cleaning products that may leave lasting damage on your vinyl flooring.
2. Solid wood flooring
Many homeowners in Singapore are often confused about how to clean their wood flooring. Solid wood flooring is a durable surface that can withstand many years of wear and tear. These planks of wood also acquire with age, adding character and dimension to your interior space with each passing year.
As a start, when using a vacuum cleaner, make it a point to move along the grain to remove any dirt. In the event you neglect your floor for too long, your solid wood flooring will eventually get dirty. If this happens to your wood flooring, the best way to remove dirt and grime from them is by using a damp mop or cloth with mild soap followed by a dry one.
As excess moisture may damage the wood, ensure your mop is not soaking wet while you’re at it. On top of the consistent upkeep, you can also consider getting your floors inspected by a professional on a yearly basis to guarantee the overall condition of your wood flooring.
On a side note, if you’ve installed engineered flooring like Savannah Engineered Wood Flooring, you can also opt for refinishing to breathe new life into your flooring. This means sanding, staining and coating your engineered flooring to keep it in tip-top condition. Again, this is something worth clarifying with your flooring contractor in the early stages of your decision-making process.
3. Laminate flooring
Cleaning laminate flooring can seem like a chore at first glance. As they are porous, it may not be a good idea to wash and scrub them like other types of flooring. There are some simple steps you should take to clean your laminate flooring so it looks great at the end of the day.
For starters, always use a soft micro-fibre broom or duster when sweeping to avoid scratching the laminate floor. If you’re using a damp cloth or mop, make sure to wring it out and dry over the floor immediately to prevent the water from seeping into the surface.
The same goes for accidental spills. As soon as it happens, it’s first and foremost important to soak up the spill to prevent staining your laminate material. Keep a lookout for cleaning products made specifically for laminate flooring and like vinyl flooring, avoid using harsh chemicals. Rely on a damp cloth to remove any residue before wiping over once more with a dry cloth. It’ll be harder to tackle tough stains when it’s left unattended.
The good thing is, in the event a stain seems permanent, our laminate plank flooring here at The Floor Gallery can be replaced individually when they are not attached to your subfloor. It’s possible to maintain the luxurious appearance of your laminate flooring with a reliable supplier in Singapore.
Choose High-Quality Flooring
And there you have it – the key tips to clean your home flooring! For more serious cleaning jobs, there are always professional cleaning services available that offer deep cleaning options for all types of floor surfaces. You’re on the right track by first investing in high-quality flooring materials that will last you for years. Take your time to browse through your options and make a more informed choice for your home. For more information on our wide range of products here at The Floor Gallery, feel free to get in touch with our flooring experts today.
