Flooring Care

Laminates

CLEANING MY LAMINATE FLOORS?

Even though they are known for being durable, laminate floors must be maintained. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is recommended to remove dirt and dust build up. A damp mop will also help to keep floors clean, though excessive water should be avoided, and floors should be wiped dry after mopping is complete. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or soap-based detergents that can dull or damage laminate. When in doubt, follow manufacturer recommendations on cleaning products and practices.

REPAIRING SCRATCHES OR STAINS?

With the ease of installation with a laminate, severely damaged planks can often be replaced with new ones, posing little inconvenience and no damage to the surrounding flooring. If you are concerned about damage to an existing laminate floor, feel free to contact Urban Flooring for a consultation.

CAN MY FLOORS BE SANDED?

Unlike real wood, laminate floors cannot be sanded and refinished. However, laminate flooring is designed to be extremely durable and is less likely to show scratches and dents than hardwood.

Carpets

CARPET CLEANING AND CARE TIPS

• Vacuuming – Frequent vacuuming removes soil particles before they get below the surface of the carpet pile. Vacuum at least once a week in light traffic areas and use attachments to clean carpet edges and corners. Vacuum twice weekly in medium traffic areas. For heavy traffic or pet areas, it is a good idea to vacuum daily.
• Spot Cleaning – Clean spots and spills quickly with products specifically formulated for your carpet type. Check your warranty for recommended carpet cleaning products.
• Deep Cleaning – Professionally deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months. The carpet cleaning equipment professionals extract dirt and grime more effectively than rental units. The professionals also know the correct cleaning agents to use for your carpet type.
• Stop Dirt at the Door – Place doormats both outside and inside entryways to trap dirt and moisture before it’s tracked into the home. Remember to clean your mats regularly, too.
• Move Heavy Furniture – Occasionally move your furniture to change foot traffic patterns and avoid excessive carpet pile crushing. Also consider using carpet protectors under the legs of tables, chairs and other furniture to help distribute the weight.

One of the best things you can do to care for your carpet is use quality underlay. The right carpet pad not only gives better comfort, it also prevents stains from soaking in and reappearing later.

Vinyl & SPC

Caring for vinyl or SPC flooring is almost effortless. For routine cleaning, remove loose debris with a soft broom, microfiber mop or vacuum with a soft brush.

For spot cleaning, use a cloth with acetone cleaner making sure to wipe off any excess acetone. For occasional deep cleaning, use a mop dampened with floor cleaner specifically formulated for wood style floors. 

Spills should always be cleaned up immediately to avoid any residue, spots or stains. 

10 TIPS FOR PROPER LUXURY VINYL TILE CARE

1. Read the warranty. No one knows how to care for a luxury vinyl floor better than the people who made it, so it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Sweep or vacuum several times a week, more if conditions warrant, since abrasive dirt and grit may dull the finish over time in high-traffic areas.
3. Use protective mats both inside and outside exterior entrances to catch dirt and debris.
4. Avoid fading by using blinds and curtains to protect the flooring from harsh UV rays. Tinting window glass with a UV film is recommended by the supplier as the best solution.
5. Use felt protectors under any furniture that is moved constantly.
6. Use non-staining nylon cups or glides under furniture legs to avoid permanent indentations.
7. A mop and warm water is usually enough for simple cleanup.
8. Do not let a spill sit. Liquids juices, red wine or pet urine can stain if left unattended.
9. Never use abrasive cleaning tools, cleaners or compounds.

Hardwood

When it comes to cleaning hardwood (real wood) floors, it is best to follow manufacturer recommendations. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will keep dirt and dust off of your floors. But, when it comes to cleaning products, it is important to be careful. You should never use products on your hardwood floor which are designed to clean vinyl, laminate or tile. It is also not a good idea to use oil soaps, ammonia-based cleaners or certain waxes. If you are unclear about cleaning guidelines, or if you are unsure of your flooring manufacturer, please contact us.

CAN I WET-MOP MY WOOD FLOORS?

You should not wet-mop hardwood floors. Too much moisture can permanently damage wood flooring and cause cracking, splitting and discolouration. If you spill water on your floor, you should wipe it up IMMEDIATELY with a clean cloth. The best rule is to follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning. While a damp, almost dry mop may be recommended for maintenance, excessive water will definitely damage your floors.

PREVENT SCRATCHES?

Place area rugs, throw rugs or mats in high traffic areas to prevent scratches on your hardwood floors. In addition, use floor protectors on the feet of your furniture and be careful when moving furniture around a room. Be conscious of footwear since high heels can scratch and dent wood surfaces. Also, keep pet nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching.

CAN SCRATCHES OR STAINS ON HARDWOOD BE REPAIRED?

In many cases scratches and stains can be repaired. Techniques for repair depend on the extent of damage and the type of flooring finish originally used. If you have concerns about your floor or questions about flooring repair, feel free to contact us. We will discuss with you our available services for hardwood cleaning, repair and restoration.