“Use good quality
entrance mats to capture dirt or grit which could scratch and contaminate
specialist LVT repair kits, or failing that an individual tile can be easily replaced.
LVT flooring will benefit from an occasional deep clean or polish, every six months or so: use a PU cleaner with a damp mop and a neutral detergent before rinsing with clean water. For high-traffic commercial settings, you might want to use two light coats of high-quality commercial floor finish every six months or so.
Hardwood
To keep hardwood in tip-top condition, make sure to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly – roughly once a week – to prevent dirt build-up and scratching. In particular, make sure to use chair and table protectors and avoid dragging furniture. Don’t clean or mop with water or steam, as this can lead to the boards warping, and avoid oil-based, wax, polish or strong ammoniated products as they can dull your floor’s finish. Also, avoid excessive sunlight, as this can cause fading.
If you need to remove sticky substances – such as chewing gum or candle wax – apply ice to harden the substance and then scrape it away gently with a plastic scraper (or failing that, a credit card), before wiping clean.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is similar to LVT in that it imitates the appearance of stone and wood at a fraction of the cost, however it is less water-resistant than LVT.
With laminate, the best way to maintain its shine is by cleaning it regularly, such as with a soft broom or vacuum to remove all debris – although if you do use a vacuum, do not use the beater bar. You can dust or wipe the surface
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
the floor, and mop up any spills as soon as possible to avoid staining.”
with a damp cotton cloth mop, but make sure to squeeze out as
much water as possible when mopping, so the floor can dry
quicker. Try not to flood the floor with water or clean with a steam cleaner, as this can cause it to warp and lose its shape.
You can also use some vinegar in a small amount of water to prevent water spots from forming – this also works if the floor becomes dull due to residue coating it. If this doesn’t work, try a light coat or two of floor polish.
Carpet
One of the most important tips to ensure good carpet maintenance is regular vacuuming. Vacuum heavily trafficked areas twice a week – make sure that you check that your vacuum is suitable for use on your specific carpet first, however.
Remember to rotate your furniture to prevent excessive indentation, and protect your carpet from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For any spills on wool carpet, blot it with a white, absorbent cloth. It’s advisable to have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months to keep it in its best condition.
If you can preserve the life of your flooring through careful and regular maintenance, not only will it save you time and money in the future, it’s also helping to cut down on unnecessary new purchases and reduce the consumption of virgin resources, so it’s more than worthwhile.
www.envirobuild.com FLOORCARE AND MAINTENANCE | 55
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