BY GUS SKYY CO
Your home’s floors are more than just a surface to walk on; they are a foundational design element and a significant investment in your property’s value and comfort. Here in New Jersey, with our distinct seasons of humid summers and cold, dry winters, your floors endure constant stress.
Proactive care is the secret to preserving their beauty and preventing costly repairs down the road. This simple maintenance checklist will help you protect your hardwood, laminate, and tile floors, ensuring they look stunning for years to come.
1. The essentials of hardwood floor care
Hardwood floors offer timeless beauty, but they require specific attention to stay pristine. The key is to protect them from their two biggest enemies: scratches and moisture.
- Prevent scratches: Place felt pads under all furniture legs and use area rugs in high-traffic zones like entryways and hallways. Make it a habit to remove shoes at the door, as small pebbles and debris stuck in shoe treads are a primary cause of scratches and finish damage.
- Clean wisely: Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment regularly to remove abrasive grit. When mopping, use a microfiber mop that is only slightly damp with a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for hardwood. Never use a soaking wet mop, steam cleaner, or harsh solutions like vinegar, as excess moisture can cause the wood to warp and swell over time.
2. Maintaining laminate and vinyl plank
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are known for their impressive durability, making them a fantastic choice for busy households. While tough, they still benefit from proper care to maintain their protective finish.
- Gentle cleaning is key: Just like hardwood, regular sweeping is your best first step. For deeper cleans, a damp mop with a manufacturer-approved laminate or vinyl cleaner is all you need. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemical cleaners, which can dull or permanently damage the protective top layer.
- Tackle spills immediately: while highly water-resistant, these floors are not completely waterproof. Spills left to sit can eventually find their way into the seams and compromise the core of the planks. Simply wipe them up promptly with a dry cloth to keep your floors in perfect condition.
3. Preserving your tile and grout
Tile is incredibly resilient, but the grout lines are porous and can easily become stained, moldy, or cracked without proper attention. Healthy grout is the key to a long-lasting tile floor.
- Routine cleaning: Sweeping and mopping with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner will handle most daily grime. This simple step prevents dirt from building up and discoloring the grout over time.
- Protect your grout: Grout is a magnet for dirt and moisture. We recommend having your grout professionally sealed every year or two, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms. This creates a protective barrier that repels stains and prevents mildew growth.
- Inspect regularly: Periodically check for any cracks in the grout or loose, hollow-sounding tiles. A small crack can allow water to seep underneath, leading to much bigger problems with the subfloor. Catching these issues early is crucial.
Your partner in home care
A little proactive maintenance goes a long way in preserving the life and luster of your floors. By incorporating these simple habits, you protect your investment and keep your home looking its absolute best.
When maintenance isn’t enough to fix issues like warped planks or cracked tiles, our professional team can help. As proud members of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Gus Skyy Co. expertly handles both flooring repairs and full replacements. For a clean, reliable solution, request your free quote today.