Whether you have carpet, hardwood, laminate or tile floors, taking the time to properly care for your floors can extend their life and keep them looking brand new. The type of flooring dictates how you'll need to clean it, and while nobody enjoys cleaning their floors, there are a few simple preventative actions that can be taken to limit the amount of regular floor care. If a spill occurs on a hardwood floor it is important to clean the mess right away to prevent staining, which would require deeper cleaning. Entry mats should be placed outside every entrance to cut down on the amount of dirt that's dragged in, which can scratch hardwood floors and ruin carpets quickly.
Sadly, there is not a carpet in the world that remains clean if it is used on a regular basis. Whether it is a carpeted room or a throw rug over a hardwood floor, you should start cleaning any carpet with a thorough vacuuming. For the best results, find a vacuum that has a beater bar. Beater bars ruffle dirt and fibers, which results in a more thorough cleaning. Spills can be more challenging to clean, as they will soak into the carpet. Because of this, they must be cleaned up immediately by absorbing the spill with a paper towel or cleaning rag. Once the spill has been removed, use a carpet cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to remove any stains found on the carpet.
Unlike carpet, which has a higher probability of staining, hardwood, tile and laminate floors are easier to clean. Floors should either be swept clean or given a thorough mopping to remove all debris. These hard surfaces are more susceptible to damage from dirt scratching the surface of the flooring. Spills should be treated as soon as they are noticed by using a damp cloth to soak up the mess. Periodically, hardwood, tile and laminated floors should be cleaned with a cleaner that has been specially designed for that type of floor. It is important to research what chemicals can and cannot be used on specific floors, as the floor can warp or stain if the wrong cleaner is applied.