Maintaining & Caring for Different Types of Flooring

No matter the flooring you choose for your home, we all want it to look beautiful and last as long as possible. Proper care & maintenance is key. However, there is no universal recipe that works for all types of flooring. All floorings have different characteristics, and for each type you need to select the appropriate cleaning method.

We provide floor fitting services for a number of facilities – offices, warehouses, production facilities, children’s schools and private homes. And each of the facilities requires an entirely different type of flooring type.

Our task is to provide our customers with the best materials and fitting services, but also to make sure that our respected clients have a clear understanding of how to keep their flooring clean and safe. In the following pages, we are going to take you on a deep dive to help you understand how to maintain and take care of different types of flooring. So, let’s get started.

What Are the Main Types of Flooring & How to Maintain and Take Care of Them?

There are tons of modern flooring solutions available in the UK with each one having its own pros and cons. Also, each one of these options requires an entirely different approach to maintenance and care.

LTV Flooring

Luxury vinyl tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride and, thanks to modern technology, are durable and 100% waterproof. LTV floors come in a wide range of decors. The material is safe, and you can install it onto a heated flooring system. Don’t exceed temperatures above 27 degrees, though.

LTV is 100% moisture-resistant throughout its entire structure, so you can spill water or liquid without any problems. Cleaning with a simple drying towel would be more than enough. It’s safe to use a scrubber dryer without high-temperature steam too. You can also go with occasional dry cleaning with a brush with medium-hard bristles or a vacuum cleaner on the “smooth floor” setting for easy cleaning.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is arguably the most popular type of flooring in the UK. Ease of installation and a wide selection of colours make it attractive to buyers. Laminate can be made from fibreboard or particleboard and has different variations in composition.

Laminate Flooring

It also has an abrasion class (AC) of 3 which is the most durable flooring you can get your hands on. Laminate can be laid on a heated floor system, retaining and transferring heat efficiently. Laminate flooring contains some natural wood and therefore is not waterproof; it should be cleaned with a well-wrung-out cloth and should not be installed in rooms with high humidity. Spray mops also work great such as Vieldas. Either way, minimising moisture is key when cleaning laminate flooring.

Linoleum/Vinyl Flooring

There are two types of vinyl flooring; natural and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The latter is the same linoleum that is most often found in commercial establishments. Available in several versions: on fabric, foam, heat-insulating and non-woven. It can be either single-layer or multi-layer. Linoleum is not great with dampness and hot water, but it looks great in your home with its luxurious feel.

Taking care of linoleum flooring involves regular sweeping and vacuuming to get rid of any dirt and debris. A slightly damp mop can be used too. However, avoid using excessive water. It’s recommended to use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas. Also, quickly dry out any spills to avoid too much sitting water. Lastly, avoid dragging heavy furniture on linoleum flooring as it is prone to deep scratches. This is where self-adhesive furniture protectors come in really handy.

Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is widely used for exterior decoration. Unlike surfaces that are placed outdoors, synthetic grass at home is not filled with filler. Contrary to popular belief, artificial grass does have a drainage system, so you don’t get hit with any unwanted stagnating water after a downpour. No mowing, no watering and no mud, making artificial grass easy to maintain compared with natural grass.

Artificial Grass

To maintain the quality of grass for a longer period of time, it is advisable to avoid prolonged pressure so make sure to move heavy furniture around from time to time. Also, artificial grass needs to be brushed with a stiff-bristle brush up the pile 2-4 times a month. Make sure not to use any harsh chemicals on your artificial grass though, as it can damage the grass fibers.

Artificial grass is not prone to water damage and is super simple to maintain. Stains from food and drinks can be removed with a soap solution easily too. Polyethylene and polypropylene are not affected by household chemicals, but it is better to avoid them. Also, try not to rub the fibres too forcefully, as they may tear.

Carpet Flooring

What keeps many people from purchasing carpets is the perception that they are difficult to care for. In fact, maintaining its original appearance is not difficult, you just need to follow some rules. The problem with carpets is that dust and debris tend to penetrate the carpet pile. In the long run, these hard particles can damage the pile yarn and cause accelerated wear of the carpet. Therefore, it is advisable to use dirt mats and dry mats at the entrance and in front of washroom doors.

It’s necessary to vacuum your carpet on a regular basis. Grease particles present in the air can settle on the carpet and cause dust to stick, which can deteriorate the carpet’s colour. To get rid of the grease, you can give your carpet a thorough wash using mild detergents and scrubbing every six months or so. However, many carpets nowadays are made from polypropylene and polyester, which are bleach-cleanable, so you can get even the toughest stains off without spoiling your lovely carpet.

Final Thoughts

Here we have discussed the best ways to maintain different types of flooring for your home. If you are looking for this type of high-quality flooring, check out The Flooring Outlet and get 5% off your first purchase when you subscribe to our newsletter.