20 tips for January 2025 to help you care for your flooring

As Cape Fear Cleaning Solutions, we're dedicated to providing you with expert advice to maintain the beauty and longevity of your floors.

Here are 20 tips for January 2025 to help you care for your flooring:

Avoid Excess Water on Wood Floors: Using too much water can cause the woodgrain to swell and damage the polyurethane. Always use a damp, not wet, mop for cleaning.

Choose the Right Cleaner: Different floor types require specific cleaning solutions. Using the wrong one can damage your floors. Call Cape Fear Cleaning Solutions (910) 790-5312 for recommendations

Regularly Change Mop Water: Using dirty water spreads grime. Refresh your mop water frequently to ensure effective cleaning.

Avoid DIY Carpet Cleaning Pitfalls: DIY carpet cleaning can lead to over-wetting, residue buildup, and potential mold growth. It's best to hire professionals for deep cleaning.

Protect wood floors from Furniture Scratches: Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving items. Also, sweep and vacuum wood floors regularly to remove fine sand.

Clean Spills Immediately: Address spills promptly to prevent stains and damage, especially on hardwood, carpeted floors and upholstery.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Using strong chemicals can strip protective coatings and damage floor surfaces. Opt for pH-neutral cleaners suitable for your floor type.

Regular Sweeping: Dust and debris can scratch floor surfaces. Sweep or vacuum regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage.

Use ribbed doormats: Place doormats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and grit tracked onto your floors.

Avoid Steam Mops on Hardwood: Steam can cause wood to warp. Stick to dry or lightly spot mopping methods for hardwood floors.

Test Cleaning Products: Before using a new cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't damage the floor.

 

Avoid applying wax or "shine" products to your hardwood floors (or tile). This will only work for a short time and will have to be reapplied often which can damage your floor AND is expensive to have removed.

 

Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas: Protect your floors by placing rugs or runners in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Avoid Vinegar on Stone Floors: Vinegar's acidity can damage natural stone floors. Use cleaners specifically designed for stone surfaces.

Professional Tile and Grout Cleaning: Over time, grout can become stained and harbor bacteria. Professional cleaning can restore its appearance and ensure sanitation.

Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: Dragging furniture or appliances can scratch or dent floors. Lift and carry items. We do NOT recommend using furniture sliders.

Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels: Fluctuations in humidity can cause wood floors to expand or contract. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain stable indoor humidity.

Regularly Clean Under Furniture: Dust and dirt accumulate under furniture, leading to potential floor damage. Move furniture periodically to clean beneath it.

Avoid Using Abrasive Tools: Scrubbing with abrasive pads can scratch floor surfaces. Use soft cloths or mops for cleaning.

Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings: Even with diligent maintenance, professional cleaning extends the life and beauty of your floors. Contact Cape Fear Cleaning Solutions to schedule a consultation.

By following these tips, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your floors throughout January and beyond.