Proper care and maintenance can add years to your floor.

Though each product is different and a manufacturer’s warranty should be consulted for specific cleaning instructions, we have a list of things to keep in mind when caring for your floor. Use doormats and rugs at entryways and in high traffic areas. This will keep outside pollutants such as dirt, oil, asphalt and sand from reaching your floors. It will also buffer against everyday wear and tear that is caused by high traffic. Use caution when moving heavy objects and furniture. Always lift objects in order to move them; never drag them across the floor.

It is also a good idea to use a drop cloth or blanket and a dolly. Close curtains/blinds to prevent sun damage. Many types of flooring are susceptible to sun damage, which can darken or lighten your floor. Closing curtains or blinds that let in high amounts of sunlight will not only keep your flooring from sun damage, but will protect your furniture as well.

Use floor protectors on furniture. This is especially important if you have a hard surface floor. Using felt pads or other types of wide-bearing and non-staining floor protectors will help protect your floor from potential damage.

Clean your floors on a routine basis. Perhaps the best way to keep your floors looking like new is to maintain them properly. Each product should be cleaned differently, so check with your manufacturer to find proper maintenance solutions. Clean up spills immediately. Letting spills soak into any type of flooring will make it harder to clean them up later. Many floors can resist stain and water damage, but it is still in your best interest to clean up spills as soon as they happen. Clean the spill up from the outer edge and always “blot” the spill so that the spill does not spread any further.