How to properly care for different types of floors so that they last longer

The flooring in the house is not done in one day. I want it to last at least ten years and still look like new. This is possible, but only if you care for it properly. And today I’ll tell you exactly how to do this.

Floor cleaning methods

There are five types of cleaning floor coverings from dirt and dust:

• Wet, when only water is used.
• Wet with chemicals.
• Dry cleaning, and in this case moisture is excluded - only a vacuum cleaner or brush.
• Machine. It is used in rooms with a large area. For example, in supermarkets. At home, they can use a machine for grinding or polishing parquet.
• Steam using a steam generator.

There are plenty of methods to choose from, but can they always be used? It all depends on the production technology of different floor coverings.

Laminate

This type of floor is made using the principle of a layer cake. The decorative layer is a film with a pattern applied to it that imitates natural materials: wood, stone, cork. A protective layer is applied on top to prevent moisture from penetrating inside. Stabilizing is kraft cardboard. It gives the material the necessary rigidity. Between them there are more layers that create a certain thickness. They are all connected to each other using glue.

It is preferable to clean laminate using a dry method: vacuuming or sweeping with a soft brush.Hard materials cannot be used, as they can damage the protective layer. Moisture that gets inside will cause the laminate to swell and deform. Therefore, spilled water must be immediately absorbed with something.

Wet cleaning is also acceptable, but the cloth should only be slightly dampened. It’s better not to use water at all, but to use special laminate care products from a hardware store.

If you need to move furniture in a room with laminate flooring, you need to glue suede pads to its legs. It will be easier to move the weight, and the floor will not be damaged. Scratches on laminate flooring can be repaired with a special product from the repair kit.

Linoleum

This material is made from artificial polymers. A liquid resin-like composition is applied to the base. When it hardens, it creates a dense and flexible floor covering.

Immediately after laying linoleum, it must be rubbed with a special protective compound, which is sold in liquid form. This will allow you to preserve the decorative top layer in its original form for a long time. The drawing will not be erased, the colors will not fade.

Linoleum can be washed with water and any foaming, but not abrasive, product. It is advisable to wipe it dry immediately. In places where the water does not dry out for a long time, dark spots form. You cannot use caustic soda as a detergent, as it corrodes the base. If the washing water is too hot, the linoleum will lose its shine. This indicates abrasion of the top layer. Soon the drawing will fade. The original appearance can be maintained using a special polishing compound.

Tile

When purchasing tiles, you should pay attention to such an indicator as porosity. The smaller it is, the easier it will be to care for the coating.Dirt accumulates in the pores, which will then be very difficult to remove.

When cleaning tile floors, do not use aggressive detergents. It is better to choose a rag from a soft, hygroscopic fabric. If you use abrasive compounds on glazed tiles, they will fade and become dull. Unglazed tiles are not afraid of such agents.

Dust can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner, and then washed the floor, pressing lightly on the mop. Tile seams quickly darken and lose their neatness. They can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush. It is better to wipe the glossy surface dry immediately after washing to avoid drips and stains.