Our floors withstand a lot of traffic, spills and cleaning. We want them to look amazing, be easy to maintain and most of all last as long as possible. With just a few simple ideas, you can enhance the look and life of your flooring.

 

article continues below ↓

1. Two mats are better than one.

Include a mat outside each doorway and another just inside. Doubling up on mats will keep most of the dirt from the outside on a rug and not allow it to be tracked throughout the house.

Choose sturdy mats that will brush dirt and debris away from entering shoes. Clean the mats at least weekly to keep them in prime shape to defend your flooring from dirt.

2. Establish an entry.

A well-equipped mudroom or entryway is a must in today’s modern household. Establish a designated entry place in your home with hooks for hanging purses, backpacks, coats and other outdoor items that may otherwise find themselves piled on the floor.

A bench with shoe storage underneath, can make a great place to deposit muddy boots before they make their mark on the family floors.

3. Vacuum or sweep often.

High traffic areas and heavily soiled carpet will need to be vacuumed daily. Other areas of the home may only need a weekly cleaning. For lightly soiled carpet, three passes with the vacuum cleaner are the minimum to remove debris from the carpet fibers. For the main traffic areas and highly soiled carpet, up to seven passes with a vacuum cleaner may be necessary to thoroughly clean the carpet.

Dust and dirt can etch hard surface floors like granite, hardwood and marble. Frequent sweeping or vacuuming (with the vacuum cleaner’s brush roll turned off), is necessary to maintain and protect these floors.

4. Treat stains and spots quickly.

Whether you have carpet, hardwood, granite, vinyl or ceramic tile floors, treating spots and spills quickly is key to their maintenance. Instantly treated spots on carpet may need little more than water and a clean white cloth to remove unwanted messes.

If you need to use a spot remover, test it first in an inconspicuous place and don’t over apply the product. Overuse of a stain remover will only leave a residue that can attract dirt and grime.

Hard surface floors may be more resistant to spills, but they can still stain and be damaged by residue. Stone floors are highly susceptible to oil stains. Fruit and tomato products can tint and stain vinyl flooring. For hardwood floors, excess water is an enemy, causing discoloration and warping. Wipe up and clean spills quickly to prevent stains, warping and other damage.

Following these directions for prevention and protection of your flooring will not only keep your floors looking great, but also cut down on your cleaning time. Prevent as much dirt from entering as you can and deal quickly with the rest. These few simple steps will keep your flooring fabulous.

 

About Sarah Aguirre

Sarah Aguirre is a writer and consultant specializing in the trials and successes of cleaning and organizing homes. She started as an assistant in her mother’s cleaning business at the age of six, although her most important training has come in her own home as a mother of four. Now, as the guide for About.com’s Housekeeping and Organization site, Sarah publishes a weekly newsletter filled with timely tips and ideas to efficiently clean and organize any home.