Your floors are one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. The right flooring adds style, comfort, and value—but only if it’s properly maintained. Without the right care, even the highest-quality materials can wear out prematurely. At Floor Coverings International Cherokee, we want your floors to stay beautiful and functional for decades, so here are practical tips for every flooring type we install.
Hardwood Floors
Why People Love Them: Timeless style, warmth, and a boost to resale value.
Care Tips:
- Daily/Weekly Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum with a hardwood attachment to prevent grit from scratching.
- Spills: Wipe up immediately—moisture is wood’s enemy.
- Mopping: Use a damp mop with hardwood cleaner; never soak with water.
- Protection: Add felt pads under furniture legs, and use rugs in high-traffic areas.
- Long-Term Care: Refinish every 7–10 years to restore shine and remove scratches.
Laminate Floors
Why People Love Them: Affordable, durable, and stylish wood look.
Care Tips:
- Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush.
- Mopping: Damp mop only; avoid standing water as it can cause swelling.
- Spills: Clean quickly with a microfiber cloth.
- Extras: Avoid harsh cleaners or waxes—they can dull the finish.
- Pro Tip: Keep a few spare planks from your install for easy spot replacements if damaged.
Luxury Vinyl Plank / Tile (LVP/LVT)
Why People Love Them: Waterproof, versatile, and easy to clean.
Care Tips:
- Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Mopping: Safe to mop with warm water and mild cleaner—no harsh chemicals needed.
- Spills: Wipe up promptly to prevent staining.
- Protection: Use entry mats to catch grit before it scratches.
- Bonus: Because it’s waterproof, LVP is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements—just keep up with regular cleaning.
Tile Floors
Why People Love Them: Long-lasting durability and nearly endless style options.
Care Tips:
- Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum debris first, then mop with mild cleaner.
- Grout Care: Grout can stain; clean with a baking soda paste or grout cleaner. Sealing grout once a year is highly recommended.
- Spills: Wipe up quickly to avoid staining grout lines.
- Protection: Use rugs in high-traffic areas to prevent tile dulling over time.
Carpet
Why People Love It: Comfort, warmth, and acoustic benefits.
Care Tips:
- Vacuuming: At least once a week (more in high-traffic areas) to keep dirt from breaking down fibers.
- Stain Care: Blot, don’t rub. Use carpet-safe cleaners or vinegar/water solutions.
- Deep Cleaning: Schedule professional cleaning every 12–18 months.
- Furniture: Rotate occasionally to prevent permanent indentations.
General Maintenance Tips for Every Floor
- Use entry mats: Stop dirt at the door.
- Control humidity: Helps prevent warping in wood or swelling in laminates.
- Pet care: Keep nails trimmed to avoid scratches.
- No shoes policy: Especially heels—protects all flooring types.
The Bottom Line
Your floors set the stage for your entire home. With a little routine maintenance, they can look as beautiful decades from now as the day they were installed. At Floor Coverings International Cherokee, we not only install stunning floors—we equip you with the know-how to care for them.
Thinking about upgrading your floors? Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation.