Flooring Care & Cleaning

Protect Your Floors for Years to Come

Beautiful flooring is an investment in your home. Regular cleaning and a few simple preventative habits can help preserve its appearance, protect the finish, and extend its life.

Because flooring products differ in construction and finish, always follow the care instructions provided with your specific flooring product.

Everyday Floor Care

Keeping dirt, dust, sand, and grit off your floor is one of the easiest ways to prevent premature wear.

Sweep or dust-mop regularly using a soft broom or microfiber dust mop.
Vacuum routinely using a vacuum appropriate for your flooring.
If vacuuming hardwood flooring, avoid beater bars or hard vacuum heads that may scratch the surface.
Pay special attention to entryways, hallways, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas.
Clean up spills as soon as they happen.
Do not allow standing water or other liquids to remain on the floor.
Follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products and methods.

Prevent Dirt & Scratches

Small particles of dirt and sand can act like abrasives as they are walked across the floor.

To help protect your flooring:

Place doormats or walk-off mats at exterior entrances.
Use area rugs in high-traffic areas and other locations where additional protection is helpful.
Keep rugs and mats clean so trapped dirt does not scratch the flooring underneath.
Use felt or other manufacturer-approved protective pads beneath furniture legs.
Check furniture pads regularly and replace them when they become worn or collect dirt.
Never drag furniture, appliances, or heavy objects directly across the floor.
When moving heavy furniture, use appropriate protective materials and move the item carefully.

Furniture & Flooring Protection

Furniture can create scratches, dents, and other surface damage if it is moved or used without adequate protection.

Before placing furniture on a new floor:

Make sure the floor is clean and free of grit.
Install appropriate protective pads beneath furniture legs.
Make sure casters and wheels are clean and in good condition.
Lift furniture whenever possible rather than dragging it.
Use protective boards or suitable moving materials when relocating heavy furniture or appliances.

Be especially careful when moving sofas, tables, beds, cabinets, and appliances.

Spills & Stains

Accidents happen. The key is to clean spills promptly.

For most spills:

Remove any solid material carefully.
Blot liquid with a clean, soft cloth.
Use a flooring cleaner specifically approved for your type of flooring, if necessary.
Do not leave excess moisture on the floor.
Allow the area to dry completely.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, abrasive pads, and household cleaners that are not approved for your flooring.

For difficult stains or damage, contact a flooring professional before attempting a stronger cleaning treatment.

Mopping & Moisture

Moisture is one of the most important things to control when caring for many types of flooring.

Do not flood the floor or allow water to sit on the surface. Excess moisture can penetrate seams or damage certain flooring materials and subfloors.

For hardwood and engineered wood flooring, use only a cleaning method and product specifically recommended for the flooring's finish. Some products should only be cleaned with a lightly damp microfiber pad, while others may have different requirements.

Never use a steam mop unless the flooring manufacturer specifically states that steam cleaning is approved for your product.

Cleaning Products

Using the wrong cleaner can leave residue, dull the finish, or damage the flooring.

Choose cleaning products based on the specific flooring material and finish.

Avoid using:

Abrasive powders or scouring products
Steel wool or abrasive scrubbers
Strong household chemicals
Bleach or ammonia-based products unless specifically approved
Wax or polish products unless recommended for your flooring
Oil-based soaps unless approved by the flooring manufacturer
Products intended for a different type of flooring

Always read the flooring manufacturer's care instructions before applying a new cleaning product.

Hardwood & Engineered Wood Flooring

Wood flooring naturally changes over time as it is exposed to light, temperature, humidity, and everyday use.

For best results:

Remove dirt and grit regularly.
Use a soft broom, dust mop, or appropriate vacuum.
Clean spills immediately.
Use only cleaners formulated for your flooring's finish.
Avoid excessive water and moisture.
Use protective pads beneath furniture.
Use rugs in high-traffic areas where appropriate.
Protect the floor when moving furniture or appliances.

Sunlight can gradually change the color and appearance of natural wood. Periodically rearranging furniture and rugs can help the floor age more evenly.

Luxury Vinyl & Other Resilient Flooring

Follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning method for your specific product.

In general:

Sweep or vacuum regularly.
Clean spills promptly.
Use a cleaner approved for the flooring.
Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.
Do not use excessive water.
Protect the floor beneath furniture with appropriate pads.
Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the surface.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring should be kept free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface.

Regularly sweep, dust-mop, or vacuum using a suitable attachment. Clean spills promptly and use only products approved for laminate flooring.

Avoid excessive moisture, soaking, and steam cleaning unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Area Rugs & Mats

Area rugs can provide additional protection in high-traffic areas, near entrances, and beneath frequently used furniture.

Before using a rug or mat, make sure its backing is compatible with your flooring. Some rubber, latex, plastic, or chemically treated backings may discolor or react with certain flooring finishes.

Clean beneath rugs and mats regularly to prevent trapped dirt from scratching the floor.

Pets

Pets can contribute to floor wear through dirt, grit, moisture, and nails.

To help protect your flooring:

Keep pets' nails trimmed.
Clean muddy or wet paws before they walk across the floor.
Clean pet accidents immediately.
Keep areas around food and water bowls clean and dry.
Use washable mats beneath pet bowls when appropriate.

Sunlight & Temperature

Natural sunlight can gradually affect the color of flooring, particularly natural wood.

To help minimize uneven fading:

Use window coverings when appropriate.
Keep rugs and furniture from remaining in exactly the same position indefinitely.
Rearrange furnishings periodically when practical.
Avoid exposing flooring to unnecessary extreme heat.

Normal changes in color and character can occur naturally as flooring ages.

Moving Into or Renovating Your Home?

Protect your new flooring during moving, remodeling, and construction.

Before moving heavy items:

Remove dirt and grit from the floor.
Use appropriate protective boards or moving materials.
Never drag heavy furniture or appliances directly across the floor.
Keep construction debris, nails, screws, and other sharp objects away from exposed flooring.
Follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations for temporary floor protection.

When in Doubt, Check the Manufacturer's Instructions

Flooring care requirements can vary significantly depending on the material, finish, installation method, and manufacturer.

Before using a new cleaner, treatment, steam mop, polish, wax, or other product, verify that it is approved for your specific flooring.

If you're unsure how to clean a stain, repair damage, or care for your flooring, contact ISSI'S HOME or a qualified flooring professional for guidance.

ISSIS'S HOME TIP

A little prevention goes a long way. Regularly remove dirt and grit, clean spills quickly, protect furniture legs, and use the right cleaning products for your specific floor. These simple habits can help keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.