5 ways to keep your flooring cheerful this holiday season

With entertaining comes the inevitable mess that follows. Be mindful to clean up spills and mess on the floor promptly so the damage is not permanent. Dirt and grit left on carpet can be worn into the pile if walked across and on hard flooring can cause scratches. Any spills on carpet should be dealt with straight away for best results. The same goes for hard flooring, whether it be timber floors or timber-look. Clean up any water or crumbs quickly to avoid damage. Flooring Xtra have care guides for each type of flooring (such as vinyl flooring), that also include detailed cleaning instructions.

One of the best things you can do for your flooring, regardless of if it’s carpet or hard flooring is to create a no-shoe policy inside at home. The outdoors has a pesky way of getting trapped onto shoes (dirt, sand, stones, grit etc.) and bringing them indoors increases the risk of scratches and marks. Pop a nice chair or ottoman at the front door to encourage shoe removal. You could even provide luxurious slippers for guests to pop on when they arrive! Heels such as stilettos can also be damaging to hard floors, creating indents and marks. Best to keep them at the front door with all the other shoes.

After the party season it can be a good time for carpets and rugs to be professionally cleaned. You won’t know your flooring it will be so fresh and clean! Pesky stains and marks will be treated and a general clean will pick up any other nasties not easily removed with general vacuuming and home care. If you have ever seen the colour of the water when a professional clean is being done you will know just how much dirt is inadvertently trapped in carpet. Make it an annual event!

Rugs are a beautiful and decorative way to protect hard flooring (and carpet for that matter). In high-traffic areas such as an entry, hallway or thoroughfare they can minimise wear and trap dirt from shoes. Even if you have durable flooring like laminate flooring, rugs will add that extra layer of protection. Rugs in family areas, play areas or under a dining table can also protect the flooring underneath from spills and wear. In an office, they can be useful in providing a barrier against chair castor wheel floor scratches. While protecting the floor they also bring warmth, colour and texture to the interior. It’s a win-win situation!

Looking after your flooring doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes a little care and consistency. One of the easiest ways to protect your floors from wear and tear is by keeping shoes off inside the home. This simple habit helps prevent dirt, grit, and small stones from scratching the surface. Daily or regular cleaning is also important. Use a vacuum with the bristles down or sweep with an electrostatic mop to remove dust and loose particles. When it comes to mopping, less is more. Avoid soaking the floor and never use steam mops. Chat to your local Flooring Xtra store for more product-specific guidance if you’re unsure.

Skip the wax, polish, and harsh chemicals; abrasive cleaners, steel wool, and soap-based detergents can harm your floor’s finish. For extra protection, place mats at entry points (avoid rubber backing, which can stain), and use rugs or runners in busy areas. When moving furniture, lift instead of dragging it, and use felt pads under heavy pieces. Rolling office chairs should have protective mats underneath. Keep pet nails trimmed and avoid stiletto heels, which can dent or mark the floor. Lastly, make sure your space is well-ventilated and shielded from harsh sunlight to prevent fading or warping over time. You can head to our Hard Flooring Care Guide to learn more.

How to clean laminate floors

Laminate floors, like all hard flooring, should be frequently vacuumed or swept to remove dirt or grit to minimise scratching or wear. It’s also important to clean up any spills as quickly as possible. Read our hard flooring care guide for more information.

How to clean hybrid flooring

Hybrid flooring, like all flooring, requires maintenance to ensure it lasts for years to come. Residual grit, sand and dirt can lead to wear on hard flooring or stains on carpet. Ensure the floors are regularly swept or vacuumed and try to encourage a “shoe-free” home to minimise the transference of the outdoors in on shoes! 

What is the best way to mop vinyl?

Vinyl flooring is an easy-care flooring option and simple to look after. Use a quality mop and not too much water and ensure it’s not a steam mop. You can read all the details you need on our Vinyl Care page.