5 ways to keep your flooring cheerful this holiday season
By: Michelle, Published: December 22, 2022Party season has well and truly begun this year! Even if the weather is as confusing and unpredictable- the gatherings, BBQ’s and entertaining will still go ahead regardless. The quiet hero of the party is your home that will quietly weather the storm (that is, the visitors, the food, the drinks and the fun!). So how do we care for our floors during this time and how can we gift them a little treat for being such excellent companions?
PROTECT FROM THE WEATHER
Australia is blessed with beautiful summers, but our floors can suffer from too much direct, harsh sun. On particularly hot days shut blinds or curtains to keep the house cool naturally but also protect the floor from any fading. If you’re not home on any day shutting the window treatment regardless of the season can protect flooring for longer. It can also be helpful to move your furniture and and rugs on the floor around slightly to decrease the risk of strong fade lines on flooring.
Clean up after parties
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.
No heels! Make that shoes in general
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.
Professional clean
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!
Treat the floors to a rug
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!
FAQs
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! For more care tips you can read our Hard Flooring Care Guide.
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.
Michelle
Marketing ManagerAs Marketing Manager, Michelle is across all aspects of the entire product range. Her passion for Flooring Xtra means her knowledge extends from product details to full ranges, trends and more. As a mum of two active boys her favourite products are those that focus on resilience and ease of maintenance- without compromising on style. Amato authentic timber floors tick all of the boxes for her while also being waterproof and scratch and stain-resistant.