How to enjoy Christmas without ruining your floor (and your life)

• While you may be caught up in all the fun, don’t forget to attend to any spills straight away. When Great-Aunt Margaret spills her fourth brandy, make sure to clean it up as soon as possible. Remove any residue with a cloth before gently blotting the area from the outside in. Never scrub any spills whether you have wool carpet or synthetic.
• Once the party’s over, run a vacuum over the areas which have any loose dust or grit. Regular vacuuming ensures the longevity of your carpet as dirt can accelerate wear of your flooring. Turning on the vacuum is also a great way to prompt any unwanted remaining guests to leave.
• If you’re unsure how to clean a particular spill on your carpet, follow our handy cleaning guide in the link below. Several attempts of cleaning a spill unsuccessfully can cause more harm than good and each incident may require a different solution.
• A full carpet care guide can be found here.

• Don’t be afraid to state the rules to your guests from the front door. Shoes, particularly stiletto heels can create a lot of dents and damage to your timber floors. Ask your guests to remove them before entering. While they look pretty, heels are floorboards worst nightmare. We always like to suggest a doormat too for all external entrances. This lessens any dirt transferring into the house and scratching the floors.
• Never drag furniture across the floor. While creating the impromptu Beyoncé dance floor, make sure to find some friends to help lift the furniture into place to avoid any furniture and flooring damage.
• High traffic areas such as hallways often benefit from carpet runners to lessen the wear and tear. Just warn the kids to be careful not to trip when they transform the hallway into their temporary cricket pitch. Make sure not to use rubber-based mats as they can damage the floor further, particularly if they are bamboo.
• Similar to a carpet, prompt response to any spills is the best way to avoid long term damage. So when Great-Aunt Margaret and her brandy strikes again, use a damp cloth straight away to mop up her accident. Never use oils, soaps or detergents on your floors, they can cause more harm than good.

• If spills occur on a vinyl flooring surface, mop up with a dry cloth, or a slightly dampened one if the spills are sticky (i.e. a gin and tonic or little Charlie’s lemonade). Like any hard surface, spills can become slip hazards and end in a nasty fall. No-one likes a trip to the hospital, especially on a stomach full of prawns and turkey!
• Like timber floors, adopt a no-shoe policy. While your guests may think you’re being fussy, your floors will thank you. If they really kick up a stink about taking their shoes off, perhaps they will be off next year’s invite list….

For further information you can read our Vinyl Care Guide .

When guests come over, rugs can do more than just elevate the look of your space, they also help protect your flooring from wear and tear. Placing a floor rug in high-traffic areas, like entryways or under dining tables, can prevent scuffs, scratches, and spills from damaging your hard flooring or even layered over carpet. Synthetic fibre rugs are especially practical for entertaining; they’re resilient, easy to clean, and designed to withstand all that life can throw at them. Pet-friendly rugs and washable rug options are also worth considering as they are generally durable and easy to clean. Perfect for when guests visit. 

For added versatility, outdoor rugs are a smart and stylish solution. They’re great under dining settings, particularly where food and drinks are served, or where kids play, thanks to their durable, low-maintenance construction. Outdoor rugs also make alfresco areas more inviting, providing comfort underfoot while adding a layer of floor protection. Whether indoors or out, rugs are a simple and effective way to care for your floors while keeping your space guest-ready.

With the right care, your rug will stay beautiful and last for years. Here are a few simple tips to maintain its condition:

• Rotate regularly – Turn your rug every six months to prevent uneven wear.
• Vacuum weekly – Use a suction-only vacuum to avoid frizzing. Avoid turbo or rotating heads.
• Protect from dirt – Place doormats at entrances to reduce soil and grit, which can damage fibres.
• Act fast on spills – Blot (don’t scrub) and always rinse with clean water to avoid sticky residues that attract dirt.
• Professional cleaning – Depending on foot traffic, have your rug cleaned professionally three to four times a year.

Spot Cleaning Tips:

• Clean spills immediately; quick action prevents stains from setting.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-wetting.
• If in doubt, always contact a professional.

Routine care is the best way to extend the life and look of your rug.

What is a hybrid flooring?

Hybrid flooring combines the attributes of vinyl and laminate flooring. It features the rigidity of laminate flooring (meaning it can be installed in a floating system) and the wear layer performance characteristics of vinyl planks (very resilient!). It’s a great option for busy family homes.

What are the benefits of hybrid flooring?

There are many benefits of hybrid flooring that make it a great flooring choice. It looks fantastic, with many authentic timber-look styles available. It’s also durable, easy to clean and some products can be installed in wet areas.

Are timber floors high maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, that is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the area it’s being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.