How to Protect your Flooring with Indoor Plants in 2024

One of the most common ways indoor plants can damage your floors is through overwatering. Many plants prefer a good soak, but too much water can lead to overflow, resulting in stains, mould, and damage to your flooring—whether it’s carpet or hard flooring. To prevent this, it’s best to establish a routine and monitor the water requirements of each plant. For larger plants, consider watering them outside or in a dedicated space like the laundry, bathroom, or veranda. This not only prevents excess water from damaging your floors but also makes cleaning up spills easier. If relocating isn’t feasible, start with a smaller amount of water and check the soil’s dryness regularly. Use a moisture meter if necessary, and only add more water when the soil is visibly dry or the tray underneath the pot shows no overflow.

To prevent water damage and scratches, it’s crucial to create a barrier between your plant pot and the floor. There are many attractive options available from nurseries and homewares stores. Consider using trays, trivets, or plant stands that lift the pot off the floor. Not only does this allow for better drainage, preventing water from pooling and causing stains, but it also reduces the risk of scratching your floors when moving pots around. If your plant pot doesn’t have drainage holes, make sure to use a tray to catch any excess water that might seep out.

Over time, sitting water can cause warping and discolouration, particularly on wood or laminate floors. Felt pads are another great addition, especially for heavier pots, as they provide an additional layer of protection against scratches and marks. For different types of flooring, such as vinyl plank flooring, hybrid flooring, and carpet, always consider the specific cleaning requirements and durability to maintain their integrity.

It’s not just water that can damage your flooring; a falling pot can cause significant harm. Plants positioned near doorways, in high-traffic areas, or in spots susceptible to knocks (from pets, children, or even strong winds) should be well-secured. Strong winds can easily knock over pots, leading to spills and broken floors—whether it’s vinyl plank flooring, timber floor, or wool carpet. To avoid this, ensure that your plant pots are stable and not in locations where they might be accidentally bumped or displaced. Avoid placing pots near the edge of tables or benchtops where they can easily topple. If possible, use plant stands or secure brackets to hold pots in place. These not only keep your plants safe but also prevent potential hazards to anyone walking by.

Soil is essential for most plant species but can be a real headache when it spills onto your floor. To prevent this, avoid overfilling your pots. Leave a small gap at the top of the pot, which can help contain soil when watering or moving plants around. Regularly check for soil spills around your plants and promptly clean them up. Sweep or vacuum around the base of pots to remove any soil or fallen leaves, which can scratch the floor and cause long-term damage. Using a dustpan and brush is effective for catching errant soil particles, and it’s a quick way to maintain the cleanliness of your living space.

Caring for your floors alongside your indoor plants involves regular maintenance and a few simple strategies. If you have carpet, such as wool carpet or triexta carpet, invest in a high-quality doormat at entry points to trap soil and prevent dirt from being tracked into your home. For hard flooring, including vinyl plank flooring and hybrid flooring, use rugs and carpets in high-traffic areas to prevent scratches and reduce wear. Regularly mop or sweep to keep the area around plants clean and free from soil build-up. In the case of spills, act quickly to minimise the damage—blot with a cloth rather than rubbing, which can spread the soil or water further into the floor.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor plants without compromising the integrity of your floors. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting, these tips will help maintain the harmony between your plants and your living space. With the right care, you can keep your floors safe, your plants happy, and your home looking its best.

What are the benefits of a professional flooring installer?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!

How to clean laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is an easy-to-care-for product but like all flooring, requires some maintenance to ensure it looks good for longer. Regular vacuuming or sweeping to remove dirt and grit will minimise any scratches and wear. Encourage a shoe-free home and keep pet claws and paws neat. Don’t use harsh chemicals when mopping your floor and if there are spills, tend to them as quickly as possible.

What is 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 is Triexta carpet?

A Triexta carpet is stain resistant and durable, is great for those on a budget, and is fantastic in family homes and high traffic areas. Triexta is has a similar composition to polyester and is also environmentally friendly, partly derived from corn sugar.

Disclaimer: 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.