Mere installation of cork floors only marks the beginning of a regular and routine practice of maintaining a sparkling floor. In a bid to keep the cork floors looking sparkling clean and fresh, all it takes is constant regular moping. And to maintain the quality and look of a cork floor for several years, some preventive means and measures can be of good help and as well keep the floors looking steady, intact and tidy. The following precautions can help keep your cork floor at its best.
The Dos of Cork flooring
- Any spills that find their way onto your floor should be immediately wiped away to help restore the original look.
- Vacuuming or sweeping the floors on a regular basis is a preventive measure that helps in the elimination of grit, dust, dirt, and even debris that maybe have found a way to the floor. Regular Vacuuming prevents the abrasion that can occur as a result of the accumulation.
- Whereas excess water is dangerous for the cork floor’s quality and durability, application of damp mop on the floor on a weekly basis or as emphasized is appropriate to maintain and keep the floor looking great. Because of the effect of too much water, it’s advisable to use a mop that’s slightly damp for increased flooring durability.
- Spills and stains come in different quantities and for this reason, the recommended means should be applied when eliminating massive spills and stains to avoid cases of destruction and damage.
- When the need for thorough cleaning arises, the approved means would be the application of a wood floor detergent that is mild. It should, however, be done under rare circumstances.
- Preventive measures such as the putting of pads and mats throughout the house entrances are recommended undertakings that help in the prevention of accumulation of dirt, grit, and sand on the floors. Mats can also be put in the house’s major working areas such as in the fronts of stoves and sinks and even the Kitchen. It proves to be important because it aids in the absorption of moisture, hence, no penetration that could cause wear due to excessive floor usage.
The Don’ts of a Cork floor
- Allowing any liquid to stand on a cork floor is a direct call for destruction and damage. Moisture or water on the floor are both recipes for a serious destruction of the cork floors.
- The idea of too much moisture or water on the floors also applies to the practice of wet mopping. Cleaning rag that is too wet does not guarantee the quality and durability of the cork floors.
- In as much as flooding the floor during cleaning is an unusual practice, yet the other side of it poses serious risks to the health of the floor.
- The type of tool and detergent employed in the cleaning of the floors also contributes to the overall durability and quality of the cork floors. The use of harsh solvents in cleaning can damage and cause discoloration to the surface. Ammonia oriented cleaning products, waxes, oils and abrasive soaps can also cause discoloration and damage to the floor surface.
- The type of mat also matters as rubber mats and the other non-porous mats usually have a tendency to affect the finish due to trapping moisture.