Your floors take a beating. From foot traffic to spills (and all the general wear and tear of daily life in-between) there's plenty that can lessen their luster. Thankfully, proper floor care isn't complicated, and Lumber Liquidators is here to equip you with the knowledge you need to keep your hardwood, vinyl, or laminate floors pristine for years to come. Let's jump in and start learning.
FLOORING TYPES
First things first, let's review the most common flooring materials and how their construction affects general cleaning and maintenance strategies...
Hardwood Flooring
Builder's Pride Polar Summit Oak Prefinished Solid Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring, whether solid or engineered, is a natural material that benefits from a light-but-consistent touch. Its porous surface and inherent sensitivity to environmental shifts (such as humidity and temperature) mean that moisture can seep into the wood, leading to warping, swelling, or cracking. Even engineered hardwood, with its layered construction, retains a degree of vulnerability to prolonged exposure, requiring careful attention to prevent damage. The natural grain and finish of hardwood also mean that improper cleaning agents or abrasive methods can dull its appearance or strip protective coatings, emphasizing the need for gentle yet thorough care.
Vinyl Flooring
Coreluxe+ Feathered Pine Waterproof WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl flooring’s composition as a synthetic material makes it inherently resistant to moisture, and provides a level of durability that simplifies cleaning. However, its surface can still trap fine particles and grime if not regularly addressed, necessitating consistent sweeping and occasional mopping to maintain its pristine condition. While spills are less likely to cause structural damage, the material’s resilience doesn’t eliminate the need for routine maintenance to prevent buildup of dirt or residue, which can dull its luster over time.
Laminate Flooring
Dream Home Brisk Hollow Oak w/pad Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring’s layered construction provides a fair amount of resilience, however, its top-most wear layer, while durable, is still susceptible to scratches and scuffs from abrasive objects or excessive grit and builtup dirt. Additionally, its composite nature means that spills, if left unattended, can seep into the core layers, potentially compromising the floor’s integrity. Regular sweeping and prompt spill cleanup are essential to preserve its appearance and ensure long-term performance.
GENERAL CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
While the specific material properties of hardwood, vinyl, and laminate flooring differ, there are universal strategies to ensure they remain protected from everyday wear and tear, including abrasion from furniture, foot traffic, and accidental spills.
Sweeping and Dusting
Regular sweeping and dusting are critical maintenance tasks for all flooring types. For hardwood floors, a soft microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment is ideal to avoid scratches, as abrasive materials can dull the finish or damage the wood’s surface. Vinyl floors are more forgiving in this regard, but a dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled broom is recommended to prevent fine particles from embedding into the smooth surface. Laminate floors, while durable, can still be scratched by grit, so a soft-bristled broom or microfiber duster is best to remove dust and debris without introducing abrasive particles.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming helps further remove embedded dirt and debris. Hardwood floors should be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging their finish, as excessive pressure or harsh brushes can strip the protective coating. Vinyl floors can tolerate a vacuum with a beater bar for deep cleaning, but take care to avoid over-scrubbing, which might dull the surface. Laminate floors require a vacuum without a beater bar to prevent scratches, as the top layer can be susceptible to scuffing from rough attachments.
Mopping
Mopping is a critical step for maximum cleanliness, but you'll have to take each flooring material's moisture sensitivity into consideration. Hardwood floors benefit from a slightly damp microfiber mop or cloth, paired with a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid water damage or residue buildup. Excess water should be avoided to prevent warping or swelling. Waterproof vinyl floors are easier to mop with a damp cloth and mild detergent, though harsh chemicals should be avoided. Laminate floors require a similar approach — use a damp microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, and ensure the surface dries thoroughly.
Protecting Against Abrasion
Furniture and foot traffic are two of the most common contributors to surface wear, and all flooring types benefit from proactive protection. Hardwood floors should be safeguarded with felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents, while area rugs or mats in high-traffic zones can reduce wear. Vinyl floors, though more resilient, can still show scuff marks from heavy objects, so using felt pads and avoiding dragging furniture across the surface is advisable. Laminate floors require similar precautions, as the top layer is prone to scratches from grit or abrasive objects. Regular cleaning and the use of protective mats can help maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON: BELLAWOOD FLOOR CARE KIT
Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Floor Care Kit
Having the right tools makes all the difference when it comes to floor care. That’s where our Bellawoood Floor Care Kit can serve as your ultimate solution for simple, safe, and effective floor cleaning and maintenance. Designed to work with all flooring types, this kit will help you keep your floors beautiful without the hassle of juggling multiple products.
At the heart of the kit is Bellawood Floor Cleaner, a pH-neutral, urethane-safe formula engineered to clean and protect hard-surface flooring without damaging its finish. Its gentle yet powerful formula is great for removing dirt, grime, and stains while preserving the luster of hardwood, vinyl, or laminate flooring. Whether you’re dealing with water spots, scuff marks, or everyday messes, this cleaner is designed to tackle them all without leaving residue or dulling the surface.
Pairing the cleaner with the tools you need to clean the right way makes this kit a must-have for any homeowner. The sturdy aluminum mop with hook-and-loop attachment is built to last, offering a reliable way to mop large areas with ease. Its design ensures even water distribution and efficient cleaning without damaging the floor’s surface.
Complementing the mop are the washable microfiber wet mop pad and dry mop pad, which are perfect for daily maintenance. The microfiber pad is ideal for damp mopping to lift dirt and grime, while the dry pad is perfect for dusting and light scrubbing without introducing excess moisture. Together, they make it easy to keep your floors clean and protected with minimal effort.
The felt pads included in the kit are the final standout feature. These soft, durable pads are designed to protect your flooring investment, and work well in the following contexts:
- Under Chair/Table Legs: Prevent scratches and scuffs caused by frequent movement, especially on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile floors.
- With Heavy Furniture: Reduce pressure points and avoid dents or gouges from sofas, dressers, and beds.
- Moving Sliding Items: Make it easier to reposition furniture without damaging the surface.
- For Noise Reduction: Minimize scraping sounds when chairs are pulled out or furniture is moved.
Here's how to utilize them for maximum benefit:
- Clean Surface First: Ensure furniture legs are clean and dry before applying pads for strong adhesion.
- Choose the Right Size/Thickness: Larger pads for heavy items; thinner pads for lightweight pieces.
- Replace Periodically: Check for wear and replace pads as needed to maintain protection.
