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Carpet, porcelain, vinyl, hardwood… Nowadays, the market sells several types of floors, and each one of them has different advantages, disadvantages and cares.
In this post, we’ve selected 5 popular floors and some information about cleaning each of them.
Hardwood Floor
• Pros: Popular by its look, many varieties of colours and styles, best for shared living spaces
• Cons: Expensive compared to other materials, highly sought after scratches, moisture damage
• How to clean? We do not recommend vinegar, as the product is acidic and can dull the wood finish over time. Leave your shoes at the door, vacuum regularly to remove dirt, and keep your pet’s nails trimmed. Buy specific products for wood and make light applications, in the same sense as wood boards. Don’t get the floor too wet as it can build up moisture and rot over time.
Laminate
• Pros: lower price than solid wood, ease of installation, durability, variety of colours and styles, suitable for high traffic areas
• Cons: moisture damage, difficult to repair, not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms
• How to clean? It is essential to prevent water from getting under the planks. The recommendation is to vacuum the surface and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth with neutral products or disinfectants.
Vinyl
• Pros: Affordable, versatile, great for high traffic areas, easy to maintain, DIY installation possible
• Cons: less popular due to appearance
• How to clean? Vinyl is one of the most accessible floors to mop. Vinegar mixtures with warm water work, as do disinfectants and steam cleaners for stains.
Carpets
• Pros: economic, soft and warm, multiple colours available, great for soundproofing, stain-resistant models available
• Cons: difficult to maintain – professional cleaning recommended at least once a year, can absorb odours, not great for homes with pets, not recommended for areas requiring moisture
• How to clean? Vacuuming at least once a week is a necessity – more often if you have pets or children. Splashes and smears should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning company at least once a year.
Ceramic
• Pros: several models, durable, waterproof, great for kitchens, bathrooms and entrances
• Cons: one of the most expensive options, difficult to install, can break under heavy use
• How to clean? A bucket of hot water, vinegar and detergent work well. Don’t use too much soap, or soap residue will make your floor look opaque.
