Oiling Wood Floors: How-to and FAQ

Over time, your wood floor may start to lose the sheen and colour that it once had. This is very likely down to the fact that your floor needs refreshing and reviving with oil. Oiling wood floors helps to enhance the overall appearance of its surface, as well as adding protection and nourishment.

If you want to oil wooden flooring, it’s important to consider its benefits, the proper steps to take, and how often you should replenish its coat.

Why is it Important to Oil Your Wood Floor?

Firstly, oiled wood flooring helps with its longevity. The oil revives the appearance of the floor. It also protects the floor’s surface, to keep it looking brand new for longer.

Your floor is thirsty

Wood flooring is thirsty. It may sound strange, but it’s true. 

Without oil protecting the surface, your wood will drink up any water and moisture. If this water gets into the wood, the floor will move and can cause long-term damage. 

On the other hand, with a protective oil coating, your floor is unable to soak up this moisture, therefore protecting your flooring. 

Are you a pet owner?

The longevity and durability factors of oiling wood floors makes it perfect for pet owners. For instance, any scratches caused by claws or teeth can simply be sanded down and oiled over.

A lacquered floor, in comparison, is less of  a quick fix when it comes to scratch marks. 

Bringing out details in design

Oiled wood flooring brings out the amazingly fine details and grains of each plank. This, as a result, provides a wide range of tones and colours depending on the oil you use. 

Our selection of Osmo Oils does a perfect job of making your flooring truly unique, offering warm, rustic tones, to lighter and more subtle finishes. Similarly, even clear oils can help show a floor’s natural beauty.

 

Floor protection

Unfinished wood flooring leaves vulnerability for liquid stains such as wine, cola, or sauce. A simple oiled finish prevents unwanted stains. 

The oil itself acts as a protective layer, so that liquids can’t be absorbed into the wood’s fibres.

Prevent your floor from drying out and cracking

In extreme cases, your floor can crack due to the lack of oil that it receives on a regular basis. Although this is only in extreme circumstances, it’s important to be mindful about the necessity of regularly oiling your wood floor.

Ongoing maintenance

Any form of hardwood flooring requires maintenance. 

However, taking proper care of your oiled wood flooring means that you won’t need to re-sand and finish your floor too often. 

Oiling your wood flooring should be part of your wood floor maintenance routine. We’ll go into this more in a moment.

 

 

Quick re-cap:

1. Helps with longevity.
2. Protects against pet scratches. 
3. Quick and easy fix if any marks appear.
4. Brings out detail, tone, and colour.
5. Helps maintain the look of your floor
6. More protection against liquid stains.
7. Prevents your floor from drying out and cracking.

How to Oil Wooden Flooring

Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to prepare and oil wooden flooring:

Prepare your flooring

1. If your floor has previously been oiled, you can apply the oil directly on top. For floors with different finishes, such as varnish, you’ll need to sand the surface until you get to the bare wood. This is to make sure you are not adding additional layers of a different oil onto a different existing layer. 
2. If you’re adding a touch-up layer after receiving new oiled flooring, you don’t need to sand it down. You can apply the new coat straight on top, due to the fact that the oil is the same as the previous layer.
3. Be sure to wipe away any kind of dirt or debris from the surface of your flooring, as this stops any debris from setting under the oil.
4. Make sure the room is well ventilated. This is to make sure any fumes from the oil are able to escape, and not linger in the room.

The process

1. Stir the container of oil thoroughly to make sure all of the components are well mixed
2. Use a stiff brush or roller and apply the oil evenly, going with the wood grain. Be sure to apply the oil thinly, as to keep your layers even.
3. Leave the oil to dry before applying more layers. Use the same technique as the step above and go with the grain, applying thin layers at a time
4. Depending on the type of oil, use anywhere between 1 to 3 layers, making sure each layer is dry before applying a new one.

To ensure the best results for your oiled floor, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This should be located on the container of the product.

How Often Does Your Floor Need Oiling?

For domestic use, we recommend to oil wooden flooring every 2 years, you may want to do this sooner depending on how much your flooring is used. 

This also adds an additional layer of protection from daily foot traffic or day-to-day mishaps that may damage your floor.

If you’re buying a range of flooring that comes oiled, we recommend oiling the floor again once it has been laid. 

This is because your flooring could have been stored for a number of months, and maybe a little dry. Re-staining your new flooring tops up the slight moisture that is needed. By doing this, you can also add more colour to the finish and increase its durability.

 

Oiling Wood Floors FAQ

What types of oil can you use for wood flooring?

Bona hard wax oil: One of the most popular waxes available, bona is easy to apply and dries quickly. It’s highly effective at combatting wear and tear that you would commonly see in unfinished flooring, this makes it a great option for high amounts of foot traffic in your home.

WOCA hard wax oil: This particular oil is more expensive, but provides a more effective result. WOCA oil is more commonly used by professionals, who have the necessary machines to apply the oil correctly.

Blanchon maintenance oil: Blanchon is very effective at reviving wood flooring. Its matt finish results in a professional-looking result if you are doing this on your own. Blanchon oil is known for quick drying if time is of the essence.

GRANWAX hard wax oil: This oil is completely clear, providing a great form of protection, without altering the appearance of your wood. GRANWAX is a great option for preventing any signs of daily wear and tear from showing on your flooring.

Will oil change the colour of your floor?

This depends on the oil you choose. Some change the overall colour or tint of your flooring, on the other hand, some simply add a protective layer to its surface. If you are looking for an oil that provides a different tint, our ranges of tinted Osmo Oils offer a wide range of options.

Osmo Polyx Oil – White	Osmo Polyx Oil – Honey	Osmo Polyx Oil – Terra

Should you oil wood flooring immediately?

We recommend that you oil wooden flooring as soon as possible after laying it. This is because the flooring can be slightly dried out during the storage period. Re-oiling acts as a little top up to the existing oil layer. This helps to bring some additional colour and tone, as well as added protection. 

Do all floors need oiling?

Not all floors need oiling, however, there are a few specific factors to consider depending on what flooring you have.

If your wood flooring comes oiled, as previously mentioned, we recommend you re-oil your flooring with a clear finish. This re-hydrates the wood.

Lacquered wood flooring will need to be sanded down to the bare plank in order for it to be oiled. This is because of the lacquer acting as an already existing protective layer. The oil will not absorb into the wood if a lacquer finish is already present.

Engineered wood flooring features a solid wood veneer as the surface of the plank. This means that you can apply oil to the planks of engineered wood, however make sure that the flooring does not have a lacquered finish already applied. Otherwise, you will need to sand down the veneer before applying the oil.

Laminate, LVT, Vinyl, and EvoCore flooring cannot be oiled, as they have no wood surface for the oil to absorb in to.

How do you maintain oiled hardwood floors?

To maintain your wood floor, we recommend our Impero Elite Wood Flooring Kit. This kit is efficient and effective at both reviving and maintaining the look of your wood floor. Included in this kit is our Reviving Wax, which provides optimum protection for your wood flooring.

To Conclude

Overall, the benefits of oiling wood floors are very important to know. As well as preparing your flooring for a new coat, using the procedures will guarantee the best outcome. As long as you keep on top of your flooring maintenance, your wood flooring will look much better and last a whole lot longer. It’s a no-brainer!

The post Oiling Wood Floors: How-to and FAQ appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

There are many different types and brands of flooring adhesive.  An adhesive is just another name for a glue.  You will want to make sure that you use the most suitable one for your project. This will depend on the size of room and whether the area is for commercial or domestic use. Read More

Having hard surface flooring and pets has its ups and downs.  The Carpet Guys want to give you some suggestions on how to best handle the most frequent problems with flooring and pets.

Pet Hair on Hard Floors

There are several ways to handle the accumulation of pet
hair on hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

1. Make sure you groom your pet frequently.  Regular grooming helps to reduce the amount of hair loss.  Also, a high protein diet will help promote a healthy coat.
2. Vacuum your floors regularly with a hardwood floor attachment, or a robotic vacuum. Consumer Reports has a great review of Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors.
3. Make sure to clean beneath furniture and in corners.  These are collection areas for pet hair.
4. Use a microfiber duster for daily cleaning.  It acts as a magnet to hair, dander, and dust.
5. Make sure to change your furnace filter regularly. This eliminates pet hair and dust being deposited back on your floors.

Pet Accidents

As we all know, pet urine can damage any type of
flooring.  It’s especially tough on hard
surface floorings like hardwood.  Here
are some suggestions when your pet has an accident.

1. Clean the urine as soon as possible.  The longer it sits on your floor, the more harm it can do.
2. Use a cleaning product recommended by your flooring manufacturer to ensure you maintain your flooring warranty.  If your warranty is expired, try a mixture of one cup of apple cider vinegar and one gallon of water.  Do not soak the stain because this may cause warping and damage to your flooring.  Be sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly afterward.
3. If you have dark, dried stains that smell like urine, this may mean it has absorbed into the substrate.  If this is the case, you may need the flooring refinished or replaced.
4. Install waterproof flooring. The Carpet Guys carry several styles of Mohawk’s Revwood Plus/Select or U.S. Floor’s COREtec Plus.

Pet Nails and Scratching

Although your kids may enjoy watching the dog slide across
the hardwood floors, when chasing his toy, it’s a perfect storm for
scratching.  Here are some suggestions to
avoid those situations.

1. Have your cat declawed or trim your pet’s
   nails.  If you’re uncomfortable doing
   this on your own, take them to a groomer.
2. Place area rugs in spaces where your pet sleeps
   or travels often.
3. Use a baby gate to keep your pet off your hardwood
   floors.
4. Try using nail caps (soft, plastic nail covers
   that your pet won’t even feel).
5. Install scratch-resistant flooring.  The Carpet Guys have a vast selection of
   styles in laminate, LVP and engineered hardwood.  All great scratch resistant options.

Pets are a part of the family.  It’s important to find easy solutions to hard surface flooring and pet problems.  If you decide you want to replace your flooring with something that is pet-friendly, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). Or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will send our pet-friendly Design Consultant to your home.  For more information on hardwood flooring specifically, check out our blog How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Dogs.

The post Hard Surface Flooring and Pets appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

It’s always a great time to consider installing that flooring that you have been thinking about for so long now. Of course, we are talking specifically about hardwood floors. So many home or office owners would love to have wood flooring in their buildings, but are simply unaware of the many benefits which accompany its use.

Here at Flooring.org, we get so many questions regarding the advantages of installing hardwood in a property. The fact of the matter is that we could write a book about the countless benefits people describe when telling us how much they love their new wood flooring, but until you have it put in your own home you will never truly know what a fantastic accessory it really is. But here are ten specific reasons you should make hardwood your next flooring option:

1. It’s a renewable resource

2. It’s an all-natural product with diversity in color and grain

3. It helps support responsible forest management

4. It’s the easiest surface to clean, requiring less harsh chemicals

5. It’s the ideal choice for allergy sufferers

6. It’s good for the environment and cleaner than alternative production

7. Finishes are easily restored

8. It’s a smart investment

9. It gives a warm and welcoming feeling to all who visit

10. It is easier to move or rearrange furniture on

If you want to learn more about your flooring options for your home or office, especially when it comes to the various hardwood choices that you may have, give the experts at Flooring.org a call right now. We have trained staff members standing by to handle all of your questions or requests for more information. You can reach us at 800-689-9006. And if you would like to browse our incredible inventory you can also visit us online 24/7 at www.flooring.org.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

It sounds simple enough; your flooring is worn out and you want to buy new carpet. But it won’t take you long to realize that things have changed since the last time you installed new flooring.

You can shop online. You can shop your local big box store. You can call one of those independent contractors who offers a good deal on a local television commercial. Or you can shop at your local flooring center (like us!) – what’s a homeowner to do?

We have some advice for when you’re ready to buy new carpet and aren’t sure what your next step should be. Read through our “checklist” and you’ll discover the best way to buy flooring and love the results at the same time.

Let’s start with the “who”

With so many choices to choose from, how do you know where to shop for your flooring upgrade?

Shopping online for new carpet is dangerous. Carpet is a purchase you make only a few times in your life. If you install the right carpet, you can forget about it and enjoy it for years to come. Do you really want to install something you can’t see, feel, and touch before you say “yes”?

Of course, your local big box store has a wall of carpet samples tucked in back between the plumbing and lumber aisles. They’ll likely tell you these are “best sellers” and we agree. When you don’t sell very much, the few in stock are definitely going to be best sellers. But are they the best for your home? What will you compare it to?

Independent contractors work the same way. Sure, they make it convenient by coming to you. But their selection has been pre-chosen to ensure they get the best markup in order to make the living they desire.

And then there are flooring experts (like us!) We scour the world for the best flooring on the market. We pay attention to things like longevity and sustainability. Because flooring is our only business, we ensure that what you see on display truly is the best in the business. We can help you select based on your needs and desires.

When should you buy your new carpet?

The most important question is: when will you need your new carpet?

Do a little research, and you’ll find all kinds of “experts” making suggestions for when you should buy new carpet. Buy during the slow times, they say. Buy when you can negotiate a great deal.

And while that’s great advice, the more important thing is: is this the right time for you?

In general, you’ll find people shopping for carpet more right before the holidays, right around tax refund period, and during the summer months when most remodeling projects kick into high gear.

If you’re a fashionista and you replace your carpet every year, then by all means, watch for the best deals possible. Quality might not matter as much to you as price.

But if you want the best carpet your money can buy, and you won’t be replacing it again for years, focus on what matters most: quality.

What does quality carpet mean?

Quality and durability tend to go hand in hand. And most often, that includes key factors like materials used, construction, and fiber weight.

This is where you should spend your time comparing the different samples before making your final decision. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, ask about carpet specifications. This includes:

• Fiber type
• Pile height
• Tuft-twist rating
• Pile density
• Pile weight

You should also focus on manufacturer and warranties – what will your carpet be covered for in the months and years to come? These specifications help you determine how durable your carpet will be over the lifespan. If you don’t understand something, ask.

A word about shopping around

Our modern age makes shopping around easier than ever. When you find a product you like, Google it. You can find the best deal possible with just a few clicks of your mouse.

But there’s a big difference between comparing toasters and carpet. Carpet isn’t something you can have delivered to your door and start using immediately. Instead, you have a lot of transactions invested in the process:

• Select the right carpet
• Ensure measuring is accurate
• Buy the right padding
• Ensure the right subfloor is in place
• Hire the right installer
• Ensure the carpet is installed correctly
• Understand the warranty so it’s not null and void from the getgo

Think you can do all that by ordering online?

Be aware that the price a company quotes you most likely is for carpet alone. Until you see the final quote – one that includes all the extras for having it installed – you aren’t seeing the full price.

There’s also the matter of customer service. Will you have problems with the installation process? Will you get your questions answered along the way? Will they be there for warranty work if something goes wrong? Good old fashioned customer service can be very important – have you found the right company that will stand behind the process from beginning to end?

Shop the smart way when buying new carpet

In the end, this is all about you creating a warm, comfortable living space you’ll enjoy coming home to day after day. The most expensive carpet you’ll ever purchase is one you didn’t like almost from the moment you picked it out.

Don’t compromise on the things that matter. Quality ensures longevity. If you get a carpet you really like, it’ll be a great purchase.

If you have your heart set on carpet a little above your price range, consider installing in stages. Start with bedrooms and stairs, then have living space installed later. Talk with your customer service rep about transitioning between rooms to ensure a solidified look.

Then when you’re ready to make your final choice, ask the salesperson for the spec sheets and samples. Bring them home and compare them in the light. Think about which will be your best choice overall.

Are you ready to buy new carpet this year? Stop by today and see what we have to offer you. 

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

It’s certainly true that owning a pet requires some extra work in terms of cleaning, but this is far outweighed by all of the awesomeness that comes with having a four-legged (or two-winged) friend in your life. Just stick with these tips provided by A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, a leading professional carpet cleaning company serving Littleton, and your carpet will always look sharp. 

Keep Those Paws Dry

No doubt the number one way that pets can dirty a carpet is by tracking in mud and dirt from outside. That’s why our nearby carpet cleaners recommend keeping a towel or two near the front door and the door to your backyard. You’ll probably get some resistance at first, but before long your pet will consider it no big deal. Plus, it’s definitely worth the effort when you consider that dirty paw prints on your carpet can easily lead to difficult stains that embed themselves deep within the fibers.

Consider Tile For Your Entryway

It might seem borderline sacrilegious for a carpet cleaning company to recommend tile, but sometimes you need to go outside your comfort zone in the interest of helping your customers. Plus, we’re only talking about a small area of your home’s floor, next to a doorway and/or your pet’s entryway. And the upside is huge, considering how much easier it is to wipe away dirt from a tile floor than it is from a carpet. Moreover, in instances where your pet is especially dirty, or soaked by a sudden thunderstorm, it’s nice to have a designated area with plenty of room to clean your dog’s paws and dry its fur.

Another option is to invest in an area rug or a carpet runner and use it as you designated wipe-down area. This way, if the soil build-up is too much, you can simply toss the rug/runner in the washing machine.

Choose Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner

Aside from tracking in dirt and debris, accidents do happen – and it’s important to have the right kind of cleaner on-hand to remedy unintended bathroom breaks or out-of-the-blue upset stomachs. First remove whatever solids are associated with the accident, along with any excess moisture, and then apply your pet-safe carpet cleaner to the area. Wait a few minutes, wipe the area clean, and your carpet should be back to 100% in no time. Our nearby carpet cleaners are happy to recommend a few effective products, some of which work specifically for different types and sizes of pets.

Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company

For starters, we recommend having your entire home’s carpets cleaned at least once a year or more, depending on the number of residents and pets. Even if you’re diligent about wiping your pet’s paws, promptly cleaning up accidents, and preventing pets from accessing certain rooms/furniture, a biannual professional cleaning is the best way to tie up any loose ends and ensure that any missed spots are addressed.

Count On Us For A Clean Carpet

Littleton and Denver homeowners trust A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning with all manner of carpet cleaning services, from pet damage and spot removal to upholstery cleaning. Contact us today for a free quote and to learn about our current service specials. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”

The post Have Pets? You Can Still Keep Your Carpets Clean appeared first on A Personal Touch.

What are flooring transition strips? The Carpet Guys want to help!  Transition strips are like the cherry on top of a sundae.  It completes the look of the flooring installation.

What is a Transition Used For?

A transition is a strip of material used between two different rooms of flooring.  There are many reasons transitions are necessary.

1. If there is a height difference between the flooring in two separate rooms.  For example laminate in a hallway that meets bathroom tile.  In most cases, tile sits higher than a laminate floor.  In order to make that difference safe, a transition piece is used.
2. When hard surface flooring (wood, laminate, LVP, etc.) is laid, there needs to be room for the floor to expand and contract with moisture and temperatures.  This expansion gap would be covered by your transition pieces.
3. For rooms that border each other with different flooring materials, a transition piece is also needed.  For instance, when carpet meets hardwood.  The transition piece gives these floor pairings a finished edge.  Consequently, there may be contrasting heights in those different types of flooring, as mentioned above.

Should a Transition Blend with Your Flooring?

Fortunately, with advancements in flooring, came advancements in transition pieces.  Gone are the days of only two aluminum strip options, silver or gold.  Now, we can also use metal, hardwood, or even laminate to match your flooring.  However, when a person is walking from room to room, it’s important for there to be a noticeable transition so they can anticipate the change in flooring elevation or feel.  This helps prevent accidents.

The Carpet Guys specialized installers know the exact transitions that are necessary for each situation.  If you’re interested in having new flooring installed, have confidence that your new floors will be finished perfectly.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.  One of our friendly, sales-support associates will give you a call.

The post What are Flooring Transition Strips? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Will you be taking on a home renovation project this year? Are you looking to freshen up the bathroom and making it look brand new?

We always recommend to start from the bottom up. You’ll be surprised at how a simple project like tiling your floors can change everything. Of course, you don’t have to end there. Tile is the right material for a wide variety of areas in your bathroom. You can use it for:

• Shower stalls
• Walls
• Backsplashes
• Countertops

Tile isn’t just for flooring anymore. It’s one of the most versatile materials you’ll find in the homebuilding industry.

But how do you know where to start? If you’ve ever walked into a showroom filled with tile, you know how overwhelming it can be. With hundreds of choices in every color, pattern, shape, and size you can imagine, how do you  know what will look right in your home? Where do you begin? Luckily, we’ve been helping homeowners just like you for years. Here’s the basic plan we always share with our customers.

Start with your budget

Did we mention that tile comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns? And with all of those options, the price adjusts accordingly. Tile can be one of the most economical choices you can make for your bathroom project. But if you want something to “wow” your guests and visitors, you can find one-of-a-kind tiles that will do just that. Of course, you’ll pay for it …

With all of this in mind, know that your first step in your remodeling project is to establish a budget for your tile. Ceramic tile is one of the most affordable. Step up to porcelain, and you’ll increase your durability. What’s the difference? Ceramic tile has the look and feel designed on the surface. With porcelain tile, the color and design run all the way through. Porcelain is also a water-resistant option, which makes it a perfect choice for every surface in your bathroom.

Choose a theme

With an almost endless supply of tiles on the marketplace, you can quickly get overwhelmed with possibility. That’s why we suggest you create a plan before you even start looking. Of course, plans are meant to be broken. And you might find something completely different than what you came in looking for. But having a plan when you walk through the door helps you narrow down your options. It gives you a starting point.

Chances are you have a color or style already in mind. Do you prefer bright or subdued? Modern or country? Dark or light? Even with just these few ideas in mind, you can start narrowing your focus and selecting things right for your taste.

We also recommend heading over to Pinterest and starting a pinboard. Then have fun searching for the best home websites online. When you see a bathroom design you like, pin it to your pinboard. You’ll start seeing trends almost immediately. Bring it in and share it with us. We’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

Consider tile size

Tile is anything but standard anymore. You can choose mosaic tile barely an inch in diameter. Go with a classic subway tile that runs 4×16 in size. Or go big and bold – select a tile two-feet or more in width.

There isn’t a wrong size when it comes to choosing a tile for your bathroom. Of course, you’ll find a wealth of information online about sizing tile properly for a bathroom. We’ve even written about it here.

But the good news is when choosing tile for a bathroom, you’re going to love it more if you let your personality shine through. If you want to stick to tradition, stay with a more standard size. To create a timeless look, select subway tile. If you want the latest trend, there are many choices for you.

Think big picture

The tile blends with the cabinets and the decor to create a bathroom you’ll love for years. That’s what our flooring consultants are here to do. When you come in, bring your ideas. We’ll throw in a few of our own. Before long, you’ll have a wide range of ideas to select from.

If you already have a color scheme in mind, bring in paint chips, towels, or even countertop selections to help you match and compliment. You’ll see how different tones bring out different looks.

But don’t rely on what you see in the store. When you finalize it down to a few selections, bring samples home. Live with them in your space for a few days. See the at night with the lights on. View them during the day with natural light splashing around. You might be surprised at what choice you gravitate to when you see them in your own home.

Don’t stop with the floors

If you’ve spent any time visiting home improvement sites and saving your favorites to a pinboard, you know you can use tile just about anywhere. From the floor to the shower, to walls and behind sinks, tile can be used just about everywhere.

Especially in bathrooms where moisture and humidity can be hard on surface areas. If you select the right tile, just wipe it clean. And if it’s installed correctly, it will protect you from water damage as the years go by.

Bathroom tile can be subtle, blending in with the surroundings. It can bring clean lines and give a spa-like vibe. Move into rich tones, and it can take center stage. Instead of being only functional, it can be more of an artistic expression.

What’s your preference?

If you’re remodeling your bathroom this year, let your creativity run wild. Tile is one of our favorite flooring choices for good reason: there’s so much you can do with tile!

No matter if you have ideas in mind, or have no idea where to begin, your best course of action for choosing tile for your bathroom is to stop by and see our selection. We can give you ideas to think about, provide you with tools to start the planning process. And when you’re ready to complete your project, we’ll help ensure everything is done from beginning to end.

How can we help you choose the right tile for your bathroom?

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Christmas is prime time when it comes to cleaning. Your friends and family coming over means you have a lot more foot traffic than normal, which could mean disaster for your flooring. Glitter from Christmas decorations, dirty shoes and possibly even snow are all culprits for creating an unclean floor in your home. 

A thorough Christmas clean is needed, and we’re here to help! This blog will help you in looking after real wood, laminate, LVT, and EvoCore flooring during the festive period. Family, friends and pets are the usual culprits for making your flooring dirty, or even causing damage in some cases.

 

Whatever your flooring type, it’s important to know what cleaning products and methods you should be using for the perfect clean. We’re going to walk you through step by step on protecting flooring, as well as tackling mess caused by a real Christmas tree. 

Preventing Damage

The first step for preparing your flooring for Christmas is always prevention. It’s always best to make sure your floor is the least vulnerable it can be, otherwise, you might be stuck trying to mend it. There are a number of different precautions and steps that can minimise the risk of damage and dirt this Christmas.

 

Shoes

Christmas time is the most dangerous time of year for flooring; there are bound to be high heels and wet shoes around your home throughout December and into the New Year.

 

Don’t be afraid to set some rules for your guests. Not letting shoes past the front door is an easy and effective way of keeping the mud out of your home. Alternatively, if you want to be a little more lenient, ask your guests to not wear high heels. High heels can seriously damage by leaving small holes, scratches and dents as they walk across your flooring. 

 

Use a shoe rack for your guests when they take off their shoes. This keeps things organised and prevents your front door from being cluttered with shoes. If you want to be a little more subtle about your no-shoes policy, try a festive-themed sign that gives your guests a gentle reminder your home is a shoe-free zone!

 

Moisture and dirt

If you’re worried about moisture or grime finding its way into your flooring, joint protector is a great way of protecting it. Joint protector is a water-based sealant that works as a waterproof protective layer for the joins between your planks, which increases the lifespan of your flooring. This is perfect for keeping those outside elements from making their way in, and can really come in handy if you’re expecting a lot of guests. Additionally, the joint sealant is completely odourless and transparent.

 

Cover your floor

To prevent any scratches or bumps from appearing on your flooring, something as simple as covering certain problem areas of your floor with a protective film can make this less of a worry. While it may not work to cover your entire floor, this works well in doorways where dirt is more likely to be an issue. This is a very common hack that a lot of people do for parties or get-togethers. It’s cheap and easy, so give it a try.

 

If you’d rather keep with the aesthetics of your home, using a large floor mat of your choice will look stylish and inconspicuous. Make sure to look for a nice thick mat for the best results.

 

Vacuum regularly

Make sure to vacuum your flooring throughout the day. This removes any chunks of dirt, litter, or any sharp objects that come off your tree. Keeping your flooring clean removes the chance of any sharp objects scratching the surface of your wood, laminate, or LVT, as well as preventing any liquids from setting into your flooring.

 

Preventing furniture damage

At Christmas time, it’s likely your furniture will be moved around to accommodate guests at parties. It’s the same when finding the spare chairs to squeeze everyone around the table. Using furniture pads protects floors from unsightly scratches while you chop and change your home’s layout for the festive celebrations. Furniture pads apply easily to the legs of your furniture, and allow them to glide easily without causing damage to your floor.

 

So, now we’ve focused on preventing damage, let’s move onto keeping your flooring clean and how to deal with dirt in your home this Christmas.

Real Christmas Trees

Real Christmas trees are a different beast compared to the fake trees you commonly see.

 

Before you bring your tree inside, make sure to give it a good shake to get rid off all the loose pine and dirt that may be on it; this means there will be less of a cleaning job in the long run.

 

If you are able to, be sure to water your tree regularly. Keeping your tree regularly hydrated will make it shed less of its pine leaves, therefore causing less of a mess for you to clean up.

 

 

 

Pine leaves on a real Christmas tree have a tendency to fall off and be a real nuisance.

To keep on top of things, it’s best to remove any loose debris or grit that may have fallen off the tree. We recommend using a vacuum with a brush attachment to get rid of any pine leaves or muck. 

 

If you’re struggling to keep on top of that regular vacuuming, using a decorative blanket to cover the floor from the tree is a great option. The blanket will look right at home while simultaneously protecting your flooring from any pine leaves or dirt.

 

When removing your tree, lay some spare blankets or sheets across the path that you plan to take your tree through. This will catch any last bits of debris that might fall off, saving the job of vacuuming up the mess after.

Use the Right Cleaning Equipment

Our Impero Elite Wood Flooring Kit professionally cleans and protects your wood flooring, restoring solid and engineered wood back to life. The advanced spray mop mechanism results in only a small amount of water being used, which is very beneficial for your flooring, as a high amount of water may cause long-term damage.

 

Our Impero cleaning kit includes: 

•         1 x Spray Mop
•         4 x Microfibre Cloths 
•         1 x Universal Floor Cleaner: 1L
•         1 x Reviving Wax for Wood Flooring: 1L
•         1 x Graduated Measuring Cap
•         1 x Detachable Cleansing Brush
•         1 x Instructions & Assembly Guide
•         1 x Wood Flooring Care & Maintenance Guide

 

For Laminate, LVT, and EvoCore flooring, we recommend using our Impero All-In-One Cleaning Kit. This floor cleaning kit is suited to all types of flooring and offers a professional, thorough clean. This cleaning kit also does a very effective job of removing greasy marks off your flooring. 

 

Included in the Impero All-In-One Cleaning Kit is:

• 1 x Spray Mop & Bottle
• 2 x Machine Washable Microfibre Cloths
• 1 x Litre of Concentrate Floor Cleaner
• 1 x Measuring Cup
• 1 x Brush

 

This cleaning kit does a very effective job of keeping your flooring clean and stain-free for long periods. This makes that post-cleaning session much more bearable.

Cleaning Your Flooring

Real Wood, Engineered Wood, and Parquet

For any kind of solid wood, engineered wood and parquet, the cleaning process is the same.

 

We recommend our Impero Elite Wood Flooring Kit. Firstly, use a microfibre cloth to remove any dust before cleaning. This kit is fantastic at dealing with stains and marks that may accumulate during Christmas time. Our kit uses a small amount of water as to not damage or warp the wood during cleaning. This results in an equally clean flooring. What’s more, our Reviving Wax is included in the kit and will help minimise the appearance of any damage and help to further protect your flooring. 

 

When cleaning your wood floor, it is vital that you do not use high amounts of water. Wood absorbs moisture, and the moisture can cause the wood to lift, warp, and in some extreme cases, the wood can even crack. Therefore it is highly recommended that you don’t use a lot of water, for your flooring’s sake!

 

Laminate

A Christmas clean of your laminate flooring is fairly simple and doesn’t differ from regular cleaning. Simply brush off any large bits of debris and mop the surface down with a slightly damp mop (although we recommend a flat-headed spray mop instead). For those slightly tougher stains, scrub the surface with a slightly damp cloth and some floor cleaner.

 

LVT

LVT is very easy to clean and requires little more than a sweeping brush and a mop. This particular type of flooring is water-resistant and offers great durability, which are both great features for flooring, especially during Christmas time. 

 

To clean LVT, Simply get rid of any large pieces of dirt and debris using a sweeping brush and mop. For tougher stains, similar to laminate, use a cloth and some floor cleaner and the stain should come right off.

 

EvoCore

Our EvoCore flooring is extremely durable and hard-wearing, this coupled with the addition of a completely waterproof surface means that you can clean this flooring extremely thoroughly if needed. 

 

Cleaning Evocore flooring is simple: sweep away any large pieces of debris, this is followed by a thorough mop down. 

 

For laminate, LVT and EvoCore, our All-in-One Cleaning Kit contains a spray mop and floor cleaner, perfect for any flooring type. 

 

What to Avoid

Wood Flooring

For any kind of wood-based flooring, as mentioned previously, it’s important to avoid water. If your wood flooring is exposed to a high amount of moisture, the flooring can curl, warp, or crack. Also, be sure to avoid any kind of DIY cleaning liquids that you may find guides on. Any kind of DIY cleaning product can damage your floor if you aren’t careful. As previously mentioned, it’s also important to avoid anything that can cause a bump or scratch on your wood floor.

 

Heating is used more regularly for the winter months, so it’s important to be mindful of not using the heating constantly. The constant heat can actually dry out your wood flooring and cause shrinking and cracks in some extreme circumstances. 

 

If you’re worried your floor may be drying out, there are ways to treat it. Keep a close eye on the humidity of your home; the air will be drier during the winter months, which means it’s worth using a humidifier. Be sure to introduce moisture into the air, not the flooring. For a simple fix, Close your curtains in the room with the flooring you want to keep from getting dry.

 

Laminate & LVT

As for laminate and LVT, be sure to not use excessive water on the surface when attempting to remove stains. Using anything abrasive on your laminate or LVT will create marks and scratches, so be sure to avoid this too. It’s also worth being mindful of not using soap-based polishes or detergents. Using soap-based detergents or polishes can leave a dull film on the laminate. This can lead to the need to replace your flooring if you don’t take the appropriate cleaning approach.

 

Although EvoCore Flooring is extremely durable, be sure to not use anything abrasive to remove stains. Constant heavy use of an abrasive object to clean the floor, such as steel wool, will eventually create unsightly scuff marks.

Prevent Future Damage

Preventing any future damage is as important as protecting and cleaning your floor. Our Impero Elite Reviving Wax provides optimum protection for your flooring. It creates a protective layer that will prevent any wear and tear from appearing on your flooring, and revives your floor and further protects it from any future damage. Perfect for once the festivities have ended!

 

Using Felt Adhesive Pads is a simple and effective way of protecting your flooring from abrasive damage. Place the pads on the contact points that your furniture or decor makes with your floor. This helps massively with preventing any scuffs or scratching, especially if you will have chairs and other furniture moving around your home. 

 

If you’d rather not use felt adhesive pads, placing a blanket or rug underneath your tables and chairs can do an effective job at protecting your flooring. Using a rug or blanket that matches your décor will make it more seamless, so you don’t need to worry about sacrificing your aesthetic.

Fix Any Damages

Fixing damaged wood and laminate flooring can be made much easier with our Floor Repair Kits. We offer many different colour variations to suit the shade of your flooring. These include:

 

• Grey
• Dark Wood
• Light Wood 
• Medium Wood

 

Simply give your flooring a clean down with a cloth and a small amount of water before using our kit. It works by filling in small sections of damage with colour-matched wax, and works on solid and engineered wood as well as laminate floors. 

 

For more serious damage, which is sometimes unavoidable, you may need to sand and refinish your floor. Note however, this is only for solid and engineered wood – if you have laminate, you can repair or replace laminate planks fairly easily. Sanding down the surface of your flooring and adding any range of our Osmo Oils can get the job done and makes your flooring look brand new. Sanding down the surface of your wood flooring can also open up new possibilities different shades.

We recommend you add 10% of the flooring onto the amount of LVT and laminate you buy. This extra amount of flooring accounts for any tiles that have been wasted during fitting. The extra flooring can also account for any damage that a tile may receive and needs replacing.

Conclusion

After these useful tips, your annual Christmas cleaning panic should be a little less stressful. Small and helpful tips can go a long way, especially when some problems can be so regular. These tips may even come in handy once the festive period is over

The post Christmas Clean: Protect Your Flooring This Christmas appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

If you’re a trend-setter, always ahead of the curve, The Carpet Guys want to share with you the Color of the Year for 2020.  We have compiled several decorating inspirations for you to progress into the coming decade.

Pantone Color of the Year 2020

Pantone is the expert in all thing’s “color”.  Each year, industries around the world anxiously await the color that will be picked to be Pantone’s color choice.  Due to international uncertainty, coming political changes, and a constant feeling of instability, Pantone chose a color that epitomizes calm, connectedness and security.  Classic Blue! Best communicated in “Pantone chooses a classic for its 2020 Color of the Year” blog, by Kirsi Goldynia of CNN, New York:

Expect to see plenty of Classic Blue elements in fashion, paper products, flooring, and household goods.

Certainly, you can stylize your home to include the feelings that Classic Blue invokes, try these simple tips:

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2020

Because paint and flooring are staples to any home renovation, we wanted to include Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year “First Light,” a soft blush that is light and airy.  According to Benjamin Moore regarding their Color Trends 2020 palette, “…delivers modern paint color pairings that combine optimism with understatement, a timeless way to lighten up.”  Another company trying to invoke peace of mind for the coming year.

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The Carpet Guys can enhance your flooring to go with these beautiful, new color schemes.  Check out our other 2020 Trends in Flooring blog for more inspiration. Of course, our experienced Design Consultants have appointments 7 days a week and in the evenings.  We will come to your home to accommodate your busy schedule.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

The post Color of the Year 2020 appeared first on The Carpet Guys.