4 Flooring Issues in Your Home and How to Address Them
Your home’s flooring is likely to become subjected to a lot of wear and tear over the years. From being exposed to dirt and spills to pet messes, it’s no wonder that your flooring can start to show imperfections over time. What’s more, a poorly maintained floor is not only an eyesore, but also becomes a source of embarrassment when a guest visits your home. Importantly, dirty or poorly maintained floors can even exacerbate medical conditions such as allergies and asthma.
Fortunately, there are some effective ways to address common flooring issues so that your floors can look their best. Let’s take a look.
1. Scratches
Scratches can be caused by everything moving or being moved on your floors – from pets to furniture. In addition, scratches can be especially difficult to deal with if you have hardwood floors, since they can become quite visible.
The best way to deal with scratches is to prevent them in the first place. You can do this by placing mats or rugs at all entrances to your home to prevent bringing in dirt and debris on shoes. Additionally, it is also recommended to place mats or rugs under furniture legs to prevent scratching when moving furniture around.
If your flooring already has scratches, there are a few things you can do to try to minimize their appearance. First, you can use furniture polish or wax that matches the colour of your floors. Rub the polish or wax into the scratch, and then buff it out. Moreover, you can also try using a felt tip marker that is one shade lighter than your flooring. Fill in the scratch, and then wipe away the excess with a damp cloth.
Finally, we recommend reaching out to the experts at Beaches Timber Floors in Sydney to help you revamp your worn-out floors.
2. Stains
Flooring stains can be caused by spills, pet accidents, and tracked-in dirt and debris. What’s more, they can be difficult to remove, especially if they’ve had time to set in.
If the floor stains are fresh, you can blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Then, use a mild soap and water solution to clean the area. In addition, it is important to rinse away all traces of soap before allowing the area to dry completely.
To remove older stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Many commercially available products are designed for removing tough stains from the flooring.
Alternatively, you can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water. First, apply the solution to the stain, then scrub it with a brush or cloth. Be sure to rinse away all traces of the vinegar before allowing the area to dry completely.
When it comes to pet stains, it’s important to remove them as quickly as possible. Not only do they look unsightly, but they can also lead to unpleasant odours. If your pet peed on your floor, you can start by blotting up as much urine as possible with a clean, dry cloth. Then, you can use a pet-specific cleaning solution or a mild soap and water solution to clean the area.
Be sure to rinse away all traces of soap before allowing the area to dry completely. Furthermore, you may need to repeat this process several times to completely remove the stain and odour.
3. Dullness
Over time, your floors can start to look dull and lacklustre. This is usually due to a build-up of dirt and debris. To prevent this, it is essential to regularly sweep, vacuum, or mop your floors to remove the build-up of dirt and debris so that your floors look their best.
You can also use a commercial floor cleaner to help brighten your floors. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and rinse away all traces of cleaner before allowing the area to dry completely.
4. Gaps
Gaps can form in both hardwood and laminate floors over time; they are usually caused by changes in temperature or humidity. To prevent gaps from forming on your floors, it’s important to control the temperature and humidity in your home. Use a humidifier in the winter to add moisture to the air and an air conditioner in the summer to remove moisture from the air. It is also recommended to avoid placing rugs or mats over floor vents so that the heat or air conditioning can circulate properly.
Final Word
With time and wear and tear, even the most durable floors can sustain damage if not taken care of properly. By taking the time to address these common flooring issues, you can keep your floors looking their best for years to come.