Preparing Your Floors for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again! Time to make a list, check it twice, and deck those halls. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, as you prepare, don’t forget to show your floors some extra love, so they will be company-ready when the time and the crowd arrives.
Exactly how you prepare will depend on what type of flooring you have. Whatever type you have, remember this one fact: Your clean, pristine floors are the foundation to a beautifully decorated home that dazzles your guests! You can create a wonderful impression by putting a polish on what you’ve got going on, and even revisit the possibility of a flooring upgrade in the New Year. In the meantime, it’s time to prepare for the holidays:
Carpet or Large Rugs
If you have carpet or large area rugs, now is a great time to schedule a professional deep cleaning, especially if you have pets or active kids in the home. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to schedule a cleaning and then put all your decorations together prior to the holidays. Carpet should be dry before you reassemble your room, especially if you need to move furniture for the cleaners or to create a new hosting arrangement.
Tile Floors
If you have tile floors, there is a good chance that your grout needs some love. Even when you take good care of your tile, grout can trap more particles and substances over time, which will create a dull appearance. When you prepare for holiday company, make sure to pay attention to getting the grime off your grout by using a grout-specific cleaner and a grout-specific brush. Clean grout lines will make your tile surfaces pop! Follow up by cleaning the tiles themselves, mopping the floor, and drying the surface afterward to avoid water spots.
Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood & Laminate Flooring
If you have hardwood flooring or laminate flooring, you should not be cleaning with a mop and bucket. Gently clean these types of flooring as you normally would. Sweep, vacuum, or dry mop to collect dust bunnies and debris, then gently spot clean any visible dirt with a damp cloth. You can use a minimal amount of cleaner to remove general dirt, but do not wet these floors as they can experience moisture damage. After they are clean, you may consult your manufacturer’s warranty for a cleaner want that can polish your floors for a holiday shimmer. There are different types of polish for different floors so be sure to complete this step very carefully.
Vinyl Floors
No matter what type of vinyl floors you have including luxury vinyl tile, plank, or sheet vinyl, the process is pretty much the same. Sweep, vacuum, or dry mop your floors and then wash with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Don’t worry about skimping on the water. Vinyl floors, regardless of the type, are not affected by moisture. They won’t warp or experience damage because vinyl is an inherently waterproof material. If you’d like to polish your floors, there are products designed for vinyl on the market that will add a nice shine.
The holiday season will be here before you know it! Prepare your floors as you get the rest of your house ready, so that you can relax and enjoy your time with family and friends. If you find that it is time for a flooring upgrade, visit our helpful professionals at Thornton Flooring. We can help you with product recommendations, review design options that will work with your budget, and set everything up for after the hustle of the holidays. You can start the New Year fresh, with new floors!
