The Dos And Don'ts of Maintaining your Cork Floors
You have spent a great deal of time, effort and money on your cork floor selection and installation. Now it's time to know all about how to maintain them for a long time. Here is a quick list of do's and don'ts while maintaining your cork floors.
Do:
Wipe away spills at once.
Damp mop the floor occasionally.
Vacuum and sweep regularly to clean dirt and grit that can cause abrasion to the floor.
Place mats and rugs at entrances to prevent dirt and debris being tracked onto the floor from outside. These mats should be breathable.
Use a rug or mat in front of the kitchen stove and sink to prevent wear due to regular excessive usage.
Place drip pans under potted plants to prevent water seepage.
Insert felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scuffs.
Rearrange furniture occasionally to decrease indentation.
Recoat the floor before the finish is worn out. It will keep you from the hassle of resanding your floors.
Inspect the cork floors for wear due to high traffic or at areas with excessive usage like entrances, kitchen and gaming courts.
Keep your blinds or curtains drawn to prevent the floors from fading because of excessive sun exposure.
Don't:
Wet mop the floor.
Use mats with rubber or non-porous backing. They trap moisture and affect the finish of the flooring.
Walk upon the cork floors while wearing stiletto heels. Also avoid using sharp or pointed objects with concentrated weight.
Drag furniture while moving it across the cork floors as it may cause indentation. Instead lift it and also place a clean sheet of plywood or other protective layer on the cork floor while moving furniture.