Floors are probably the most underrated part of the home, at least in terms of maintenance. After all, everyone's eyes will be on the walls, the paint job, and the furniture-and most of the floor will be covered anyway. But floors get more abuse than most homeowners realize. And more often than not, they don't do anything about it until the damage becomes widespread, not to mention costly to repair. Following these five tips can help you keep your flooring in top form with minimal effort.
1. Keep it clean. You'd think it would take more to damage a floor, but dirt and dust are actually a floor's biggest enemies. They don't just work on the surface-if left too long, they can creep into the cracks and weaken the floor's foundations. Make it a daily habit to sweep the most high-traffic parts of the floor, such as the living room and hallway.
2. Wipe up spills immediately. Some materials are more resistant to stains, but that doesn't mean they're immune. Any liquid can cause a stain when left unattended for more than a few minutes. Wipe them up as soon as possible so they don't have time to seep in and become permanent.
3. Reapply treatments occasionally. Most floors come with protective coats that protect them from the elements. Of course, these won't last forever-at some point, you will have to reseal the floor to make sure it stays protected. As soon as you see parts of the coat peeling, cover it up before it starts to spread.
4. Mind your rugs, too. Rugs and carpets are usually there to protect your floors, but they need a bit of care themselves. Make sure to vacuum them regularly (one to three times a week depending on the traffic), and keep them as dry as possible. Once in a while, turn area rugs around so it wears out evenly.
5. Don't abuse it. Floors are naturally made to be sturdy, but even the strongest ones have their limits. Take care not to drop anything heavy, drag furniture, or step in with dirty footwear. Even small changes in your routine can do wonders for your floor, not to mention the rest of your home.
