Looking After Your Flooring

Correct aftercare is essential to maintaining the appearance, performance and longevity of your flooring. Flooring materials behave differently depending on use, environment and conditions. Preventative care is always more effective than reactive cleaning. This page provides general guidance to help homeowners, developers and commercial clients care for their floors responsibly.

Important Before You Start

  • Flooring should be cared for as you would any quality interior finish or fabric
  • Incorrect cleaning products or methods can damage flooring and void warranties
  • Always follow manufacturer guidance where provided
  • When in doubt, stop and seek advice

This guidance supports good maintenance. It does not replace professional assessment.

General Aftercare Principles (All Floor Types)

  • Never push or drag furniture, always lift
  • Use felt pads or protective glides under furniture
  • Place mats at entrances to reduce grit and moisture
  • Clean spills promptly
  • Avoid excessive water
  • Maintain suitable indoor conditions

Floors perform best when they are protected, cleaned gently and maintained consistently.

Recommended Care Products

We supply approved maintenance products to help protect your flooring, including cleaning kits, furniture protectors and specialist vacuums.

View Flooring Care Products

Moisture, Temperature and Environment

Moisture levels and ambient conditions can change throughout the life of a home or building.

  • Maintain temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees
  • Avoid rapid temperature or humidity changes
  • Ensure adequate ventilation

Changes in environment can affect flooring performance, particularly wood products. Where readings indicate elevated risk, this should be investigated and an appropriate solution agreed before proceeding. In some cases, this may include the installation of a damp proof membrane.

Carpet Aftercare

Carpet should be treated much like clothing, prompt, gentle action is key.

Everyday Care

  • Vacuum regularly using a suitable vacuum cleaner
  • Use entrance mats to reduce dirt and grit
  • Avoid aggressive brushing

Stains and Accidents

  • Act quickly
  • Blot, do not rub
  • Avoid over-wetting
  • Test any method in an inconspicuous area first

Many everyday stains can be treated using a small amount of fabric detergent and warm water, similar to hand-washing clothes. For more stubborn marks, a suitable stain remover may be required, following manufacturer guidance.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Design Flooring

LVT is durable and easy to maintain when cared for correctly.

General Care

  • Sweep regularly to remove grit
  • Mop occasionally using a pH-neutral cleaner
  • Avoid excessive water
  • Never use steam cleaners

Protection

  • Use felt pads under furniture
  • Increase contact area under heavy items to reduce indentation

Approved Cleaning and Care Products

  • NHF LVT Care Kit
  • Amtico Care Kits
  • Karndean Care Kits
Shop LVT Care Kits

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is a natural product and requires considered care.

Everyday Care

  • Sweep or vacuum using a hard-floor setting
  • Damp clean only with minimal moisture
  • Wipe spills immediately

Finish Matters

  • Lacquered floors require gentle cleaning and scratch prevention
  • Oiled floors require periodic oil maintenance

Over time, engineered wood will naturally show signs of use. This ageing adds character and depth and is not a fault. Never use steam cleaners or excessive water on wood flooring.

Recommended Products

  • Bona wood floor systems
  • Rubio Monocoat cleaning solutions
  • Rubio maintenance oil (for oiled floors)
View Wood Floor Care Products

Other Flooring Types

Vinyl Flooring

  • Sweep regularly with a soft broom
  • Mop using warm water and a neutral pH cleaner
  • Clean spills immediately

Avoid abrasive cleaners, polish products, steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners with rotating beater bars.

Laminate Flooring

  • Vacuum or sweep regularly
  • Damp clean only, using minimal moisture
  • Avoid steam cleaners
  • Clean spills promptly

Ceramics and Stone Flooring

  • Clean using suitable tile cleaners
  • Avoid harsh acids on natural stone
  • Seal natural stone where required
  • Keep grout lines clean

Safety Flooring and Wet Rooms

  • Follow manufacturer-recommended cleaning schedules
  • Avoid products that leave residue
  • Maintain slip resistance through appropriate care

Pets and Furniture

  • Keep pets claws trimmed
  • Protect areas where pets eat or sleep
  • Use protective mats under office chairs
  • Fit appropriate castors to furniture
Shop Furniture Pads and Floor Protectors

Professional Repairs and Cleaning

If flooring becomes damaged or heavily soiled:

  • Repairs should only be carried out by qualified installers
  • Many LVT and vinyl floors allow individual tile replacement
  • Deep cleaning may require professional equipment

We provide professional floor cleaning, repair and maintenance services. In many cases, targeted repairs are more cost-effective than full replacement.

Responsibility and Warranties

  • Day-to-day care sits with homeowners and occupiers
  • Incorrect methods may void manufacturer warranties
  • Always follow manufacturer guidance and approved products

Where flooring has been supplied and installed by us, we are happy to advise at any stage.

Need Help or Advice?

If you are unsure how to care for your flooring, or an issue arises, seek advice before attempting further cleaning or repair.

Contact Us for Aftercare Support