Summer flooring care: Our top tips to keep your LVFs pristine

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings a vibrant energy that often translates into more foot traffic, outdoor adventures, and fun-filled gatherings that directly impact your flooring. However, the summer season can also present unique flooring care challenges for maintaining the beauty and durability of your LVF. From tracking in sand and dirt to increased humidity and sunlight, summer can be tough on flooring.

Following on from our previous article relating to maintaining that fresh feel we wanted to focus purely on summertime and how that can impact your luxury vinyl flooring. We want nothing more than for your LVF to withstand the test of time and retain its fresh aesthetic and feeling of newness. We have compiled this comprehensive guide for you to seamlessly achieve that.

Floorbay’s top tips

Keep dirt and sand to a minimum

During summer, it’s almost impossible to avoid bringing in dirt and sand from outside. These tiny particles can act like sandpaper on your floors, especially if you have hardwood or laminate flooring.

Here’s how to protect your floors:

• Entryway mats and coverings: Place high-quality mats at all entrances to trap dirt and sand before they make their way into your home. We recommend you opt for both an outdoor mat to scrape off larger debris and an indoor mat for finer particles.
• Regular sweeping and vacuuming: Make it a regular habit to sweep or vacuum your floors daily, particularly in high-traffic areas (such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and any corridors and walkways). Use a vacuum with a floor attachment to avoid scratching the surface.

Manage humidity levels

Summer humidity can wreak havoc on wood floors, causing them to expand, warp, or even buckle. As experts in this field, we know how best to tackle moisture

Here’s how to keep moisture under control:

• Dehumidifiers: Use dehumidifiers to maintain an optimal indoor humidity level (between 35-55%). This helps prevent your LVF from absorbing excess moisture.
• Air Conditioning: Running your air conditioner not only cools the air but also reduces indoor humidity levels.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated. Open windows and use fans to circulate air, particularly after cooking or showering. Also ensure you use your home heating system regularly (throughout all seasons), as damp, condensation and mould can form, impacting your LVF overall.

Protect against sun damage

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discolouration of your luxury Luvanto flooring, which is the last thing you want to happen. Sun damage can lead to costly repairs and can leave your flooring permanently marked. This is particularly apparent for hardwood, laminate, and vinyl floors. Here are some ways to shield your floors from the sun:

• Window treatments: Install blinds, curtains, or UV-resistant window films to block harmful UV rays.
• Rugs and carpets: Use area rugs and carpets to cover parts of your floor that receive the most sunlight. Not only do they protect the floor, but they also add a decorative touch to your space.
• Furniture placement: We recommend periodically moving your furniture and rugs to ensure even exposure to sunlight and prevent noticeable fading patterns.

Quickly clean any spillages

Summer often means more cold drinks, popsicles, and juicy fruits, all of which can lead to sticky spills. Promptly cleaning up spills is crucial to prevent stains and damage:

• Quick response: Wipe up any spills immediately using a soft, damp cloth. For sticky substances, use a mild floor cleaner appropriate for your flooring type.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stick to pH-neutral cleaning products to avoid stripping the floor’s finish. For wood floors, consider cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood.

Maintain outdoor areas

Keeping your outdoor areas clean can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked into your home. Here’s what you can do to minimise outdoor dirt transfer from entering your home.

• Clean decks and patios: Regularly sweep and hose down decks, patios, and walkways. This minimizes the dirt and dust that can be brought inside.
• Foot cleaning stations: Set up a small foot cleaning station at your entrance. A simple bucket of water and a towel can help guests and family members clean their feet before coming inside.

Use floor protectors and area rugs

With summer activities in full swing, your floors may endure more wear and tear from heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, and pet activities. Protect your floors with these tips:

• Floor protectors: Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture around.
• Area rugs and runners: Place rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and living rooms to protect the flooring beneath. These rugs can be easily cleaned or replaced as needed.

Regular maintenance and inspections

Regular maintenance can go a long way in preserving the longevity and beauty of your floors. LVF is known for its durability and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for many households. To keep your LVF looking its best, follow these cleaning guidelines:

Daily

Sweep or Vacuum – Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a floor attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This helps prevent scratches and keeps the floor looking clean.

Weekly

Damp mop – Use a damp mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for vinyl Invictus flooring. Avoid using excessive water, as it can seep into seams and edges, potentially causing damage.

Monthly

Deeper Cleaning – Perform a more thorough cleaning using a vinyl floor cleaner or a solution of water and mild dish soap. Be sure to rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap residue, which can attract dirt.

When needed

Spot clean spills and stains – Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining. For tougher stains, use a vinyl floor cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional tips

Regular inspections: Check for any signs of wear or damage, especially in high-traffic areas, and address issues promptly to maintain the floor’s appearance and longevity

Routine cleaning: Follow a regular cleaning schedule tailored to your flooring type. For example, wood floors may require periodic refinishing, while carpets need deep cleaning.

Professional inspections: Consider having your floors professionally inspected and cleaned annually. Professionals can identify potential issues and provide specialized care to maintain your floor’s integrity.

Taking care throughout the summer period – our final words

With a bit of proactive care, your floors can withstand the challenges of summer and continue to look their best. By keeping dirt and moisture at bay, protecting against sun damage, and ensuring regular maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of your floors all season long. Embrace these summer flooring care tips, and your floors will remain pristine, adding to the enjoyment of your summer activities.

If you have any further questions on how to best care for your floor during the summer or any time throughout the year, please contact one of our friendly experts today. With Floorbay, you can rest assured that you and your spaces are in the best care. We will only ever offer you honest, clear advice on how to best maintain your new luxury flooring.

We look forward to helping you with all of your cleaning and care concerns  today!