Jen Biddlecombe, Author at Inner-City Flooring Renovations

The Remarkable Benefits of Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring for Your Home

Posted on June 13, 2023 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

When it comes to renovating your home’s flooring, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material. Water-resistant laminate flooring has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This versatile and durable flooring option offers a wide range of benefits that make it a perfect choice for homeowners seeking both style and functionality. In this blog post, we’ll explore the remarkable benefits of water-resistant laminate flooring. Providing you with insights that will help you make an informed decision for your home.

Superior Water Resistance

Water-resistant laminate flooring is engineered with a unique construction that offers superior water resistance, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Unlike traditional laminate flooring, water-resistant laminate has a protective layer that repels spills and moisture, preventing it from seeping into the core. This characteristic helps to minimize the risk of warping, swelling, or damage caused by water exposure, ensuring a longer lifespan for your flooring investment.

Durability and Longevity

Laminate flooring, in general, is known for its durability, and water-resistant laminate is no exception. The protective layers of water-resistant laminate make it highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas in your home. It can withstand the wear and tear of daily life, including the pitter-patter of kids’ feet and the paws of furry friends. With proper care and maintenance, water-resistant laminate flooring can maintain its beauty and functionality for many years, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements.

Easy Maintenance

One of the standout advantages of water-resistant laminate flooring is its ease of maintenance. Thanks to its water-resistant properties, spills and stains can be effortlessly wiped away without leaving a mark. Unlike some flooring materials that require special cleaners or treatments, water-resistant laminate can be cleaned using simple household cleaning products, making it a hassle-free option for busy households. With water-resistant laminate, you can enjoy a beautiful floor without the stress of constant maintenance. For more maintenance and flooring cleaning tips check out this blog post.

Wide Range of Styles and Designs

Water-resistant laminate flooring offers a vast array of styles, designs, and finishes, allowing you to achieve the aesthetic you desire for your home. Whether you prefer the classic look of hardwood or the sleek elegance of stone, there’s a water-resistant laminate option that can complement your interior design theme. With advancements in technology, manufacturers can replicate the look and texture of natural materials so convincingly that it’s often difficult to distinguish water-resistant laminate from the real thing. Check out the variety from Mohawks Revwood Line.

Budget-Friendly Option

Renovating your home’s flooring doesn’t have to break the bank, and water-resistant laminate flooring provides a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality. Compared to hardwood or natural stone, water-resistant laminate is more affordable while still offering similar visual appeal. Additionally, the installation process is relatively quick and straightforward, reducing labor costs and minimizing disruption to your daily life.

Conclusion

Water-resistant laminate flooring combines style, functionality, and affordability, making it a compelling choice for homeowners seeking a durable and visually appealing flooring option. With its superior water resistance, remarkable durability, easy maintenance, wide range of styles, and budget-friendly nature, water-resistant laminate flooring provides the perfect solution for those looking to enhance their homes with beautiful, long-lasting flooring. So, why compromise when you can have it all? Consider water-resistant laminate flooring for your next renovation project and enjoy the benefits it brings to your home for years to come.

Retro Revival: Exploring Vintage-Inspired Flooring Trends

Posted on June 6, 2023 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

In the world of interior design, what’s old is often new again. Vintage-inspired flooring styles have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, offering homeowners the opportunity to infuse their spaces with a touch of nostalgia and timeless charm. From the elegant beauty of terrazzo to the intricate patterns of tiles and the versatile functionality of linoleum, these classic flooring options have captured the hearts of many looking to create a unique and character-filled home. In this article, we’ll delve into the retro revival and explore the allure of vintage-inspired flooring trends.

Terrazzo Vintage Inspired Flooring: A Resplendent Blend of Beauty and Durability

Terrazzo flooring, once a popular choice in mid-century homes, has made a remarkable comeback in contemporary interior design. This composite material, consisting of marble or granite chips set in concrete or epoxy resin, offers a striking mosaic-like appearance that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its durable nature makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, while its versatility allows for endless design possibilities.

Patterned Tiles: Unleashing Creative Expression

Patterned tiles are a fantastic way to add a dose of vintage flair to your home. Whether you opt for Moroccan-inspired encaustic tiles, bold geometric patterns, or intricate Victorian motifs, these tiles offer an opportunity to showcase your personal style and create a visually stunning space. From kitchens to bathrooms, entryways to living areas, patterned tiles have the power to transform any room into a vibrant and eye-catching oasis.

Linoleum: Vintage Inspired Flooring – A Versatile and Eco-Friendly Choice

Once associated with outdated aesthetics, linoleum has experienced a remarkable resurgence as a versatile and environmentally friendly flooring option. Made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork powder, and wood flour, linoleum boasts a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a great choice for those seeking a retro vibe. Additionally, it is highly durable, resistant to moisture, and easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for busy urban households.

Reclaimed Wood: Infusing History into Your Home

For those seeking flooring with a rich backstory and a rustic, vintage appeal, reclaimed wood is an excellent choice. By repurposing old barn wood, salvaged timber, or even railway sleepers, you can bring a sense of history and character to your living spaces. Each piece of reclaimed wood has a unique story to tell, and its weathered patina and natural imperfections only add to its charm.

Embracing vintage-inspired flooring trends allows homeowners to add a touch of nostalgia and personality to their spaces. Whether you opt for the resplendent beauty of terrazzo, the creative expression of patterned tiles, the versatility of linoleum, or the history-infused charm of reclaimed wood, vintage-inspired flooring options offer a plethora of choices to suit various tastes and design styles. So, unleash your creativity, explore the retro revival, and let your floors become a captivating canvas that transports you back in time while embracing the present.

Spring Cleaning Flooring Tips

Posted on May 9, 2023 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

Spring has officially sprung, and it’s the perfect time to refresh up on Spring Cleaning Flooring Tips. As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to take care of your floors and give them the deep clean they deserve. In this newsletter, we’ll share our top tips for Spring cleaning your floors, along with advice on the best products to use for different types of flooring.

Hardwood Floors:

When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, it’s important to avoid using too much water or harsh chemicals. Instead, opt for a gentle hardwood floor cleaner that’s specifically designed to protect the natural finish of your floors. You can also use a microfiber mop to pick up dirt and dust without leaving scratches.

Tile Floors:

For tile floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming up any loose debris. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or tile cleaner. Use a sponge or mop to apply the solution to your floors, being careful not to saturate the grout lines. Finally, rinse your floors with clean water and let them air dry. For more stubborn grout stains use a steamer with bristle attachment.

Carpet:

To remove tough stains from carpet floors, start by blotting up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Then, apply a carpet stain remover or a solution of white vinegar and warm water to the affected area. Use a clean cloth to gently blott the stain, working from the outside in. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.

Vinyl Floors:

To clean vinyl floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming up any loose debris. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a gentle vinyl floor cleaner. Use a mop or sponge to apply the solution to your floors, being careful not to use too much water. Finally, rinse your floors with clean water and let them air dry.

Laminate Floors:

Laminate floors can be cleaned with a damp mop and a gentle laminate floor cleaner. Avoid using too much water, as it can seep into the seams and cause damage. If you have any tough stains or grime on your laminate floors, you can try using a mixture of warm water and vinegar to remove them.

We hope these tips help you achieve sparkling clean floors this Spring! If you have any questions or need additional cleaning advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And don’t forget to visit our store for all your flooring needs.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Posted on March 10, 2023 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring. Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. However, like any flooring option, it also has its drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.

Pros:

Affordability: Laminate flooring is typically less expensive than hardwood, tile, or other flooring options. This makes it a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
Durability: Laminate flooring is extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a great option for high-traffic areas like entryways, living rooms, and kitchens.
Easy to install: Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install, making it a great choice for DIYers. It can be installed over existing flooring, which can save time and money.
Low maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It doesn’t require waxing or polishing, and spills can be quickly wiped up with a damp cloth.
Wide variety of styles: Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, making it easy to find a look that fits your home’s decor.

Cons:

Not as durable as hardwood: While laminate flooring is durable, it’s not as durable as hardwood flooring. It can be scratched and damaged over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Can’t be refinished: Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate flooring can’t be refinished. If it becomes damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
Not as water-resistant as other options: While laminate flooring is water-resistant, it’s not as water-resistant as tile or vinyl flooring. This means that it’s not the best choice for bathrooms or other areas where water is likely to be present.
Can be noisy: Laminate flooring can be noisy, especially if it’s not installed properly. This can be a problem in multi-story homes or apartments.
Not as eco-friendly as other options: Laminate flooring is made from synthetic materials, which means it’s not as eco-friendly as hardwood, bamboo, or other natural flooring options.

In conclusion, laminate flooring is a great choice for homeowners on a budget who want a durable and low-maintenance flooring option. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of laminate flooring before making a decision. If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s more durable and water-resistant, hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring may be a better choice.

Pro Tip: When it comes to Laminate always choose a good quality, reputable brand like Mohawk’s Revwood Line. For More Information of Revwood Laminate Lines Visit Mohawks Website.

Benefits of Engineered Hardwood

Posted on February 28, 2023 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

This flooring type offers an array of benefits that make it a popular choice for homeowners. It can be installed in basements, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas, and is available in a variety of colors and styles. Here are some of the key benefits of engineered hardwood flooring.

Durability & Longevity

Engineered hardwood flooring is hard-wearing, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. It is also resistant to scratches and dents, making it a good choice for homes with pets and children. Its layers also make it less prone to warping due to humidity and temperature changes, which can occur in basements and other areas.

Easy Installation

Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed much faster than solid hardwood. This is because it does not have to be nailed down and can be installed as a floating floor, allowing for easier and faster installation. They even come in herringbone pattern with a locking system see the colour options here.

Cost-Effective

Engineered hardwood flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring, making it a much more affordable option. It is also easier to maintain, as it does not require as much refinishing and sanding as solid hardwood flooring.

Versatility

Engineered hardwood flooring is versatile and can be used in a variety of rooms and spaces. It can be used in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas. It can also be installed on any level of the house, including the basement.

Aesthetics

Engineered hardwood is available in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect floor for your home. It can also be stained and refinished to match any existing décor or to give your room a completely new look.

Benefits of Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring is a cost-effective, durable, and versatile option for any home. It can be installed in a variety of rooms and is easy to maintain. Its layers make it resistant to warping, and it can be refinished to match any existing decor. If you’re looking for a hardwood flooring option that will last for years to come, engineered hardwood is the perfect choice.

Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring

Posted on July 22, 2022 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

One of the most common questions that comes up regarding flooring is what is the difference between Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring and which one is right for my project. Although Laminate and Vinyl Plank share a lot of characteristics they have some key differences that might impact whether you choose one over the other.

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl Plank Flooring or Rigid Core is a synthetic material made up of polymers ( plastic ) and gives vinyl its water and moisture resistance. The top layer is a protective layer, followed by a high resolution image, the rigid core center and foam attached underlay. Vinyl Plank ranges from 4mm up to 10mm thick.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is similar to Vinyl Plank but the core is made of wood products and generally has a thicker layer of plastic on top, the protective layer, a high resolution image to give the design followed by the core. Thickness of laminate ranges from 8mm to 14mm.

Which flooring should I choose for my project?

Below is a look at both laminate and vinyl plank in each category to consider when choosing floors from appearance to durability see how these floors stack up.

Appearance

Both vinyl plank and laminate get their appearance from a high resolution picture which is laminated onto the core and backing. As vinyl plank has become more popular manufactures are making it thicker which allows for deeper embossing for more realistic textures.

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference on colour and feel, both floors have fantastic realistic wood, stone, and pattern appearance. Pro Tip: Look for high counts on pattern repeats for more realistic wood looking floors.

Water Resistance

Vinyl Plank is made of waterproof material, if there is a leak or pool of water the flooring can be wiped clean and re-installed.

Laminate floors have become better resistant to water in recent years with some manufactures offering up to 80 hours of waterproof protection. This makes laminate not ideal for areas where water is common, bathrooms, kitchens and mudrooms.

Heat Resistance

The core of laminate flooring is wood there for it can swell in high heat and high moisture environments. Vinyl Plank floors can also expand if temperatures rise and fall rapidly. Always temperature control your space with air conditioning and use proper window coverings.

Care and Cleaning

Laminate floors should be cleaned with dry mopping and spot cleaning spills. Wet mopping, steam mops and harsh chemicals are not recommended as they can cause delamination. Always follow manufacture cleaning guides to keep your warranty in good standing.

Vinyl Plank Floors can be cleaned many ways and dry mopping is generally used. Most vinyl plank cleaners are acceptable however it is best to check with the manufactures guide to keep warranties valid.

Durability

Vinyl Plank is more susceptible to damage from dropping items than Laminate. Both Laminate Flooring and Vinyl Plank flooring are very durable, however; both can delaminate or chip over time, the key difference is in the exposed layer underneath. With Laminate the core is made of wood products which allows water to enter lower layers eventually causing swelling, peaking and gapping. Vinyl Plank flooring if chipped or delaminating can be repaired and due to its plastic core will not absorb water causing further damage to the floor.

Maintenance

Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring in terms of maintenance are tied. Both floorings have reasonably low maintenance compared to other flooring types like Tile, Carpet and Hardwood. Keeping them clear of spills, debris, and dirt particles or sand will have your floors looking brand new for years.

Installation

Vinyl Plank and Laminate Floors both use a click locking system. Due to laminates thicker core a table saw is required for installation. Vinyl Plank can generally be cut with a utility knife using a scoring method. Both flooring command similar rates for installation depending on your area. Both require the subfloor to be level within manufactures tolerance, the thinner the product the more levelling required making Vinyl Plank installation sometimes slightly higher. Pro-Tip: Always keep a contingency fund for levelling costs, 10% of your total project for any unforeseen hiccups.

Costs

Laminate flooring has been around longer than vinyl plank therefor you can find some great deals occasionally. Newer laminates have longer water resistance but are more costly. Vinyl plank flooring is popular for home owners, commanding a slightly higher amount per square foot than laminate.

Lifespan

Both Laminates and Vinyl Plank Flooring offer lifetime residential warranties through reputable manufactures. Always check the warranty on sale items and purchase extra if the floors you are buying are being discontinued (as this is when it usually goes on sale.)

Environmental Impact

During the manufacturing process both laminate and vinyl plank produce significant amounts of off gasses, however; once cured both do not release any harmful off gasses. After its life laminate can be recycled where as the synthetic nature of vinyl makes recycling old product sometimes challenging. More manufactures are turning to recycled plastics to create sustainable vinyl plank flooring in the future.

Stain Resistance

Vinyl Plank Flooring has a protective layer like laminate that protects it from stains and spills. Laminate flooring stains generally only come from pooled water that was not cleaned up in time.

Comfort and Sound

Vinyl Floors can feel cold underfoot especially on lower levels of the home like basements. Most luxury brands are radiant heat approved. Laminate flooring can sometimes sound hollow compared to real wood, but trap in hear better for warmer feel.

Resale Value

Great looking quality Laminate or Vinyl Plank that is professionally installed will increase the value of you home. Choosing a cheaper brand of either will lead to prospective buyers having flooring on their list to replace.

Which is better Vinyl Plank flooring or Laminate Flooring?

When it comes to choosing between vinyl plank flooring vs. laminate flooring it does come down to personal preference and budget, however; bathrooms, kitchens and mudrooms vinyl plank flooring is more suited for. As vinyl plank gains more popularity manufactures are coming up with more innovative technology to increase lifespan.

Check out these Vinyl Plank and Laminate Lines we love.

Vinyl Plank	Laminate Flooring
FirmFit	Wood 2 Premium
Ultra Max	Portraits
Omega	Floorpan
Venice	Dreamfloor
Curate

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for articles, information, inspiration and special savings. All your flooring and cabinetry needs in the lower mainland. Best deals on laminate and vinyl plank in surrey. Flooring with installation in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody.

Benefits of Carpet

Posted on July 16, 2022 | by Jen Biddlecombe | 3 Comments

With so many different types of flooring on the market it can quickly become overwhelming when it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your space. Check out these seven benefits of carpet and why you should choose carpet for your flooring renovation in Port Coquitlam, Langley, Surrey, Port Moody and Coquitlam.

Style

Carpet is unique because of the different style themes it can achieve. Luxurious & Elegant, Causal & Comfortable, Hip & Unique, Bold & Colourful,.. the list goes on. Texture options range from short to longer, frieze, looped or piled, there is also patterned texture for a unique look with no colour variation. Multi-coloured patterned carpet can add pops of accent colours to help tie in your design or visually lead the eye to a preferred statement piece. One of my favorite things about carpet is the ability to custom dye the colour of your carpet for a 100% unique look.

Warmth

Carpet adds an extra layer of insulation to your home. Trapping in more heat when ultimately can save you money on your heating bills. The cozy nature of carpet visually adds warmth to a room naturally.

Comfort

Nothing beats the comfort of soft carpet under foot when first getting out of bed in the morning, or afternoon. As a mother of three little kids carpet was my ( and their ) saving grace during those learning to walk years. To maximize the comfort and life of your carpet choose a quality underpad like SmartCushion by Mohawk which doubles the warranty of any Mohawk carpet and gives you warranty on stairs. Quality underpad is important for those with back or mobility issues as the impact on the body is greatly reduced when walking on quality carpet and underpad.

Safety

Falling down stairs or up them as I do more than the latter, can be painful and dangerous. Carpet is a great option to cushion those stairs to minimize damage done during a fall. Design Tip- Use a matching hard surface flooring as the riser to your stairs and choose a complimenting carpet colour for the tread, combining style and safety.

Health

Studies have found that carpet actually traps more dust and allergens than hard surface flooring making the air quality on carpet better than hard surface products. People who suffer from allergies can benefit from hypoallergenic carpet selections that most manufactures now offer. Pro Tip- Follow manufactures guidelines on how often and what to use while cleaning your carpets.

Cost

One of the best benefits of carpet is the overall cost is lower than hard surface flooring options. Carpet can go over any subfloor and requires minimal levelling and prep work. The long term maintenance costs are lower as generally a re-stretch is all that’s required. Purchasing quality carpet and following cleaning directions will have it lasting for decades.

5 Flooring Choices that will stand the test of time that you’ll love!

Posted on May 27, 2021 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

Like fashion, interior design is ever changing and evolving, what was once new yesterday is now old news today. So how does one go about choosing the perfect flooring colour? I’ve picked out 5 different classic flooring options that are sure to stand the test of time! Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!

gray wooden ladder on white painted wall — Pro Tip – Timeless, unless your creating a cool funky space generally a timeless flooring colour will be your best option.

1 – Desert Hill by Monterey Flooring Vinyl Plank

Desert Hill is by far my favorite flooring colour and it has been the top selling colour through our store for the past two years and I don’t think that will ever change. The slight variations in soft wood tones mixed with light and medium shades will match most paint schemes, other wood toned furniture and can work in contemporary, farmhouse or traditional décor settings. If you haven’t seen this flooring in person yet it is a must!

Desert Hill Vinyl Plank Inner-City Flooring

Tell me more about this product.

2 – Fawn Chestnut Revwood Rare Vintage Laminate Flooring by Mohawk

If a rustic farmhouse feel is your ultimate goal Fawn Chestnut is a true winner. Large distressed planks give the appearance of reclaimed wood and the advanced locking system will keep out water for longer. Say goodbye to constantly cleaning your floors, this colour is an expert dirt hider, your welcome.

Tell me more about this product.

3 – Massa Vinyl Tile Curate by Taiga Building Products

Carrara Tile is one of those classic looks that makes a small spaces seem larger, brighter and cleaner. You see it in entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, sometimes the entire house. Traditional Porcelain or stone tiles can be expensive, installation of grouted tile is also very expensive. Accomplish the same look with a Vinyl Tile at a fraction of the product and installation costs. Waterproof with unbeatable durability.

Tell me more about this product.

4 – Homespun True Harmony Carpet by Mohawk

Homespun True Harmony by Mohawk is an entry level residential carpet choice with twisted yarn texture. The slightly off white tone is the perfect compliment to any bedroom décor and matches with any other flooring type you choose, tile, wood or unique patterned tile.

Homespun True Harmony Mohawk Residential Carpet Flooring

Tell me more about this product.

5 – Classico Bari Vinyl Plank Flooring by Bella

The name says it all with this one, Classico by Bari is your classic beige and soft wood toned flooring that has been replicated in almost every flooring product on the market. My pick is Vinyl Plank, its waterproof plus every other feature other flooring types have. Make sure you have a sound plank with a good wear layer and you will have a beautiful in style flooring for years to come.

Tell me more about this product.

Floor Cleaning Routine

Posted on February 18, 2021 | by Jen Biddlecombe | 1 Comment

Floor Cleaning routine for all types of flooring broken down into daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks. Sign up to receive Floor Facts Newsletter and 2021 flooring design Look Book.

Daily, Weekly, Monthly & Yearly

It’s that time of year again soon.. Spring, and that means Spring Cleaning. One area that is often forgotten is your floors. They need periodic maintenance to keep them looking and performing their best. Having a great floor cleaning routine is key to keeping phenomenal looking floors for years to come. Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Yearly upkeep is important to keeping your floors looking pristine for years to come.

Daily Floor Cleaning Routine

Always start with your daily tasks first, light sweep or vacuum. Clean any spills immediately but at the end of the day it’s a good idea to do a quick sweep or Swiffer of common areas like the kitchen, bathrooms and entries. If you choose vacuum or dry sweep, keep a warm damp cloth handy and spot clean any spills or stains as you go. For carpets always vacuum high traffic areas to keep free from debris.

Weekly

Giving your floors a good wash is always a good idea. If you choose to do it old school with a mop and bucket or with a fancy Vileda Mop when it comes to floor cleaning the cardinal rule is never over soak your floors. Yes your Vinyl Plank or Ceramic tile is waterproof, but what it’s sitting on is not, your cabinets likely are not, and neither are you walls or baseboards, damp mops never dripping! Always read the directions fully when using cleaning solutions, over concentrated cleaning products can damage or discolour your floors. Warm water and vinegar are a great alternative to cleaning products. Carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed and spot clean any stains.

Monthly

Heavy deep cleaning of all flooring areas. Scrubbing on hands and knees is one of the most efficient, although not glamorous ways of deep cleaning most flooring. Using a light carpet cleaner making sure to spend most of your time drying the carpet or positioning fans afterwards to ensure quick drying. Carpets don’t like to be cleaned with water regularly but if you have a light coloured carpet or maybe messy house guests this may be an option for you. Refer to your carpet manufactures maintenance guides for clarification.

Yearly Floor Cleaning Routine

Yearly floor cleaning routines seem silly but ensuring these areas get checked at least once per year will ensure any problems areas are seen and addressed.

Check silicone in bathroom and kitchen areas, anywhere there may be water present. If you noticed it has started to peel away or maybe isn’t there at all its time to re-silicone. Scrape away the old damaged or dirty silicone, purchase a tube and holder, make sure you purchase a bathroom and kitchen grade silicone, thoroughly dry the area and reapply according to the directions on the tube.

I’ve noticed lately deep grooves in my linoleum flooring that have been harboring dirt for years. All this time we thought that was the colour pattern, turns out it was just dirt. Gross! Using a spot steam cleaner and a coarse bristled brush it came up no problem. I will be posting a video on the process so you can see the floors and the difference the deep clean makes.

Clean baseboards with a damp, not wet, cloth and touch up any paint that has been chipped or rubbed away to keep your place show home ready all the time.

If you notice something in your flooring that doesn’t look quite right give your local small business flooring store like Inner-City Flooring, a call and they would be happy to let you know how to fix it or if its nothing to worry about. If you notice an issue don’t leave it especially if there is water involved.

Polishing and resealing – certain flooring types can benefit from polishing and resealing periodically. Always stick to the manufactures recommended products and time length for doing so.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Posted on October 4, 2020 | by Jen Biddlecombe | Leave a Comment

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hard Surface flooring Cleaning and maintenance for (Laminate, Vinyl Plank, Tile, Hardwoods) are relatively the same steps when doing general clean up. First dry sweep or microfiber the floor for any dust and loose debris. You can also use a vacuum for this if you have multi-functions like the Shark does. Spot clean with a warm rag and light soapy water, ring almost dry and scrub any stuck on dirty or grim.

Vileda or Swiffer style wet/dry machine washable microfiber mop with a built-in sprayer is my go-to cleaning tool. Use a light cleaner that is pet and child safe mixed with water to the cleaners diluting specifications. Lightly spray the floor and scrub all areas. Do not oversaturate the floors with water ever, be sparing, your floor may be water resistant, but your walls and baseboards are not. Cleaning and maintaining your floors often keeps them clear of debris and looking brand new longer. It is also important to maintain manufacture warranty guidelines on cleaning and maintenance of your particular floor type as to not void your warranty unintentionally.

Now that you know all you need to know about Vinyl Plank flooring visit our products page to start choosing your perfect flooring.

Extras to consider

Door mats – Keep door mats at every entrance to prevent dirt, sand and debris from settling into your flooring. Other substances such as organic material and oils can also be tracked inside, leave shoes at the door whenever possible.

Do not Drag Furniture – Heavy items such as furniture should never be dragged across any flooring surface. When moving heavy items use a dolly with wide air tires and protect the floor with plywood if necessary. Never slide or roll heavy objects across the floor. Some items are just too heavy to be moved on hard surface floors.

Curtains & Blinds – Adequate window protection is important to prevent colour fading and high heat exposure which can lead to problems in some floors. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is important for not just flooring but all electronics in your household. Considering purchasing a smart temperature monitor that will not allow your home to get too hot or too cold when you are away.

Furniture Feet – Use non-staining wide felt protectors on the bottom of all furniture to prevent scratches. You can even replace pointed or narrow furniture feet with wider ones if necessary. You can purchase these at any dollar store, home improvement or online.

Spill Response – Quick response on spills is your best defense. Thoroughly soak up all liquid. Start at the outer edge and work your way in to prevent any further spreading. Once dry, clean the area.