Floor Care & Maintenance

Your new floors are built to last—but a little care goes a long way. Below are simple, practical guidelines to help keep your floors looking great and performing well for years to come. We’ve organized everything by flooring type so you can quickly find what applies to your home.

Quick reminder: Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s specific care instructions for your product. Using the wrong cleaners or tools can damage the finish and may affect warranty coverage.
Hardwood & Engineered Hardwood

Hardwood care basics

Hardwood is naturally durable and beautiful, but it performs best when you keep grit and moisture under control.

Routine care

  • Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit.
  • Use rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.

Cleaning & spills

  • Use manufacturer-recommended hardwood cleaners (or a reputable generic hardwood floor cleaner).
  • Wipe up spills immediately with a lightly damp cloth, then dry.
  • Never wet mop or allow standing water to sit on the floor.

Avoid these

  • Oil soaps, waxes, or soap-based cleaners (they can leave residue and may void certain warranties).
  • Wax finishes over polyurethane-coated floors.
  • Harsh abrasives or scouring pads.

Protection tips

  • Use felt pads under furniture legs that contact the floor.
  • Keep pet nails trimmed to reduce scratching.
  • Remove shoes with spikes or damaged heels to avoid dents.
  • Move area rugs occasionally to prevent uneven UV fading.
Laminate

Laminate care basics

Laminate is designed for long-lasting looks and easy upkeep. The key is gentle cleaning with minimal moisture.

Routine cleaning

  • Dust mop or vacuum using a soft brush attachment.
  • Use a damp cloth or mop if needed—avoid excessive water.
  • Blot spills immediately and dry the surface thoroughly.

Avoid these

  • Soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “clean and shine” products.
  • Steel wool or scouring pads.
  • Wax, polish, steam cleaners, or harsh chemicals.

Stubborn spots

For sticky or stubborn substances (tar, paint, oil), a small amount of acetone/nail polish remover on a cloth can be used carefully—then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry.

Protection tips

  • Use doormats at entrances to reduce tracked-in grit and moisture.
  • Use non-staining, non-scratch pads under rugs.
  • Avoid sharp or pointed objects with concentrated weight (like certain high heels).
  • Use felt pads under furniture and wide castors under appliances where appropriate.
  • Never sand, refinish, or seal laminate after installation.
Tile

Tile care basics

Tile is highly durable, but keeping grout and textured surfaces clean requires the right approach. Use a neutral cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals unless you know what you’re treating.

Routine cleaning

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove debris.
  • Use a neutral, general-purpose cleaner (per label directions).
  • Mop, then rinse with clean water if a cleaner is used.
  • Remove excess water and dry/buff to prevent water spots (especially on polished tile).

Heavy soiling

  • Pre-treat stained spots based on the type of contaminant when possible.
  • Scrub with an appropriate cleaner using a stiff natural-bristle brush or pad.
  • Rinse thoroughly—multiple rinses may be needed to remove cleaning agent.
  • Remove dirty water (wet vac or towel) so it doesn’t settle back into textured areas.

Textured / slate / “industrial finish” tile

Textured surfaces trap dirt in low points, so standard wet mopping may not fully clean them. Use a neutral cleaning solution, allow a short dwell time, scrub with a bristle brush, then rinse and remove dirty water completely.

Maintenance frequency depends on traffic, weather, mats, and color (lighter tile shows soil more). Adjust your routine based on what you see in your home.

Carpet

Carpet care basics

Regular vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning help preserve appearance, texture, and warranty coverage.

Vacuuming schedule

  • Vacuum high-traffic areas (hallways, stairs, entries) at least twice per week.
  • Vacuum less-used areas weekly.
  • Use a vacuum with a beater bar/brush for most carpets—unless your carpet type recommends suction-only.

Know your carpet type

  • Some loop pile (especially wool blends) can fuzz with aggressive brushing.
  • If your carpet is sensitive, use suction-only or lift the brush to reduce agitation.
  • Test your vacuum in an inconspicuous area before regular use if unsure.
  • Professional cleaning is typically recommended every 6–12 months depending on traffic and soil.
  • Many warranties require hot water extraction (or another manufacturer-approved method).
  • Keep receipts as proof of maintenance if a warranty claim ever arises.

We do not endorse a specific cleaning company. If you’d like guidance on the best method for your carpet, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Questions? Reach out through our Contact Us page and we’ll help.