Maintenance Requirements by Flooring Type

Proper maintenance is the most controllable factor in maximizing flooring lifespan. Each flooring type has specific care requirements.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Daily/Weekly Care:

• Sweep or dry mop daily in high-traffic areas
• Vacuum weekly with floor-brush attachment (never beater bar)
• Place doormats at all entrances to trap grit
• Wipe spills immediately with slightly damp cloth

Monthly Care:

• Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaner
• Clean using manufacturer-recommended products only
• Inspect for damage requiring attention

Annual Care:

• Apply maintenance coat (screen and recoat) every 2-3 years in high-traffic areas
• Recoat less-trafficked areas every 5 years
• Deep clean and polish

Every 10-20 Years:

• Full refinishing (sanding and new finish application)
• Cost: $3-6 per square foot

Products to Avoid:

• Water-based cleaners not designed for hardwood
• Steam mops (moisture penetrates joints)
• Vinegar or harsh chemicals
• Paste wax (interferes with modern finishes)
• Murphy’s Oil Soap on polyurethane finishes

Lowcountry Specific Care:

• Monitor humidity year-round (35-55% ideal)
• Use dehumidifiers in humid summer months
• Address any HVAC issues immediately
• Never allow wet shoes or items to remain on floor

Luxury Vinyl Plank Maintenance

Daily/Weekly Care:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Damp mop as needed with neutral pH cleaner
• Wipe spills (though waterproof, prompt cleaning prevents staining)

Monthly Care:

• Deep clean with LVP-specific cleaner
• Check for loose planks and address if found

Avoid:

• Abrasive scrubbers (damage wear layer)
• Steam mops (heat can affect planks over time)
• Harsh chemicals or solvents
• Paste wax or polish (creates slippery, dirty surface)
• Dragging heavy furniture without protection

Long-Term Care:

• Use furniture pads
• Place mats near entries
• Use window treatments in direct sunlight areas (prevents fading)

No Refinishing Available: Once wear layer is compromised, replacement is only option.

Tile Floor Maintenance

Daily/Weekly Care:

• Sweep or vacuum to remove abrasive dirt
• Damp mop with neutral cleaner
• Dry high-traffic areas to prevent water spots

Monthly Care:

• Clean grout lines with grout-specific cleaner
• Check for loose or cracked tiles

Annual Care:

• Seal grout lines with penetrating sealer
• Deep clean tile and grout
• Inspect and replace any damaged tiles

Every 5-10 Years:

• Professional grout cleaning and resealing
• Consider regrouting if grout is stained or deteriorating

Lowcountry Specific:

• Clean grout more frequently due to humidity encouraging mold/mildew
• Use mildew-resistant grout and sealers
• Ensure bathroom ventilation operates properly

Avoid:

• Acidic cleaners on natural stone
• Bleach (damages grout over time)
• Colored cleaners that might stain grout
• Neglecting grout maintenance

Laminate Floor Maintenance

Daily/Weekly Care:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Damp mop (not wet) with laminate cleaner

Monthly Care:

• Clean with manufacturer-recommended products
• Check for peaking or separation at joints

Avoid:

• Excess water (causes swelling at joints)
• Steam mops
• Abrasive cleaners
• Paste wax or polish
• Wet cleaning methods

Water Vigilance:

• Immediately dry any water exposure
• Never let water sit on laminate
• Check washing machines and water sources regularly

No Refinishing: Like LVP, laminate cannot be refinished. Prevention is key.

Carpet Maintenance

Daily/Weekly Care:

• Vacuum high-traffic areas 2-3 times weekly
• Vacuum low-traffic areas weekly
• Address spills immediately:
  • Blot (don’t rub) with white cloth
  • Work from outside of stain toward center
  • Use carpet-safe spot cleaners

Monthly Care:

• Vacuum under furniture and in corners
• Check for signs of wear or damage
• Treat any stains that have appeared

Annual Care:

• Professional deep cleaning (hot water extraction)
• Apply stain protector after cleaning

Every 2-3 Years:

• Professional cleaning in high-traffic areas

Stain Emergency Kit:

• White towels or cloths
• Carpet spot remover
• Enzyme cleaner for pet stains
• Baking soda for odor absorption

Common Mistakes:

• Using too much water or cleaner (causes residue attracting dirt)
• Rubbing stains (spreads them and damages fibers)
• Using colored towels (dye can transfer)
• Letting stains sit (permanent setting occurs)

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Weekly Tasks:

• Remove dirt and grit from all floors
• Spot clean any spills or marks
• Check high-traffic areas for issues

Monthly Tasks:

• Deep clean with appropriate products
• Move furniture to clean underneath
• Inspect for damage or wear

Seasonal Tasks:

• Professional services as needed
• Adjust humidity control for season
• Rotate area rugs
• Check transition pieces and moldings

Annual Tasks:

• Professional maintenance (refinishing touch-ups, deep carpet cleaning)
• Seal grout
• Evaluate overall condition