Dos and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Kitchen Floors

Like the rest of your home, you have to maintain your kitchen floors in order to keep them looking and performing well for years to come. But do you know what goes into kitchen floor maintenance? The truth is, it depends on the type of kitchen floor you have. That’s why in today’s blog, we’re breaking down the dos and don’ts of maintaining kitchen floors, based on the type of kitchen flooring you have.

Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen Floor Maintenance: Hardwood

Hardwood floors are beautiful and can last for years to come. However, wood is permeable to water, and can become worn down in time due to the constant traffic in your kitchen. Hardwood floors require regular and cautious maintenance. 

• DO vacuum or sweep daily and mop once a week.
• DON’T use a sopping wet mop.
• DO use gentle cleaning mixtures of soap and water.
• DON’T use chemical or abrasive cleaners.
• DO refinish every few years in order to keep the floor looking fresh and protected from scratches.

Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen Floor Maintenance: Laminate

Laminate floors have the look and texture of hardwood floors, but are hardier and more resistant to water, which makes them a popular choice for kitchen flooring. However, when stained, laminate floors can’t be refinished like wood floors can, so they require a bit of preventative care as well.

• DO follow the cleaning instructions based on the brand of laminate floors you purchase.
• DON’T let stains lie — clean them up immediately.
• DO use gentle cleaning materials, from the cleaning solution to the mop head or cloth.
• DON’T soak the floor too much in cleaning or use cleaning products not labeled for laminate floors.
• DO mop laminate floors once every couple of months.

Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen Floor Maintenance: Tile

Tile floors are smooth, resisting water damage, which makes them a great kitchen flooring material. When it comes to ceramic or porcelain tile floors, you mostly need to worry about loose debris or grout. 

• DO clean tile with gentle detergent and a chamois mop.
• DON’T ignore discoloration on the tiles, indicating stains.
• DO dry tiles after you finish mopping.
• DON’T use too much soap, which can lead to soap residue. 
• DO clear up any loose debris regularly.

It all comes down to choosing the kitchen flooring that’s best for you, and doing your research on the type of maintenance required. Interested in a kitchen remodel? Contact Jericho Home Improvements today for more information or to get started with a free estimate.