THE GROUND TRUTH
There’s a hardly a more important feature than the floor. Interior designer SAPNA AGGARWAL suggests some maintenance tips to make sure it lasts you for a lifetime.
Interior designer Sapna Aggarwal gives tips on floor maintenance
Upgrading the surface beneath you with hardwood, tile, marble or stone is a simple way of transforming any room from drab to fabulous and up its aesthetic scale. An investment one makes when doing a makeover or building from scratch, selecting the right type of flooring takes some amount of time and effort on part of homemakers. But the story doesn’t end here. It is the upkeep and after care which takes centre stage once the groundwork gets done. Here are some tips for different types of flooring you can follow to keep them in shipshape.
STONE
Easy to maintain, stone floors should be dust-mopped frequently with a clean, non-treated dry dust mop or a broom. A vacuum cleaner can be quite helpful, especially on textured floors, but it should be in good condition and have no beater bar, so as to avoid scratching your surface. Vacuum cleaner attachments are also handy for hard to reach areas. A good bet to protect these floors is to use non-slip mats or area rugs. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly and dry it with a soft, clean
cloth. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film on the ground and cause streaks. Change your rinse water frequently. While cleaning, don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids. Also, don’t mix bleach and ammonia as the combination creates a toxic and lethal gas. In order to extend the life of your stone floor and keep it in good form, cover furniture legs with protectors to guard against damage. Nothing spells luxury better than a polished, gleaming marble floor. It has been used by royalty in their palaces for hundreds of years and is a much sought-after material in plush condominiums these days. To ensure that it retains its shine for a long time, regular cleaning and dusting is must. Dust-mop or use a microfiber duster to sweep the floor to keep dirt from building up in the first place. Best is to use a terry cloth to remove any dirt. Instead of using hot water, it is advisable to wet the surface with lukewarm water, and no scrubbing is required. Quickly blot spills, especially oil and grease, to minimise their absorption. Never use acidic solutions including vinegar on the marble floor and don’t scrape or scour it.
CERAMIC
Always keep ceramic tiles dry ( above); don’t use acidic cleaners on marble ( left)
MARBLE
Made of natural particles that are shaped and fired in a kiln at very high temperatures, ceramic floors are extremely durable and resilient that is unmatched by
most other surfaces. When glazed, they also have a protective barrier from dirt, water stains and chemicals. The foremost form of prevention is sealing your tiles. Often, they come pre-sealed but check beforehand with the manufacturer. A simple sweeping or vacuuming prior to mopping will remove any dust or debris.
Clean or scrub using a cleansing solution with a cotton mop, cloth or sponge. Rinse it with water afterwards to remove any solution residue. Stay away from cleaners containing acids, chlorine or ammonia as these can damage and discolour the grout or the surface of the tile. To keep your tiles looking their best, keep them dry. Standing water leads to fading and staining, wipe up spills and splashes promptly.
WOOD
Basically of two types—laminates and real wood, the maintenance differs for both. Laminate floors are tough and hardy, easy to care for and long-lasting. Do not drag furniture or other appliances along as the floors are scratch resistant but not scratch proof. Lift the heavy objects instead. Use rubber casters or stick-on felt pads to protect them from damage and also slightly re-position furniture occasionally. Avoid contact with water as it can penetrate deep and cause damage. To remove stains, use a soft cloth and if you are scraping up hard-set material such as dried food particles or candle wax, use a rubber spatula.
For real wooden floors, vacuum every week as the fine grit in dust is just like sandpaper and will slowly wear through your floor’s finish. Avoid spraying mosquito repellents, hair sprays and deodorants very near to the surface as these can have an adverse effect. Doormats, inside and out, are a good protection for keeping out dirt. Also, protect the floor from direct sunlight as UV rays cause it to crackle. Last but not the least, get professional help for waxing the floors.