Here are some tips for maintaining cork floors:
• Sweep or vacuum regularly.
Then,remove grit and debris that can scratch the cork surface. Use the brush attachment and lower heights for best results.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
In addition,cork absorbs liquids slowly but prolonged exposure can still damage the floor. Use a damp cloth or mop and never soak the floor with water.
• Use felt pads.
Moreover,place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and indentations. Also,wipe pads periodically to remove grit.
• Maintain humidity levels.
Then,maintaining Cork floors expand and contracts with humidity changes. Use a humidifier to keep levels between 45 to 55% relative humidity. Higher or lower humidity can cause cracks or warping.
• Mop cork floors properly. Then,for damp mopping or spot-cleaning, use a soft cloth or mop, vinegar or pH-balanced wood floor cleaner, and lukewarm water. Never soak the floor with water. Then,use a microfiber cloth to buff floors after mopping.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners. Never use abrasive cleaners, strong detergents, lacquer thinners or steel wool which can damage the cork surface.
• Protect edges and corners. Apply edge sealer or trim on exposed edges, corners and transitions to prevent water damage where the base meets the wall. Reapply sealer periodically.
• Refinish if needed. Very few special needs arise beyond sealing, staining or polishing cork to touch up the finish or protect the surface. Light scratches can often be concealed with color-matched touch up pens or stains. Deep scratches or gouges may require professional refinishing.
• Stay off harsh chemicals. Avoid exposing cork floors to harsh chemicals, grease, paints and other liquids that could damage the material or penetrate the surface. Next,spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent stains or damage.
• Use protective pads under heavy furniture. Then,place coasters, felt pads or protective glides under heavy chairs and tables to prevent indentations or scratches. Also,periodically rotate and adjust heavy furniture positions to promote even wear.
• Avoid walking on floors with high heels. Also,while heels will not necessarily cause permanent damage to cork floors, they can accelerate wear and tear over time. Also,when possible, request guests to remove high heels or consider keeping your own collection off premises.
• Professionally clean cork floors periodically. Regular sweeping, mopping, dusting and vacuuming help maintain cork floors between professional deep cleansings. Professional steam cleaning or buffing can remove built-up dirt and grime, restoring floors to “like-new” condition every 6-24 months depending on traffic and soiling.
• Consider sealants. Applying sealants to cork floors helps protect the surface, close pores and prevent absorption of liquids and stains. Sealants extend the time between professional cleanings and polish restorations.Then, reapply sealant every few years to maintain protection.
In summary,with proper care and maintenance, a cork floor can provide beauty and comfort for many years. Understanding cork’s properties helps determine how best to keep floors clean while still preserving them. Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or excessive water which can damage the material. With frequent sweeping, regular mopping, protective pads under furniture and periodic professional cleanings or restorations as needed, a cork floor can retain its natural charm for generations. Maintenance is key to maximizing the longevity and appeal of any flooring, but especially natural materials like cork.
