How to Care for Your New Flooring
You've invested thousands in new flooring. Proper care determines whether it lasts 10 years or 30 years. Learn daily routines, products to use (and avoid), and how to protect your investment.
Quick Summary
Time needed
15-30 min/week
Cost
$30-60/year
Difficulty
Very Easy
Care by Flooring Type
Vinyl/LVP Flooring Care
Daily/Weekly:
- • Sweep or vacuum daily in high-traffic areas
- • Damp mop weekly with vinyl cleaner or water
- • Wipe spills immediately - vinyl is waterproof but prolonged standing water can seep into seams
Safe to Use:
- • pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner
- • Diluted dish soap and water
- • Microfiber mop (damp, not wet)
Never Use:
- • Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool
- • Wax or polish (creates buildup)
- • Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
- • Steam mops (check warranty first)
Laminate Flooring Care
Daily/Weekly:
- • Dry dust mop or vacuum daily (soft brush attachment)
- • Barely damp mop every 1-2 weeks MAXIMUM
- • Wipe spills within minutes - water is laminate's enemy
Critical: Laminate is made of compressed wood fiber. Too much water causes swelling and permanent damage. Keep it as dry as possible.
Never Use:
- • Wet mops or excess water
- • Steam cleaners
- • Wax, polish, or oil soaps
- • Abrasive cleaners
Hardwood Flooring Care
Daily/Weekly:
- • Sweep or dry dust mop daily
- • Use hardwood-specific cleaner bi-weekly
- • Never wet mop - use barely damp microfiber at most
- • Rescreen and recoat every 3-5 years to refresh finish
Pro Tip: Hardwood needs less water than you think. Use spray bottle to lightly mist floor, then immediately dry with microfiber mop. Never leave water sitting on wood.
Universal Protection Tips
1. Use Entry Mats
Place mats at all exterior doors. Dirt and grit are like sandpaper on flooring. Trapping 80% of dirt at the door dramatically extends floor life.
2. Felt Pads on All Furniture
Replace felt pads every 6-12 months. They wear down and accumulate debris that scratches. Check pads when you notice furniture getting harder to move.
3. Trim Pet Nails Regularly
Long nails click on hard floors and eventually scratch the finish. Trim dog nails every 4-6 weeks. Put soft nail caps on cats if scratching is an issue.
4. Area Rugs in High-Traffic Zones
Use rugs with non-slip pads in hallways, in front of sinks, and where people naturally walk. This protects finish from wear patterns.
5. Control Humidity
Maintain 35-55% relative humidity year-round. Use humidifier in winter, dehumidifier in summer. Extreme humidity changes cause expansion/contraction and gaps.
6. Immediate Spill Cleanup
Wipe any liquid spills immediately, even on waterproof flooring. Standing water can seep into seams or damage finish over time.
What to Save from Installation
- Extra flooring materials: Save 1-2 boxes for future repairs. Store in climate-controlled area (not garage or attic).
- Manufacturer care guide: File this with warranty. It lists approved cleaners and what voids warranty.
- Warranty information: Keep receipt and warranty card. Most flooring has 10-25 year warranties for defects.
- Installation photos: Before and after photos are valuable for insurance claims and resale value documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my new flooring?
Sweep, vacuum, or dry dust mop daily in high-traffic areas, every 2-3 days in low-traffic areas. Damp mop weekly for vinyl and laminate, bi-weekly for hardwood. Deep clean every 1-3 months. Regular light cleaning prevents dirt buildup that scratches finish over time.
Can I use a steam mop on my new flooring?
No, avoid steam mops on all floating floors (laminate, LVP, engineered wood). Steam can seep into seams and cause swelling or delamination. Some luxury vinyl manufacturers now approve steam mopping, but check your warranty first. For hardwood, never use steam - it damages the finish and wood. Stick to manufacturer-recommended cleaning methods.
Congratulations!
You've successfully completed your flooring replacement project. With proper care, your new floor will look great for decades.