11 Flooring Mistakes to Avoid

Imagine walking into your dream home only to discover your beautiful floors are riddled with scratches, dents, and dullness. Yikes! Believe it or not, everyday habits can be the silent enemy of stunning floors.

High-quality flooring often represents a significant financial outlay and, if not properly cared for, can diminish in value and visual appeal very quickly. For homeowners, maintaining pristine floors can increase property value and enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space.

For renters, keeping the flooring in excellent condition is essential to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, and safeguard your deposit! No matter your living situation, taking steps to protect your floors is a worthwhile effort that pays off in the long run. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you make smarter choices and adopt better habits to prolong the life and allure of your floors. Let's explore 11 top common flooring mistakes to avoid and keep your floors looking their best.

1) Choosing the Wrong Type of Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is crucial. The type of flooring you select needs to function well and withstand the pressure it endures. Temperature, humidity, and abrasive actions can all take their toll on your floor.

• Different rooms have different needs. A luxurious carpet might be perfect for the living room but disastrous in a kitchen where spills are common. Ensure you're choosing the right flooring for each room to avoid costly mistakes.
• For high-traffic areas, opting for durable flooring like hardwood or tile can save you from frequent replacements.

2) Walking in High Heels

Did you know high heels are one of the biggest culprits of flooring damage? Walking in high heels can create dents and scratches, especially on softer surfaces like wood and vinyl.

• Consider having a no-shoes policy inside your home to protect your floors, or keep a pair of comfy slippers by the door to change into. This simple step can help to prolong the life of your floor.
• It may also be worth investing in area rugs, which can help absorb the impact and prevent damage from high heels.

3) Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachment

Vacuuming is essential for maintaining floors, but using the wrong attachment can do more harm than good. Cleaning different flooring types often requires different tools; for example, hard flooring requires a different approach than carpets.

• Ensure you're using the best vacuum attachments for your floors. Some attachments might be perfect for carpets but can scratch hardwood or laminate flooring. You can find soft roller attachments designed for hard surfaces.
• Regularly checking and maintaining your vacuum can also help prevent accidental damage.
• Clean out the brush rolls and replace worn-out parts to keep your vacuum in top shape.

4) Unclipped Pet Claws

We all love our furry friends, but their claws can wreak havoc on our floors. Pet-friendly flooring is essential for homes with dogs or cats.

• Look into durable flooring options like tile or high-quality vinyl. These materials are more resistant to scratches and can handle the playful antics of your pets.
• Keep your pets' claws trimmed to reduce the risk of scratches. Regular grooming sessions can make a big difference.
• Place rugs or mats in areas where your pets spend a lot of time.

5) Over-Cleaning

While maintaining floors is important, over-cleaning can be just as damaging. Harsh chemicals can wear down finishes and weaken the structure of your flooring - this is one of the top vinyl flooring mistakes to avoid.

Stick to manufacturer-recommended cleaning routines.

For vinyl and laminates, dry mopping or using a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Avoid soaking your floors or using abrasive cleaners. One of the main laminate flooring mistakes people make is using too much water when cleaning, which may cause planks to buckle or warp.

Incorporating proper floor care techniques will help maintain the beauty and longevity of your floors without causing unnecessary damage.

6) Not Using Furniture Pads

Heavy furniture can cause real damage to your floors if left unprotected. Unpadded furniture can leave dents, scratches, and even gouges in softer flooring materials.

• Always use furniture pads for floors to distribute the weight more evenly and prevent damage.
• Consider using caster cups to protect your floors for frequently moved items like chairs. This small investment can save you from costly repairs down the line!

7) Ignoring Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity effects on floors are often overlooked, but they can have a significant impact. Wood and laminate floors, in particular, are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity.

Maintain a consistent indoor environment to protect your floors.
Using dehumidifiers in the summer and humidifiers in the winter can help stabilise the humidity levels, preventing buckling, warping, and gaps in your flooring.

8) Forgetting About Entrance Mats

Entrance mats play a role in preventing floor scratches and reducing dirt and debris brought into your home. These mats act as the first line of defence, trapping dirt and moisture before it reaches your floors.

• Place entrance mats both outside and inside your home.
• Encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet thoroughly before entering. This simple habit can significantly reduce the wear and tear on your floors.
• Try to regularly clean and replace entrance mats to ensure they remain effective.

9) Overlooking Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital for keeping your floors in top condition. Neglecting routine care can lead to the accumulation of dirt, scratches, and other damage.

• Creating a maintenance schedule that includes regular cleaning, polishing, and inspections helps to keep on top of any issues and prevent them from becoming more severe. 
• Consider professional cleaning and restoration services for deep cleaning and repairs - they have the expertise and equipment to restore your floors to their original glory.

10) Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Newsflash: not all cleaning products are suitable for all flooring types! Using the wrong products can strip finishes, cause discolouration, and weaken the structure of your flooring.

• Read the labels and choose cleaning products specifically designed for your flooring type.
• For hardwoods, opt for pH-neutral cleaners. For carpets, use gentle, non-abrasive solutions.
• Avoid using bleach, and ammonia-based cleaners, as they can cause irreversible damage.
• When in doubt, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products.

11) Skipping Area Rugs and Runners

Area rugs and runners are not just decorative; they also provide essential protection for high-traffic flooring areas, reducing wear and tear on your floors.

• Place area rugs in hallways, entryways, and living spaces.
• Choose rugs with non-slip backings to prevent accidents and protect your floors.
• Regularly clean and rotate area rugs to ensure even wear. This practice will extend the life of both your rugs and your floors.

Conclusion

So there you have it, by avoiding these common flooring mistakes, you can ensure your floors remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Don't forget to discover our wide selection of flooring to transform your home. Happy decorating!