How to Maintain Your
Cork Floors
Cork floors are relatively easy to maintain. Following
please find some general tips and info for keeping your cork
floors looking great.
- Sweep or dry mop on a regular basis to remove dirt and
dust. This helps to protect the finish of your cork floor
as dirt and dust act like sandpaper when walked on.
- When needed a damp mop can be used. Make sure the mop
is completely wrung out so the cork floor doesn’t get soaked
with water or cleaner.
- Never use harsh cleaners or solvents on your cork floors.
This can damage the finish and would require resealing of
the finish.
- About once a year, reseal your cork floors to maintain
their finish. Follow your flooring manufacturer’s guidelines
for a recommended product.
- Place mats in high traffic areas such as hallways and
in front of the kitchen sink and stove. Make sure the mat
is breathable (no non-porous backing such as rubber) so
moisture doesn’t get trapped between the floor and the mat.
- Place walk-off mats at each exterior entrance. This will
minimize the amount of dirt and grit tracked in from outdoors.
- Place protective pads made out of soft material like felt
under furniture feet. Maintain the pads and replace as necessary
to minimize accumulation of dirt and grit.
- Never slide heavy furniture across your cork floor.
Lift furniture or place a thick soft cloth between the furniture
and the floor to prevent scratching and gouging.
- For areas that have become heavily soiled, a cleaner for
pre-finished hardwood floors is okay to use. Make sure you
check your manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaners first
and follow all directions on the label for the cleaner.
- Do not use ammonia and/or abrasive cleaners and cleaning
tools. Never wax your cork floors.
- Wipe up all spills immediately to protect the finish.
Make sure you use a clean soft cloth, dampened with water
if necessary.
- Humidity of around 50% is ideal for most cork floors.
Double check with your manufacturer to make sure. This humidity
can be accomplished with and humidifier and/or dehumidifier.
- Any casters on furniture should be wide casters so weight
is evenly distributed. This will prevent damaging the cellular
structure of the cork. Also, a protective mat is recommended
under any office type chairs.
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