Floors take a beating every day. Most damage isn't from wear — it's from grit, water and the wrong cleaners. Get the basics right and floors last for decades.
Hardwood
- Sweep or vacuum often — grit acts like sandpaper underfoot.
- Damp-mop only; standing water is hardwood's enemy and warps boards.
- Use felt pads under furniture and rugs at entrances to catch grit.
Tile & grout
Tile is easy; grout is the problem. Grout is porous and traps dirt, going dark and dingy. Periodic deep cleaning and re-sealing the grout lines brings it back and keeps moisture out.
Carpet
- Vacuum high-traffic lanes a couple times a week — dirt ground into fibers is what wears carpet out.
- Blot spills immediately; never rub, which pushes the stain deeper.
- Get a professional deep clean about once a year to pull out embedded grit and allergens.