Last Updated on March 2, 2022 by Kravelv
Our carpets and floors are some of the most valuable assets in our home. If done right, they can make any single room come alive with a burst of class and that warm, homely feeling.
So, in order to get the most out of them, we have to be savvy when it comes to upgrades and maintenance. This is easier said than done, but luckily, help is at hand! Below, you’ll find three flooring pro-tips for people of any skill level. Enjoy!
Pro-tip number one: General cleaning
Carpet stains are common. So common in fact, that a number of nifty solutions have been devised to deal with the problem.
One of these is the vinegar and soap method. Simply mix roughly equal parts of the two with some water to create your product. Spray the affected area, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then blot it clean and dry until the stain is gone.
In terms of laminate floors, things get a little trickier. Do not, under any circumstances, use steam cleaners or wet mops to clean the floor. This can cause irreparable damage to the wood. Instead, be vigilant! Use a cloth to mop up spills within seconds of them occurring. Nail polish remover also works wonders on the wood, to get rid of those tough stains.
Pro-tip number two: Updating a floor: what choice to make?
The truth is, there’s not one single cure-all flooring solution, for any home. Different rooms will need different flooring, so either way, you’ll be dealing with multiple options.
One room that you do have a choice in is the living room. Do you go carpet or hardwood? What about tiled, laminate or vinyl? It can be overwhelming at times. But, if you assess your circumstances and needs, the choice becomes a lot more clear.
If you’re looking to reduce home maintenance, for example, then a carpet may be the choice for you. Installing a new carpet is a good way to lower time spent cleaning. Carpets show less dirt and debris than their laminate counterparts, so it’s a good way to make your home more visually appealing.
Additionally, carpets can make a room feel a lot warmer than it actually is, due to the soft fabric underfoot. Wood floors usually feel cold during the winter seasons and it can drag the temperature of a room down.
On the other hand, it’s a lot harder to stain wood floors, and they’re less likely to be damaged by pets, who pull the carpet fabrics. Assess your living situation and the amount of maintenance you’re comfortable with to reach a decision.
Pro-tip number three: The skirting board makes all the difference
If your skirting board, or the edge of your flooring, is loose, you risk the edges being folded up and damaged. It’s important to seal the edges of your flooring securely to ensure it’s laid down and will not move. Skirting board is affordable too, and can even be built yourself.
Also, a skirting board can make a floor come alive. If chosen right, it acts as a decorative border that highlights the best things about your floor. Choose colours and materials that match your carpet/wood for the best results.