Did you know that the cost of flooring installation for a regular home can cost over $2000? And this is just a home – not a commercial space with potentially more floor space! The next time you look at your

poor, well-worn, high-traffic floors, think about that figure.

Then, think about where you’d rather spend that amount. Let those figures remind you how much less it would cost to simply put time and effort into your floor maintenance.

But how, exactly, do you maintain your floors?

Different kinds of floors have different requirements for maintenance. And while it can be an easily negligible part of your business maintenance, considering everything else that you’ve got on your plate, remember that well-maintained, high-quality floors are long-lasting. Every cent you put into floor maintenance saves you the cost of repairs and replacement and makes your floors perpetually presentable.

Here are 7 different kinds of floors and how to clean them.

1. Concrete Floors

– Protect your concrete floors with a commercial sealer to prevent moisture and debris from seeping into the naturally porous surface.

– Dust the floor before washing with regular cleaner.

– Regularly scrub and wax concrete floors to maintain luster.

2. Vinyl Floors

– Moisture is the number one enemy of vinyl floors. Never let spills sit long and wipe all moisture off completely with a smooth, non-abrasive wipe (like a dry microfiber towel) to avoid damaging the lamination as well as the adhesive of the vinyl.

– Deep-clean using a mild, neutral floor cleaner that is safe for vinyl surfaces and never, ever wash the floor.

3. Terrazzo Floors

– Make sure that your terrazzo floors are sealed with appropriate terrazzo sealant. This ensures that the marble top’s adherence to the concrete backing remains undisturbed, no matter how much foot traffic it gets or how often you clean it.

– Because it is naturally on the shinier side, all you really need to do is clean it with water, mild neutral floor cleaner, and a mop to keep it in topnotch condition.

4. Linoleum Floors

– For everyday cleaning, linoleum floors only really need dusting or vacuuming, capped off with a quick touch of a damp mop.

– For seasonal maintenance and removal of the inevitable heel marks and the occasional skids, use a linoleum-friendly floor wax applied liberally. Polish off with a very slightly damp cloth for a perfect sheen every time.

5. Ceramic Tile Floors

– Keep the sheen on your tiles with regular mopping using a wet mop and neutral, mild floor cleaner.

– Keep the grout clean with regular brushing.

– The right kind of sealer should prevent discoloration of the grout lines but good old scrubbing and regular dusting and mopping are still necessary.

6. Marble Floors

– Make sure to use marble sealer to close off the micro-pores over this natural stone material. Its porous quality is what makes it vulnerable to moisture and makes it retain dust and dirt easily, so a good layer of sealant is absolutely necessary.

– To clean marble floors, use hot water and a pH-neutral cleaning agent to avoid discoloring the marble or damaging the sealer.

– Use soft mop heads to clean the surface.

– Keep it clean by dusting and damp-mopping on a daily basis.

7. Wood Floors

– When it comes to wood floor cleaning, there’s one important thing to know: water is the enemy! Water dulls your wood’s finish and oftentimes leads to irreversible (and unsightly!) stains. Unless your wood has been treated with polyurethane, never use a wet mop or even think about washing your floors with water. Keep the floor dry and wipe off the smallest spills promptly.

– Dust and wipe with soft mop regularly and always use appropriate polishing material.

– Never use anything other than a wood-specific floor cleaner to deep clean and let it soak for a guaranteed sheen.