Installing new flooring in your home isn’t as simple as measuring your space, ordering materials and putting down planks at random though. For a properly installed flooring, racking is an essential step you shouldn’t leave out. Use this guide to learn more about flooring racking and how to make use of this simple process before you begin your installation.

What is Floor Racking?

Floor racking can sound like a time-consuming task that should be left to professional installers only, right? The truth is that floor racking is quite simple and pretty much anybody can do it. If you can lift a plank of your chosen flooring material you can handle racking on your own.

That’s because floor racking is simply the process of laying out your flooring planks without fastening them with nails or glue. Doing this allows you to create varied patterns and mix and match different planks for a designer-inspired look you won’t get by randomly placing your planks at installation time. While you can do this with any flooring material, racking is a pretty standard procedure when you’re working with natural hardwood, engineered wood or laminate.

Not everybody takes the time to properly rack their floors. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes people make when installing flooring, and while avoiding it won’t necessarily result in damage, there’s a good chance your floors won’t look as good as they could have.

Why is Floor Racking Important?

A lot of people who are installing a floor in their homes wonder if floor racking is really necessary or if it’s just a step that will eat up valuable time. While it can easily add a few hours to your overall installation, floor racking is a vital first step when taking on a new flooring project.

Here are a few of the main reasons floor racking is so important.

Thorough Inspection

Floor racking allows you to inspect each plank as you take it out of the packaging. That means you get a look at each individual plank so you can check for defects. Once installed, defective wood won’t be covered under a standard warranty. Take the time to ensure you don’t have any defective planks before your installation. Racking early also allows you to get replacement planks before your installation is scheduled to begin.

Color Variation

Racking makes it easy to achieve proper color variation when installing flooring like engineered wood or natural hardwood. By racking your floors first, you can choose exactly what your flooring pattern will look like, giving your room and home more visual depth. With materials like wood, you can also blend light and dark planks or strategically place planks with more color variation.

Length Variation

You can mix and match plank lengths to create a smart design through racking. Varying plank lengths creates a designer-inspired look for your room. Racking also helps ensure that you don’t place all long planks together before switching to shorter planks, which will be very obvious once installed.

See the Full Picture

Racking allows you to view the floor from a standing position so you can see what your floors will look like once they’re permanently installed. This provides you with the opportunity to make changes for aesthetic reasons before nailing or gluing them down.

Understanding Acclimation and Moisture Content in Flooring Materials

Floor racking is a vital step that ensures you have high-quality wood, optimal color variation and appropriate plank lengths. Before you start laying out your floor though, allowing the wood to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the installation location is critically important.

Why does acclimation matter so much? Consider the possibility that your flooring materials may have been shipped from a region with a climate much different than yours. Your new flooring materials may also have been in storage for some time before being shipped to you. That means they may shrink or expand slightly in your home.

In general, 48 to 72 hours is an ideal acclimation time for most materials, though a longer time generally won’t cause any harm at all in a climate controlled space. One great way to ensure your new flooring material is ready for installation is to unpack it on a Friday before beginning your installation on Monday or Tuesday. That leaves ample time for even sensitive materials like natural hardwood to acclimate to your space.

You don’t have to leave flooring acclimation to chance though. Another option is to use a moisture meter to make sure your flooring materials are ready for installation. Here’s how you can use a moisture meter to check your flooring materials before you begin the installation process.

Racking 101: A Quick Step-By-Step Guide

Racking doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s a quick step-by-step primer to help you get a handle on the basics.

1. Inspect all flooring materials for damage and defects. Put aside any planks that are unfit for installation.
2. Pull planks from different boxes to ensure varied tones and plank lengths. You can sort them into “like” groups to organize your materials.
3. Allow your flooring materials proper time to acclimate to your home. Use a moisture meter to ensure your materials are ready for installation.
4. Take time to plan your layout. Give yourself a day to ensure that you love your design before committing.
5. Make sure you stagger joints correctly. You want to avoid weak spots that could lead to damage or the need for repairs down the road.

Ready to update the flooring in your home? We can help you find a range of materials like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, vinyl flooring, porcelain and ceramic tile and more. Our trained representatives can also give you more information about racking your floors before installation so you can proceed with the installation knowing you’ll love the outcome.

Reach out today to take the first step toward new floors. We can also help you plan your building project if you’re creating your dream home from the ground up.

The post Floor Racking: How to Lay Out Plank Flooring Before Installation appeared first on Learning Center.

While bamboo is growing in popularity, it’s still a flooring material that many people are unfamiliar with. That can make daily and deep cleaning a little confusing for some. Luckily, bamboo flooring is a low-maintenance material that’s ideal for busy spaces.

Use this guide to learn more about choosing the right bamboo floor cleaner for daily and deep cleaning.

Use a Microfiber Mop for Daily Maintenance

Strong and resilient, bamboo flooring can take a lot of abuse before it starts to look worse for wear. That doesn’t mean you need to put bamboo to the test by using abrasive cleaning products. For daily cleaning, a soft microfiber mop and a little bit of clean water will do the trick.

Microfiber mops are also particularly good at picking up pet hair that can end up on your floors.

Break Out the Broom or Vacuum

Using a microfiber mop to tackle every inch of your floors is relatively fast and easy. When you’ve got 10 minutes to clean up before friends and family come over though, you might need an ever faster option. Enter your trusty broom or modern vacuum.

A soft-bristled broom is an easy solution for quickly cleaning up entry areas, walkways and smaller spaces. A vacuum fitted with a felt head is even faster. Just make sure you’re not using a vacuum with a hard head or beater bar. These can scratch your floors or leave unsightly marks in some cases.

Try a Do-It-Yourself Vinegar Solution

Using a microfiber mop, a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a felt head all make it easy to give your bamboo floors a quick cleaning. Sometimes you need a little more cleaning power to get rid of spots, spills, sticky residue and other unsightly blemishes.

A little white vinegar is all you need in most cases. To use white vinegar, create a mixture that’s 1-part vinegar to 4-parts clean water. Apply the mixture to your floors as you would any premade cleaner, using a damp microfiber pad or cloth.

Note that undiluted white vinegar shouldn’t be used as a bamboo floor cleaner, as it may damage your floor’s finish. You also want to avoid harsh cleaning agents like bleach, oils and abrasive scrubs.

Go for a Safe Pre-Made Cleaner

A homemade vinegar bamboo floor cleaner is inexpensive and fully functional for basic maintenance. There are safe pre-made products on the market that you can use on bamboo floors if you don’t want to go the DIY route though.

One of the top offerings today is Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Made with pH neutral ingredients that won’t damage bamboo, Bona is an easy to get through a wide variety of retailers, hardwood stores and online outlets.

Use Specialty Bamboo Floor Cleaners

Is it time to deep clean your bamboo floors? About once per year, depending on the foot traffic in your home, a specialty bamboo floor cleaner can be used to restore your flooring to its original look.

Why only once per year? Because these specialty products made for deep cleaning are too harsh for regular use. If your floors take a lot of abuse, you may be able to stretch to bi-annual deep cleanings. In general though, more is less when it comes to using specialty bamboo floor cleaner.

Hire Professional Cleaning Services

Deep cleaning your bamboo floors annually can preserve their finish and bring well-trod areas back to life. Doing it yourself isn’t your only choice however. Having your bamboo floors cleaned by professionals on an annual basis is something many people choose to do.

If you don’t want to use more abrasive chemicals yourself, this may be an ideal option for you. Pros will also do an excellent job that ensures your floors looks spectacular for as long as possible. Hiring a professional service once per year is also generally quite cost-effective for most spaces.

Cleaning your bamboo floors isn’t rocket science. With the right DIY products and readymade cleaners, you can tackle basic messes, spills and keep your floors looking spotless every day of the week.

Then, for serious deep cleaning a few times a year, pH neutral specialty cleaning products are an excellent choice. Hiring professionals once per year can enhance your cleaning routine even more. Simple, right?

Looking to learn more about bamboo flooring or see how it compares to other durable options like engineered hardwood? From choosing the right material to installation and maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to one of our trained representatives today so you can get the answers you need.

The post What’s the Best Bamboo Floor Cleaner? appeared first on Learning Center.

Bamboo flooring installation requires a fair amount of skill, and if you’ve never worked installing a floor before, bamboo isn’t necessarily the most forgiving material to try your hand with. That’s why many people hire a professional when they’re going to take on a bamboo flooring installation project.

However, there are some bamboo flooring installation tips that can help you make sure you project is running smoothly even if you don’t do the work on your own. Use this guide to learn more about bamboo flooring and how to properly install it in any room in your home.

Evaluate Your Subfloor

Installing a bamboo floor means ensuring that your room is ready for the job. The first step is to make sure your concrete or wood subfloor is up to the task. Here are some tips to help you get your subfloor ready for a bamboo floor installation:

•   Check that your subfloor is durable and ready for installation. Bamboo flooring isn’t as heavy as natural stone or some other flooring products, but it does require proper support for long-term durability and safety. You’ll also want to make sure that any glue, paint or sealant is properly removed from your existing subfloor before you start the bamboo installation process.

•   Use a moisture meter designed for concrete if you’ve had a new subfloor installed. You’ll want your subfloor to have a moisture reading of no more than 6% before you begin work. In many cases, it takes 60 to 90 days for a new concrete subfloor to be ready for bamboo installation.

•   Determine if a self-leveling compound is needed for a concrete floor. Starting with a level floor is essential when installing bamboo or any other type of flooring material.

•   Sand, plane or fill high or low spots on your wood subfloor if necessary.

•   Make sure a vapor barrier is in place if you’re installing engineered bamboo below grade.

Let Your Bamboo Acclimate to Your Space

Bamboo, even engineered bamboo, has a lot of organic matter in it. All of that organic matter means that bamboo flooring is highly susceptible to swelling and shrinking in a new climate or region. In many cases, you may be getting bamboo that is delivered or shipped from a location fairly far from your home. That means that your bamboo flooring needs to acclimate to your new space.

Here’s how you can tackle the acclimation process for a bamboo flooring installation:

•   Put your bamboo flooring in the room where it will be installed. Leave your flooring material in the box if that is how it is delivered.

•   Make sure the boxes are flat. Avoid stacking multiple boxes on top of one another.

•   Leave your bamboo flooring in the room to acclimate for a minimum of 48 hours. Ideally, you should give this process one week before installation begins.

Lay Out Your Design

Bamboo is a natural material, which means you’re likely to see a variety of color variations when you evaluate your product. This is normal and helps give your room visual depth and a timeless design. Simply placing your bamboo flooring material without a pattern in mind however may not give you the result that you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips to help you quickly and easily plan how you want to put your bamboo planks down:

•   Remove your bamboo flooring material from the box or remove plastic wrapping. You need to see all of your flooring material together to create a design.

•   Separate the bamboo flooring material into light, medium and dark sections.

•   Stagger your color pattern throughout the installation process for a more natural look. This will help you avoid large patches of light color followed by darker planks or boards that may look out of place.

Use Proper Nailing Procedures

Installing a bamboo floor can be tricky work best left to a professional. That’s because tongue fracture and surface dimpling can be a big problem if bamboo is improperly installed. Here are some tips for nailing bamboo to keep in mind whether you do the work yourself or not:

•   Don’t use damaged boards. Twisted, crooked, cracked or bowed boards should be discarded. These can cause problems down the road.

•   Use the correct nail and fastener type for the thickness of your floor. In many cases, 18-guage floor nailers and cleats will work, but thinner and thicker bamboo flooring materials may require different tools.

•   Space fasteners roughly every eight to 10-inches. Use at least two fasteners per board.

•   Pay attention to your nail angle if you notice buckling or surface dimpling. You may need to adjust your nail angle to prevent this from occurring.

It’s important to note that nailing bamboo is a common method, but it may not work with every type of bamboo. If you’re noticing a lot of surface dimpling, you may need to switch to another method. Gluing bamboo to the subfloor is a common option that may work for your needs.

Bamboo flooring is a brilliant, natural material that works well in modern and transitional homes. Renewable and strong, it’s also built to last for many years to come. Available in a wide range of looks from natural to distressed, finding the ideal style to match your space and existing décor should be a breeze as well.

Do you have questions about choosing the right bamboo flooring material for your entryway, living room, den, bedroom or family room? We can help you find the right flooring material and provide you with valuable bamboo flooring installation tips to help you through the process.

Reach out to us today so you can start enjoying your new bamboo floors before you know it. We know you’ll love the look and feel of bamboo in your home.

The post Bamboo Flooring Installation Tips appeared first on Learning Center.

The living room and the kitchen are two of the most-used rooms in the home but their needs are very different, which often results in two different flooring types in these spaces. Keep the look between the two rooms smooth and safe by ensuring that there are proper floor transitions between rooms. The types of transition you need depends greatly on what type of flooring is installed in each of the spaces.

Why Do You Need A Room Transition Strip?

Different types of flooring feature different installation types. Putting one edge straight against another edge would result in uneven and raw areas that would not hold up to wear and tear and which could even make it easy to trip. Placing a proper room transition strip from one room to another helps protect both types of flooring and provide a clean, finished look. Visually, the transition strip acts as a reminder to anyone walking through the home that there may be a slight height difference between two types of flooring.

Not only are room transition strips a visually pleasing way to complete flooring installation; they are also a way to allow for the proper expansion and contraction of the flooring itself. In the warm weather of the summer and spring floorings such as hardwood and vinyl tends to expand a bit. In cold weather, the flooring contracts. The space under the transition strips allows for the expansion and contraction without creating a gap between the two floorings.

Multi-Floor Transition

When you have multiple flooring types in one house, keep all the room transitions consistent by opting for a four-in-one transition strip. This four-piece design makes it easy to bridge the gap between many different flooring types, depending upon what pieces you use. This makes it a versatile solution if you have carpet in a living room, tile in an entry, and laminate in a sunroom.

Between Hard Floors

When you have two hard floors that but up against one another, a T-shaped transition strip is the ideal solution. The top of the transition strip bridges the gap between the two hard floors, which are able to come right up to the bar that extends from the center of the transition strip.

How to Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors

When two different wood floors come together, a simple strip, called a seam binder, makes the ideal transition. This piece of wood is the same height as most wood planks and screws into place, providing a finished look at the junction where two wood floors meet. This seam binder simply screws into place, making it fast and easy to install. Purchase them finished to coordinate with the wood flooring you chose or unfinished and stain or paint them the color of your choice.

Carpet to Ceramic Tile

When connecting carpet to ceramic tile, there is a two-piece transition that is needed. The first piece is a metal strip with tacks along the edge that secure the end of the carpet in place so it can be stretched properly. Next, a vinyl transition strip clicks into the holder attached to the metal strip, smoothing out the transition between the two types of flooring and giving it a finished look.

Flooring Transitions From Wood to Tile

Generally, tile is a much thicker product than a plank of wood or laminate. The result can be uneven. Get a smooth transition from. Bathroom or kitchen tile to the surrounding wood by using a transition strip designed specifically to bridge these two flooring materials.  To account for the tile to hardwood transition height difference, one side of the strip is slightly more accommodating on the underside, allowing for the height difference.

Vinyl to Tile Transitions

Tile is a thick material with mortar or thin-set underneath. Vinyl, on the other hand, is very thin. This difference in material heights makes it necessary to get a tile to vinyl transition strip that features a gentle curve, smoothing the transition between the two heights and making the slight difference visually noticeable.

Carpet to Edge

Transitions don’t just happen from one type of flooring to the other. They also take place between carpet and the surrounding walls. Begin any carpet installation by screwing a metal carpet edge gripper into place. A series of spikes along the strip make it easy to stretch the carpet correctly and keep it secured, right up to the edge of the room. Once installed, a metal lip curves over the edge of the carpet to prevent the carpet from fraying.

Having one consistent flooring that runs through the entire house can make a space feel large but it often is not realistic. Hardwood floors look chic in a living room but they aren’t practical for kitchens and bathrooms where water damage can occur.  In wet spaces, ceramic tile or luxury vinyl flooring makes a more durable choice. Whether you are laying floors in a brand new home or simply updating a single room of the space, transition strips are a necessary part of the installation process. Transition strips are designed to minimize visual disruption while providing a smooth and protective gap between two flooring types.

The post Flooring Transition from the Kitchen to the Living Room appeared first on Learning Center.

Cork and bamboo are both intriguing flooring options that offer an alternative to traditional hardwood. If you’re considering new flooring for your home, these are both eco-friendly options that can help you maintain a home that’s a little lighter on the earth. Learn more about the pros and cons of bamboo and cork floors so you can decide which of these beautiful flooring options is the best choice for your next home improvement project.

Similarities of Cork and Bamboo

You’ll find that cork and bamboo are often discussed together because both are eco-friendly flooring options. These products give the home a beautiful appearance while making a minimal impact on the environment. Environmentally conscious consumers enjoy these picks because they’re far more sustainable than hardwood flooring.

It takes 30 to 100 years for trees to reach the proper maturity for traditional wood flooring. Timber is harvested at maturity and replanted, at which point the lengthy cycle must begin again. In contrast, bamboo reaches maturity in just five to seven years. This grass is cut at the ground level and regrows from the roots another five to seven years after each harvest.

Cork flooring is made from wood bark, so it can be harvested without killing the tree. Cork trees reach maturity at 25 years. Once the bark is peeled away, it can regenerate on the live tree in nine to 12 years. A single cork tree will typically live 150 to 200 years, though these trees can live up to 800 years.

Cork Flooring Pros

Evora Pallets Cork – Long Plank Terra Collection – Floating Floor / SKU: 10084484

Cork is a soft flooring option that provides ample cushioning underfoot. It compresses under the weight of your body, so you’ll enjoy natural give with every step. This same feature makes cork a good insulator, both acoustically and thermally. Despite its softness, cork is still a very durable product. It’s resistant to cracks and bounces back easily from most dents.

Cork is excellent at protecting your family from potential hazards. The anti-bacterial flooring is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It’s resistant to fire as well, and will not ignite until it reaches extremely high temperatures.

You can get cork in planks or tiles to suit your decorating style. It’s available in many hues as well. The color of the cork permeates its entire thickness, so the shade doesn’t change, even as the cork sustains long-term wear. Cork flooring will typically last for around 40 years.

Cork floor installation is quick and easy. Most tiles have self-adhesive backing so you can place them in a peel-and-stick manner. Another option is a thin-set mortar adhesive.

Cork Flooring Cons

Though cork flooring doesn’t dent easily, it can sustain scratches. Cork isn’t usually the best option for a home with pets, where sharp claws will make regular contact with the material. Pointy objects like small floor legs and high heels can puncture the floor, causing major damage.

It’s difficult to repair cork when damage does occur. The best option is to replace the entire tile, so you may need to keep some extra tiles on hand. Cork flooring must be sealed to protect it from moisture damage. You should be careful about using water on this material and damp-mop only as needed. Dust mopping is a better choice.

Some spills will stain cork flooring, and sunlight can bleach some of the color out of this product. Proper sealing will protect the flooring from minor water damage, but the material will discolor and warp if flooded. If cork flooring is regularly exposed to humidity, it may curl and expand, which can cause entire tiles to pop out of place. Cork does best in a low-humidity environment.

Bamboo Flooring Pros

Selkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Smooth Finish / SKU: 15230516

Bamboo flooring is popular for its ability to mimic many other hardwood flooring styles. It’s available in a wide range of colors. You can find varying shades of bamboo in its natural state. The product can also be stained to provide a broader range of options to suit nearly any aesthetic preferences.

For durability, bamboo is a solid choice. It’s as hard as red oak and relatively moisture-resistant. Compared to solid hardwood, bamboo flooring contracts and expands less. Cleaning it is quick and easy with a damp mop. You can expect to get 20 to 25 years out of bamboo floors with the regular wear and tear of a family. Bamboo floors that get less wear can last 50 years or more.

There are several different ways to install bamboo flooring. You can float it over other floors or install it using nails or glue. It’s important for bamboo to acclimate to the environment before installation. Professional installation is the best option.

When you’re purchasing bamboo, it’s important to make sure the product comes from a reliable supplier. If the bamboo is harvested too early, it won’t have the optimum hardness. The best bamboo for strength and hardness is Moso bamboo that’s been allowed to mature for at least five years before harvesting.

Bamboo Flooring Cons

Bamboo’s hardness is usually considered a strength, but this feature also makes the flooring noisier than a softer pick like cork. If you’re looking to minimize sound in your home, you might want a different option. If bamboo flooring is exposed to direct sunlight, it can begin to lose some of its color. Bamboo also stains easily, so it’s important to seal it properly.

Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the installation process that will be used for your bamboo floors if you’re going this route. Bamboo flooring is often installed with a formaldehyde glue. This adhesive off-gases hazardous chemicals that are linked to respiratory problems. Look for bamboo products that come with a lengthy warranty to help minimize some of the potential problems that you can encounter with bamboo.

Both cork and bamboo have great strengths that can make them strong contenders for your flooring project. If you want something soft and insulating for a pet-free home, cork is the best option. For a durable yet sustainable flooring option, bamboo may be the right pick. Factor in all your needs to decide which type of flooring is right for you.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/engineered-hardwood-versus-bamboo-flooring-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.homeflooringpros.com/blog-guides/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring-vs-cork-flooring

https://www.floorcoveringweekly.com/main/features/millennials-spur-interest-in-bamboo-cork-18546

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/sustainable-flooring-bamboo-and-cork/

https://www.thespruce.com/bamboo-vs-cork-flooring-1821760

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/the-benefits-of-cork-flooring

https://www.thespruce.com/cork-flooring-pros-and-cons-1314688

https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/the-lowdown-on-bamboo-flooring

The post Cork vs. Bamboo Flooring: What’s Better for Your Project? appeared first on Learning Center.

Yanchi Wide-Plank T&G Solid Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring / SKU: 15005473

New bamboo floors offer a gorgeous shine that you’ll likely want to retain long into the future. While a little wear and tear will ultimately add personality to your flooring, it’s important to care for your floors properly to preserve their appeal and lengthen their lifespan. Bamboo is just as strong as hardwood flooring, but it is a unique product that requires its own level of care and consideration. Read on to learn everything you need to know about keeping your strand woven bamboo floors in shape.

How to Make Your Floor Shine

The best way to make your bamboo floor shine is to make sure that you’re caring for it right. If you use the wrong cleaners, you’ll give your floor a dull appearance. Though vinegar and water is a natural choice for floor cleaning, this combination strips the floor of its beautiful luster. Using waxes or furniture polishes will dull the floors too. These products leave a greasy residue as well, which may attract dust, pet hair, and dirt.

Avoid giving your floors a dingy appearance by learning how to care for them properly. When you use the right tools and cleaning solutions, you’ll be able to keep that gorgeous like-new shine on your floors much longer than you would otherwise. Use the right cleaning schedule for your flooring so you can take proper care of your strand woven bamboo and get the sleek appearance you’re after.

• Soft-mop your floors daily.
• Capture dirt and other dry messes with a soft bristle broom.
• Wet-mop your floors for a deep clean as needed, usually weekly with family wear.
• Refinish the floors as needed to restore shine.

Soft Bristle Broom

A soft bristle broom is an important tool in your arsenal for maintaining beautiful strand woven bamboo floors. The soft bristles will prevent any type of scratching or abrasion against the flooring. Regular sweeping is a quick and easy chore that you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain your flooring.

Designate your brooms for indoor use only. If you go back and forth between indoor and outdoor sweeping, you’ll only bring more dirt, pollen, grass, and other particles into the home. Give your broom the care and attention that it needs to stay in shape and do its job well. Clean the bristles on a regular basis, removing hair, dirt, and debris. A dirty broom will only move the mess, while a clean one can help you sweep it up.

Soft Cloths and Mops

A soft dust mop is a powerful tool for keeping your bamboo floors looking fresh. A dust mop does much of the same work as your soft bristle broom. The broader flat surface will wipe dust from the surface of your bamboo in wide swaths. A good dust mop will be your go-to tool for daily cleaning. You can quickly swipe the mop across the floors and use a small soft bristle broom and dustpan to catch the dirt that you collect.

You can also use a wet mop on an occasional basis for a more thorough cleaning. You shouldn’t wet-mop your floors too often. Reserve this for deep cleaning. Depending on the level of traffic in your home, you may need to wet-mop weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly if you don’t have kids or pets and have light traffic through the house.

Soft cloths are something you should keep on hand to clean up spills. Never leave any type of moisture sitting on your strand woven bamboo floors. This can cause permanent staining or swelling. Repairing bamboo floors can be a costly proposition, so you should act fast when you can to minimize damage. Wipe up wet spills first and address cleaning and polishing later. Keep a generous stock of these cloths at hand, so you don’t have to waste time wondering what to grab when you overturn a glass or discover a puddle.

Floor Cleaners

Be mindful of the products you use on your bamboo flooring when you decide to wet-mop. It’s important to avoid anything that will mar the floors or leave a residue. You should not use waxes, polishes, or acidic liquids like vinegar. Avoid products with oil. While you can use a small amount of water on strand woven bamboo floors, you should never flood them.

The best choice for cleaning your floors is one that’s formulated specifically for bamboo. There are many commercial options on the market that take the unique needs of bamboo into account. Once you’ve chosen your cleaning product, you should pour it into a shallow bucket. Dip your cloth or mop into the solution and wring it out completely before you proceed to clean your floors. The goal is to get a damp cloth or mop, but not one that’s dripping.

Preventative Maintenance

Selkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Smooth Finish / SKU: 15230516

Maintaining clean bamboo floors begins with prevention. The more dirt you can keep off your floors, the more damage, staining, and abrasion you can avoid. Keep your floors dirt-free with well-placed rugs to capture dust, dirt, and moisture before these hazards get to the bamboo. This is especially important in front of your doors, where you’re most likely to track these troublemakers in. Have everyone drop their shoes by the door to minimize the chance of bringing dirt in further.

Place felt pads under furniture legs to keep them from denting or scuffing the floor. Lift furniture when you move it to prevent scratches. Simply taking the proper steps to keep dirt away will instantly make your floors more appealing. If you care for your floors properly from the beginning, you’ll enjoy the longest possible lifespan from this product.

Keeping up with a regular cleaning routine will make a huge difference in the appearance of your bamboo floors. Sweep and mop regularly so you’re always on top of dust and dirt and avoid any type of significant build-up. This approach to floor care will give you a like-new shine for your bamboo flooring long into the future.

Resources:

https://www.bambooflooringcompany.com/bamboo-flooring-blog/maintaining-the-beauty-and-shine-of-bamboo-floors/

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-bamboo-flooring/

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-bamboo-flooring-1314825

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/334974/file-682940659-pdf/Docs/Technical/Strand-Woven.pdf?t=1405515061077

https://www.hunker.com/12328233/what-cleaners-can-be-used-on-a-bamboo-floor

http://www.brightfields.co.za/blog/2013/3/7/how-to-care-for-your-strand-woven-bamboo-flooring

The post How to Clean Strand Woven Bamboo Floors appeared first on Learning Center.

What to Know About Cleaning Luxury Vinyl

Using Vinegar to Clean Luxury Vinyl

While vinegar is a common ingredient in many homemade floor cleaners, it shouldn’t be used on certain household surfaces because it can cause damage. Fortunately, luxury vinyl flooring isn’t one of those surfaces. In fact, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent vinyl floor cleaner. The acidity in the vinegar can remove grime and dirt without leaving behind buildup and residue like soap can. Just make sure you don’t use full-strength vinegar to clean your floors. It can dull the finish, and you have no way of polishing vinyl flooring to bring back the shine.

To make homemade floor cleaner using vinegar, simply mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of water. You can then use a damp mop to clean your floor. Be sure to frequently rinse your mop with hot water while you’re cleaning. If you’re looking to disinfect and clean your floors at the same time, you can use white vinegar instead.

If your floors are especially grimy, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to your vinegar-water mixture before you mop them. Then go back over your floors a second time with just the water and vinegar. Lastly, if you’re looking to add a little shine to your floors, a few drops of baby oil in the water and vinegar cleaning solution will do the trick.

Keep Cleaners pH Neutral

It’s important to note that you don’t want to clean your luxury vinyl flooring with bleach, ammonia, or any high-pH detergents. These cleaners are corrosive and can damage your floors. Instead, you need to look for pH-neutral cleaners. In fact, one of the best cleaners for your vinyl floors is a simple solution of an ounce of mild dishwashing soap in a gallon of plain water.

Since standing water can damage or stain vinyl flooring, it’s important to use a microfiber mop as opposed to a string mop when you’re cleaning. You also want to thoroughly wring your mop of any excess water before using it. If you’re using dishwashing soap in your cleaning solution, don’t forget to go over your floors with clean water when you’re done to give them a good rinse. The final step in the cleaning process is to dry your floors with a clean rag or towel.

If you have a stain on your vinyl flooring, you can try to rub it out using isopropyl alcohol, a water and baking soda paste, or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Does Vinyl Need Wax?

Luxury vinyl flooring doesn’t require the application of any type of wax. However, it can benefit from an acrylic finish, and it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Floor wax is typically derived from carnauba wax, which makes it a more solid substance. It also requires a special buffing tool to apply it to the floor. Picture a custodian applying wax to a floor in a school or hospital using a large buffing machine to make the floor appear clean and shiny, and you’ll understand how floor wax works.

On the other hand, an acrylic finish is a liquid-based substance that’s applied with a mop and bucket. Manufacturers often recommend using an acrylic finish on areas where scuffing or scratching are likely to occur. Although an acrylic finish isn’t a requirement, it can add shine and provide a protective barrier when applied correctly. This can also help add to the longevity of your floor.

If you decide to use an acrylic finish on your luxury vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to polish it with a high-speed burnisher. This is because high-speed buffing can penetrate the wear layer of your floor and possibly even cause the layers to separate over time, which will destroy your floor. Instead, you want to slowly buff the acrylic finish on your luxury vinyl flooring to make it shine.

How to Fix Scratches and Scuffs

The best way to prevent scratches or scuffs from ending up on your luxury vinyl floors to begin with is to sweep or vacuum your floors every day to remove any dirt or debris that could cause damage. However, if you do notice a scratch or scuff on your floor, you can try several options to remove it.

If it’s a small mark, some light buffing might do the trick. You can also try a spot repair kit to remove the mark. If you have a slightly larger scuff or scratch, consider applying a vinyl floor sealer after you wash your floor to hide the mark. One trick that many people swear by is to spear a tennis ball on the end of a stick and rub it over the scuff to make it disappear. You can also try applying some jojoba oil or WD-40 lubricant on a towel and rubbing it over the scuff until it goes away.

For severe damage, such as a deep scratch, cut, gouge, or dent, you’ll likely need to replace the plank. Likewise, if you have a deep scuff mark because something wore away the protective wear layer — such as the bottom of a chair leg rubbing back and forth over the same spot — it’s usually better to replace the damaged piece.

You love your luxury vinyl plank flooring, and you want to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Keep these helpful cleaning tips in mind, and you’ll know exactly how to clean your vinyl flooring so it continues to look great.

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Hardwood floors can make your home look bright, fresh, and inviting. To keep these surfaces sparkling, you’ll need to clean them regularly, but not just any mop can do the job. Check out the best mops for cleaning hardwood flooring, and make your home shine.

Dust Mop

Whether your home has hardwood floors on each level or you’ve installed them in just one or two rooms, you’ll want to keep a dust mop handy at all times. These dry mops are essential for the light cleaning that your hardwood floors require regularly.

If you’ve never used a dust mop before, think of it as a broom with a base that features a soft cover rather than harsh bristles. Thanks to their cushioned, flexible bases, dust mops are gentler on hardwood and better at cleaning this type of surface.

Most hardwood floors are designed to be as durable as possible, but their natural materials can still scratch or dent in many situations. Both indoor and outdoor debris like dirt, dust, and sand can wear away the smooth, even surface of your hardwood each time you tread on the floors or walk across the room.

To keep your hardwood floors looking as good as new, choose a dust mop with a cotton or microfiber base cover that’s designed to pick up debris easily. Use your dust mop to clean the hardwood at least once a week, or even more frequently if your floors tend to attract dirt and debris. Never use cleaning solutions with dust mops, as they tend to attract even more dust over time.

After mopping, brush the accumulated debris into the trash, or throw the base cover into the washing machine. Replace the base cover when the fibers begin to wear down or when the dust mop starts to lose its effectiveness.

Steam Mop

For long-term maintenance for hardwood floors, invest in a steam mop. These devices go way beyond surface-level dust and debris, thanks to their power to steam away even the most stubborn dirt and stains. With a steam mop, you can even make your hardwood’s finish brighter without having to resort to harsh cleaning products. Since you only have to fill a steam mop once to clean an entire room, you don’t have to worry about making a mess with a traditional mop and bucket either.

Keep in mind, however, that you should only use a steam mop to clean hardwood floors with completely intact seals. Using these devices on hardwood without an intact finish can cause serious damage.

To choose the best steam mop for your hardwood floors, look for one with a flexible microfiber head that can tackle even hard-to-reach or oddly shaped spots. Opting for a steam mop with an extended cord increases the convenience factor and lets you clean more without having to switch the device to another outlet.

To use a steam mop effectively, use a dust mop to eliminate loose dust and dirt. Then go over the floor with a steam mop, taking care to change the mop head regularly to avoid spreading dirt across the room.

Traditional Mop and Bucket

While steam mops can supercharge your cleaning regimen and dust mops are essential for routine tidying, traditional mops offer the ideal middle ground. After all, dust mops can’t pick up the oils and spills that build up on your hardwood over weeks and months, and using a steam mop can be time consuming. Wet mops, however, can give your hardwood floors just the deep cleaning they need.

To get your floors as clean as possible, choose a mop head with looped ends. This type cleans faster and lasts longer, as you can wash and reuse these wet mop heads again and again. In a pinch, a mop head with cut ends will do the job, but this type has a tendency to fray and doesn’t hold up to repeated use. Be sure to choose the mop head material carefully, too. Microfiber mop heads are lint-free and best for perfectly clean floors, while cotton mop heads also work well, thanks to their low cost and excellent absorption.

Before using a wet mop, remove dirt and debris with a dust mop. Then soak the mop in a bucket of warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Mop the entire surface once, taking care not to leave pools of water on the hardwood. After the initial round of mopping, use a fresh bucket of water and a clean mop to rinse the floor. Repeat every two months to keep floors clean, or consider adding an extra wet mop cleaning session before the holidays or prior to hosting a big get-together.

Use the Right Cleaning Solution

Wet mops must be used with the right solution to clean your floors effectively. Rather than opting for an all-purpose cleaner, which can damage hardwood or dull the finish, always choose a cleaning solution designed for mopping hardwood floors. As a general rule, solutions with pH levels around seven tend to get hardwood as clean as possible without causing damage. Always read the instructions on the bottle to determine whether you need to dilute the solution before applying it to the floor.

To make your hardwood shine without using store-bought products, consider concocting your own solution. White vinegar is excellent for removing caked-on dirt, and you can create a cleaning solution quickly by mixing a half-cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Be sure to rinse the floors with fresh water to mitigate any odors.

No matter which cleaning solution you use, take care not to use too much. Avoid leaving any standing liquid on your hardwood floors, as it can seep into cracks between planks, eventually causing damage.

From a routine dusting to deep cleaning, the right mop can make your home sparkle. Mop your floors regularly and keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/hardwood-flooring/hardwood-cleaning-guide/

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/flooring-superheros-floor-maintenance-dry-mop/

https://blog.mollymaid.com/2014/02/26/what-is-microfiber-why-it-is-a-superior-dusting-and-cleaning-cloth/

https://www.thespruce.com/keep-mop-clean-sanitary-1901099

https://blog.mollymaid.com/2014/03/03/how-to-clean-wood-floors-best-dust-mops/

https://steamclean.reviews/best-hardwood-floor-mops/

https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/

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Keeping your home clean when you have furry friends can be a challenging task. It’s easier to remove fur from hardwood floors than deep carpeting, but they still require regular care. The right vacuum will help you keep up with the challenge by simplifying your routines and doing much of the hard work for you. When shopping for a vacuum, consider its features carefully to make sure you have the best one for the job.

Is a Robot Vacuum Right for You?

If you need an effortless fix for your dusty, hair-covered floor, a robotic vacuum may offer just what you’re looking for. Modern robot vacuums are a far cry from their older counterparts. These autonomous floor cleaners can handle all types of flooring. In addition to cleaning your hardwood floors, these vacuums will also tackle carpet and tile. Today’s products will learn the layout of your rooms so they can systematically clean a pre-programmed space. When they’re finished, these vacuums will dump dirt into a prescribed spot and return to the charging station to await their next task.

Depending on the product, you may adjust the settings on your robot vacuum manually or simply leave it to transition automatically from one surface to the next. Many of these vacuums will even respond to commands sent via a smartphone app. This feature may allow you to clean the house even while you’re at work.

When you have pets in the home, dealing with hair and dander is a daily occurrence. A robot vacuum is a handy automated solution that will help you keep the floors clean and allergen-free with a minimal amount of effort.

Make Sure the Vacuum Can Handle Hair

Whether you go robotic or choose a more traditional manual design, it’s important that you pick a vacuum that can handle pet hair. Unless you have a hairless critter in your home, fur is a never-ending problem around the house. Look for products that specifically advertise their pet hair perks. Some highly rated options include the Dyson Ball Animal 2, Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright NV356E, and Eufy Robovac 11S.

Some specific features to look for when you’re dealing with pet hair include:

• Special attachments and tools to handle corners, edging, and upholstery
• Strong suction to pick up dander and hair
• A bar-free brush that won’t get tangled in fur
• Maneuverability to get in smaller areas of the home where pets may like to spend their time
• Portability, particularly in a multi-level home
• A HEPA filter, especially if you have asthma or allergy sufferers in your home

It’s important to think about all the places pet hair can collect and choose a vacuum that will get to all of it. For a standard vacuum, you may need slim attachments that can slip under the furniture. For a robot vacuum, you’ll want to look for a low-profile design that can sneak beneath the couch. Pet hair can collect nearly anywhere, so look for a vacuum that can get into those places, too.

Can the Vacuum Clean Carpet and Rugs Too?

While your primary concern may be the hardwood floors in your home, you should also think about other surfaces that you may have. If you rugs in some rooms, you’ll want a vacuum that’s up to the task of keeping these spots clean. Even something as minimal as entry rugs will require regular attention if you have pets.

Most vacuums are designed with multiple floor materials in mind. Look for a product that can handle everything you have in your home. Consider the controls and make sure it’s easy to switch the vacuum from a hardwood floor setting to one that’s more appropriate for carpeting. Some robotic vacuums are even designed to sense the difference and make the change for you, so you can enjoy effortless cleaning.

Is the Vacuum Cordless?

Cordless vacuum cleaners are a convenient option for pet owners who want to get into a lot of small corners and crevices. Perhaps your dog likes to hide in the farthest reaches of your closet, where a standard corded vacuum can’t reach. Maybe you want to head outside and vacuum your dog’s backyard sleeping space without hauling an extension cord to the dog house. There are many situations where a cordless vacuum can serve a pet owner well.

There are, however, some limitations to cordless vacuums. A cordless vacuum will typically have a smaller capacity, so you will have to empty the canister more often – even mid-job. These vacuums are limited by their battery life. If the battery can’t keep up with the job, you’ll have to split it up into smaller segments, which could make it more time-consuming. You may find that a cordless vacuum has less suction power as well.

The bottom line is that a cordless vacuum is good if you have a specific need for it, but may not be worth the investment if a more traditional vacuum can get to all of your must-clean areas just as well.

Tips for Keeping Your Hardwood Floors Clean

Keeping your hardwood floors clean is about more than just vacuuming. This is an important part of your cleaning routine, but it’s not the only thing you’ll need to do. Use your vacuum to clean up dust, dirt, and pet hair as the first step in your floor cleaning. Follow this up with a wet mop of the floor to disinfect and clean up more stubborn messes.

To add a simple shine to the floors, polish them with a soft cloth dipped in tea. The tea’s tannic acid brings out the natural gleam in hardwood flooring. With regular care and attention, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful, no matter how much wear and tear they face.

Choosing the right vacuum for hardwood floors and pets will make it faster and easier for you to keep the home clean. Pick the perfect tool for the task and you can help your floors gleam.

See our selection of hardwood floors.

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Nail polish is prized for its strength and staying power when it’s neatly on your nails, but that same swipe of color loses its appeal when it’s dripped on the floor. Don’t let some wayward drops of color mar your beautiful hardwood. Though spilled nail polish may seem like a disaster, there are several remedies. Consider your choices carefully before you choose the right option for your individual situation. While there are several DIY solutions, there are also some cases where you may want professional help. Find out which approach is right for you.

White Sugar

If you catch the nail polish spill in time, you may not have to worry about removing a stain from your floors at all. Pour white sugar over the spill as soon as possible, and the sugar will attract the polish before the floor can absorb it. The sugar should congeal with the nail polish and harden. Wait for the polish to dry and you can simply sweep up the mess.

If you don’t catch the nail polish spill while it’s still wet, or if you find that the sugar doesn’t absorb the entire spill, you can use one of the following methods. These will help you with dried nail polish, where the stain is more difficult to handle.

Acetone

Acetone nail polish remover is the most obvious answer for a nail polish spill. While acetone is extremely effective for removing nail polish, it does come with some potential hazards. This powerful solvent can remove more than just nail polish from your floors. Depending on the material, acetone may remove some of the finish from your hardwood floors as well. For this reason, you should always test acetone in an inconspicuous place before you use it on your nail polish stain.

Place a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton swab. Dab on the floor in a corner or other unseen area to see if the floor suffers discoloration or damage. Don’t use an excessive amount of acetone on your test spot, as you will ultimately be using as little of the solvent as possible on the stain.

Most hardwood floors are treated with polyurethane that’s been baked or cured to create a durable finish that can withstand a small amount of acetone. Knowing what your floor is finished with can help you decide whether this is a smart choice for cleaning.

To clean up the stain using acetone, dab at the nail polish with a dampened cotton swab, avoiding the floor surrounding the stain as much as possible and focusing on the nail polish. Begin by blotting, and rub only as needed to get the most difficult parts of the stain. Finish with a cloth moistened slightly with acetone to remove any lingering streaks of color on the floor.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a gentler alternative to acetone that may work on floors that don’t have a finish durable enough to withstand acetone. This is gentler than an acetone product but still has the potential to cause some damage to your floors if they’re delicate. Test the rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab in a corner or other inconspicuous area.

Use a cotton swab to blot at the stain lightly, and rub with a cotton swab or cloth only where the stain is resistant to your gentle dabbing. Rubbing alcohol is a gentler alternative to acetone which will work on many nail polish stains. If the nail polish doesn’t respond to the rubbing alcohol, however, avoid soaking the floor with this liquid in an attempt to get the polish off. It’s better to try another method than to oversaturate the floor with rubbing alcohol.

Mineral Spirits

Painters often use mineral spirits to clean their paint brushes. This solution is often chosen as an effective alternative to turpentine. Mineral spirits aren’t quite as hard on your floors as an acetone product would be, making it an appealing choice when you’re worried about causing unsightly damage to your floor’s finish. Use the same method with mineral spirits as you use with other products. Test in an unseen area to make sure the product doesn’t seriously damage your flooring. Focus your removal efforts on the stain and avoid the surrounding area.

Use a cotton swab to apply the mineral spirits directly to the stain and finish with a cloth to gently wipe up streaks or remaining stains. If the stain doesn’t respond to mineral spirits, avoid scraping or rubbing too hard, as this will only remove the finish.

Should You Leave it to a Professional?

Hardwood floors typically take on a personality of their own over time. If your home has older hardwood floors, it’s likely that you already have some scratches, scrapes, and areas of discoloration. These can give the home its own sense of charm when you approach the hardwood as a distinctive feature that’s meant to take on some wear. If you’re alright with adding a few spots of discoloration to your floors, the above methods are a safe bet. Though they may remove some of the finish, they shouldn’t damage the floor significantly when used carefully.

If you have new hardwood floors, or you’re concerned about maintaining a sleek appearance with no signs of marring, you may want to avoid cleaning a nail polish stain on your own and turn to a professional instead. A professional cleaning and restoration service should be able to help with both the cleaning and any repairs that are necessary afterward. Though you can use a wood touch-up stain marker on your floors for a DIY fix, a professional can offer a more seamless approach to restoring your wood stain.

Nail polish stains on hardwood floors can be alarming, but there are several ways that you can approach this problem. With gentle care, you should be able to get the nail polish off the floors with minimal damage and retain the look you love of the beautiful hardwood in your house.

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