Tips for Cleaning Cork Flooring

Tips for Cleaning Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is an extremely durable option for homeowners. It’s eco-friendly and feels softer underfoot than hardwood. People all over the world are going green and becoming eco-friendly. They’re opting to live sustainable lives by using natural resources. This is one of the leading reasons why so many people are choosing green construction materials such as natural fiber carpets and bamboo or cork flooring.

We want you to get the longest use out of any flooring choice you make. Here are a few expert tips about cleaning cork flooring.

• Apply sealing agents

Cork is naturally very absorbent. This makes it extremely susceptible to stains from spills or water damage. Hence, cork flooring must be treated with a finishing agent that creates an invisible yet protective barrier. Though manufacturers usually apply an agent before distribution, it’s best to apply another agent after installation is complete.

• Clean up spills immediately

Stains and spills are inevitable in most homes. These things are bound to happen when kids or pets are around. It’s important for any spills to be cleaned immediately if there is a cork floor. Otherwise, they can set in and cause stains to remain on the surface.

• Don’t use a wet mop

While soaking ceramic tile flooring is fine when deep cleaning them, doing the same to cork flooring can cause serious damage. Cork flooring is similar to hardwood flooring in this regard. Exposure to too much moisture makes it expand and warp. Slightly moistened soft fabric can be used for cleaning. This method can provide great results when cleaning cork flooring.

• Sweep regularly

Cork flooring is known to be naturally resilient. Its surface is soft, which also means it’s extremely sensitive to grit and dust, which may build up over time. These can act as abrasives like sandpaper and may result in scratching the surface of the cork floors. This can easily be avoided through regular sweeping the cork floors.

• Use commercial cleaners

There are cleaning products available commercially which are specially designed for a specific kind of flooring. Similar to any other flooring, cork flooring can be deep cleaned with cleaning products designed specifically for this purpose. This will ensure no damage is caused to the floor. However, even with these specialty cleaners, it’s always better to spot test them on an area not easily seen. This ensures that it’s safe to be used on the floor. Ammonia-based or abrasive cleaners should be avoided.

There you have it! It’s a relatively easy task to maintain cork flooring. At AA FLOORS & MORE, we always do our best to help our customers. Visit us for consultation on different flooring options.