Deposited dirt, debris, and other types of grime can cause damage to any type of floor. Make sure everyone wipes their feet when they enter your home. Better yet, take off your shoes when you enter, especially if you’re wearing shoes with heels or high heels, as they can damage certain types of flooring.

In addition to preventing accidents on a slippery surface, cleaning up spills quickly helps ensure that your floors don’t warp, stain, or suffer water damage. To treat spills on carpeted floors, absorb the spill with a dry white cloth or paper towel, then blot the area with water to remove any residue.

Removing dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair will keep your floors looking pristine and will also help prevent scuffs, scratches, or stains.

If you have hardwood, laminate, or vinyl floors, vacuum only using the bare floor setting. Using a beater bar on these floors can damage it and make maintaining new floors even more difficult.

Vacuum high-traffic areas of the home such as entryways and hallways daily, especially if you have carpet. If you don’t, dust and dirt can become trapped in the fibers, making the carpets look dirty and causing problems for people with asthma or allergies.

Products with ammonia, bleach, or other harsh chemicals can discolor or stain many types of floors. Use specific product cleaning solutions when your floors need a deeper clean.

It is recommended that a professional deep clean every 12 to 18 months, removing embedded dirt and grime.

Some products such as hardwood and luxury vinyl may discolor due to prolonged sun exposure. If your new floors are in an area of ​​the house that receives a lot of direct sunlight, be sure to close curtains or blinds during periods of the day where sun exposure is greatest. You can also use rugs to help prevent fading or choose flooring options that are UV resistant, such as laminate.

Avoid scratches when lifting and carrying furniture across the floor, never drag it. To avoid marks, use floor protectors on heavier furniture or appliances.