How to Extend the Life of Your V4 Wood Flooring
You have taken the leap and invested in new V4 flooring, but how do you ensure that it lasts? Well, the good news is that all of our flooring is guaranteed in your home for 35 years, and with the right care – and a few helpful tips from us – your new floors can last for generations more.
Why Aftercare Matters
Proper aftercare is essential for long-lasting, beautiful floors, and this is especially true of those made from natural materials. Your aftercare routine will keep them looking pristine and preserve their structural integrity and functionality for years to come.
Reflooring your home has no doubt been an expensive endeavour, so the added expense of replacing damaged or worn-out flooring can and should be prevented. Regular maintenance is your route to achieving this, long after installation.
Our Range of Flooring
We offer a specialist range of flooring options to suit various tastes and needs from engineered wood and cork flooring that combines the beauty of natural textures with structural stability, to trusty laminates that offer durability and plain-and-simple maintenance.
Each type has its unique features and benefits, and whichever you have chosen has its own needs when it comes to aftercare.
Aftercare for Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers both natural allure and structural resilience, making it perfect for those who desire the timeless elegance of wood without the age-old susceptibility to warping or moisture damage.
Daily Maintenance for Engineered Wood Flooring
Daily upkeep is crucial for maintaining engineered wood. For routine cleaning, a soft-bristle broom or a microfibre mop is ideal for removing dust and debris. For more stubborn dirt, a damp cloth or a specialised wood floor cleaner can be used.
Weekly to Monthly Care for Engineered Wood Flooring
As with any flooring type, deep cleaning should be performed at least once a month, and a gentle pH-balanced cleaner, specifically designed for wood floors, can be used for this purpose. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as these can damage the lacquer or oil finish of your floors.
Long-Term Maintenance for Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood floors may need to be refinished or resealed every few years, depending on the level of traffic and wear they are subjected to. This process removes the wear layer, revealing a fresh surface of hardwood underneath.
Engineered wood cannot be refinished as many times as solid wood, due to its thinner top layer, but a trained professional should be able to advise you on what is possible for your flooring.
You can keep on top of this by regularly inspecting your floors for signs of wear and tear, and looking out for scratches or dents that may require more intensive care.
Aftercare for Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners seeking durability, ease of maintenance, and a wide range of design options. Comprising multiple layers, including a photographic finish and protective melamine coating, laminate flooring can mimic the look of real wood perfectly.
Daily Maintenance for Laminate Flooring
A microfibre cloth or a Hoover with a soft brush attachment is perfect for daily cleaning of laminates (avoid using a standard floor brush, as it can scratch the surface). For spot cleaning, a damp cloth or a laminate cleaner can be used, and quick fixes for minor issues like small scratches can be dealt with using a laminate repair kit.
Weekly to Monthly Care for Laminate Flooring
For a deeper clean, a damp mop with a laminate-friendly cleaning solution can be used, but it is essential to wring out the mop thoroughly to avoid water damage.
Also remember to inspect your floors regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as fading or minor dents. These can often be remedied with a repair kit, but more severe damages may require plank replacement which is simple to do with our Natureffect laminates.
Long-Term Maintenance for Laminate Flooring
Unlike wood, laminate flooring cannot be refinished, but the top layer can be resealed if it starts to show signs of wear. This is a job best left to professionals to ensure the sealant bonds correctly with the laminate, and your V4-approved stockist should be able to guide you in seeking this kind of specialist care.
Aftercare for Cortejo Cork Flooring
Our Cortejo range is a sustainable and comfortable option that offers natural insulation and sound absorption. Made from the bark of cork oak trees, this flooring type is not only eco-friendly but also provides a unique aesthetic and tactile experience.
Daily Maintenance for Cork Flooring
Daily cleaning of cork flooring is nice and simple, and almost an amalgamation of both engineered wood and laminate, thanks to its all-natural core and PVC-free coating.
A soft-bristle broom or a hoover with a hardwood setting is more than enough for removing everyday dust and debris, and for spot cleaning, a damp cloth or a mild detergent can be used.
Weekly to Monthly Care for Cork Flooring
For a more thorough clean, as with engineered wood, a damp mop with a pH-balanced cleaner is recommended. Ensure the mop is well-wrung to avoid water damage and seepage, and remember to regularly inspect your cork floors for signs of unusual wear, such as fading or minor indentations.
While cork is resilient, it is not immune to damage, so keep an eye out for areas that may need attention.
Long-Term Maintenance for Cork Flooring
Cork flooring benefits from occasional resealing to maintain its water-resistant properties. So, depending on the level of foot traffic your cork floors are receiving, you may need to reseal your floors every few years. This is a task that can be done yourself, but for a flawless finish, professional help is advised.
Products to Consider for Optimal Floor Care
Choosing the right cleaning products is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your V4 flooring. We offer a wide range of specially formulated cleaners that are tried and tested on all of our floors.
To name a few, the Bona Premium Spray Mop is ideal for engineered wood, with its spray feature that allows you to clean without saturating the wood; the Rubio Monocoat All Natural Wood Cleaner is perfect when paired with laminate flooring, offering a gentle yet effective clean without harsh chemicals; and the Rubio Monocoat Interior Soap is designed to clean while preserving the integrity of natural flooring, like Cortejo cork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with New Flooring
- Using Harsh Cleaners: Avoid cleaners with acidic or alkaline properties, as they can damage sealants and strip away finishes/protective layers.
- Excessive Water: Excessive water can cause naturally porous materials like the hardwood and cork found in our range to swell, resulting in structural damage. Always wring out your mop and use it damp, not sopping wet.
- Ignoring Spills: Accidents happen, but remember to clean up spills immediately to prevent staining and warping.
- Dragging Furniture: Always lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratching the surface of your new floors.
- Heavy Furniture Without Protection: A top tip is to use furniture pads under heavy items to prevent indentations over time. This can also help in moving furniture that cannot be carried, or items like chairs that often scrape when used.
- Skipping Regular Maintenance: Neglecting daily or weekly cleaning can lead to grime build-up, making your chosen floors harder to clean in the long run.
Maximise Your Investment in V4 Wood Flooring
Whether engineered wood, laminate, or Cortejo cork, your V4 flooring is an investment in your home’s value and aesthetic appeal that has been rigorously designed for long term performance. This is why the aftercare you practise is vital, as the cost of maintenance is far less than the cost of replacement.
Start with the right cleaning products and make a regular maintenance schedule. Your V4 flooring will not only look better but last longer, giving you peace of mind and a home to be proud of for years to come.