Upkeep On A Cork Floor

By Author: Vikram Kumar
Total Articles: 9822
Comment this article

Cork flooring can be a stunning addition in any home or office. Equipped with a unique beauty and coupled with an eco-friendly, its resiliency and warmth make it a savvy choice. As with any type of flooring product you purchase, consult the manufacturer for how to properly maintain your floor. You’ve made a great investment, so make sure to keep it at its best. There are some simple basics to follow, though, that will extend the life of your cork and keep it beautiful.

Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly. Spot clean dirty areas and make sure to use only mild cleaners. Never use a harsh cleaning detergent as it will damage the finish. If you want to mop the entire floor then use a dry or slightly damp mop. Don’t flood the floor. Liquids should be dried quickly, including cleansers, wash water, or spills. It is often best to use cleaners provided specifically for cork flooring from your manufacturer. But a diluted mixture of water and baking soda and/or white distilled vinegar can work wonders. Just be sure and rinse with fresh water lightly and dry after cleaning.

Don’t let your cork floor sit in ...
... water or be exposed to moisture for long periods of time. Cork is water resistant but prolonged exposure can cause it to warp.

Cork floors are resilient and durable but it works in your best interest to protect it from a few common offenses. Place mats at doors that open to the outside to minimize grit and dirt transfer from high volume shoe traffic. It’s recommended not to use rubber backed mats as they can trap moisture and ruin the cork.

Also coverand cushion your furniture legs with felt or padding. Even though cork bounces back better than any flooring product out there, extended pressure in a small diameter can cause the cork to hold indents. When moving furniture, never drag it across the cork surface, scuffing the surface can leave permanent markings. Like all wood, cork is not resistant to UV rays. Protect a cork floor with furniture, blinds, or draperies to filter or block direct sunlight, especially areas of the floor that are exposed day in and day. This will help to avoid fading.

It’s recommended that high traffic areas be given new coats of polyurethane ever 2 to 3 years to keep up the gloss and shine. Again be sure to consult your manufacturer for the best choice for your flooring. Other areas can go as long as 4 to 5 years before you may want to re-varnish.

Following the low maintenance suggestions and you will find that your cork floor will continue to look like new. Cork has been known to last over a hundred years as a flooring product. Check out the Library of Congress if you don’t believe.

Resource box

One of the biggest advantages of using Cork Flooring is the minimum maintenance that is involved. Imagine not having to spend hours to keep your floors looking clean! iCorkFloor has a wide range of cork floors including Cork floating flooring . Check them out today.