Maintenance & Care of Cork Floors
Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your new cork floor looking new, and help it last for decades to come.
Do Not "Wet Mop" Your Floor. Use a damp cloth or mop and then buff dry. Too much water can cause seepage and damage both the cork and the subfloor.
Clean with Water. Use cleaning agents sparingly, only for the heaviest of cleaning jobs. When using a cleaning agent, please follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Clean Frequently. Regular vacuuming, sweeping, and/or dust mopping will help maintain the beautiful finish of your cork floor. If using a vacuum, do not use one with a beater bar.
Place Floor Protectors Under Furniture. Felt pads under chairs and other furniture can protect your cork floor from scratching and denting.
Wear Slippers or Socks Around the House. Shoes track in dirt, sand, and other debris that can scratch or otherwise damage the surface of any floors.
Protect Your Floor from Sunlight. Intense sunlight can cause your cork floor to fade over time. Curtains, blinds, shades, awnings, and UV-blocking glass treatments can help maintain the color of your floor.
Never Over Wax. Wax build-up can duff the finish of your floor.
Use Caution when Moving Furniture. Cork floors can be gouged by sharp and/or heavy objects.
Place Floor Protectors at Doors and Sinks. Water and dirt are the two biggest enemies to any floor. Anything you can do to reduce how much your cork floor is exposed to either will help your floor look stunning longer.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately. If a staining agent such as red wine sits on your floor long enough, it will cause a permanent stain.
Control the Humidity. Too dry of air can cause the floor to dry out, shrink, and cause gaps to appear in the flooring joints. Ideally, a room's relative air humidity is between 45% to 65%. If your HVAC system does not adequately regulate the humidity in your home, you may need to use either a humidifier or a dehumidifier to protect your floor.