Congratulations on your new floors! We want your investment to look as beautiful five years from now as it does the day we finished the installation.
Different materials require different care. Using the wrong cleaning product can dull the finish, leave an oily residue, or even void your manufacturer warranty. Here is our straightforward guide to keeping your Central Oregon floors looking beautiful.
The Golden Rules for All Hard Surfaces
No matter what type of flooring we installed for you, avoid these four common mistakes to protect your warranty and your finish:
- Skip the steam mop. The intense heat and moisture will push water past the locking systems of laminate and LVP, causing irreversible swelling and delamination.
- Ditch heavy waxes and polishes. Consistent use of oil-based cleaners or "mop-and-shine" products leaves a sticky residue that traps dirt and permanently dulls your finish.
- Use felt pads under everything. Place heavy-duty felt pads under the legs of all chairs, tables, and sofas to prevent deep gouging. Check and replace them annually.
- Stop dirt at the door. Bend’s pumice dust and winter grit act like sandpaper on your floor's wear layer. Use high-quality doormats at every exterior entrance to catch dirt before it gets inside.
Easton Pro Tip: Beware of DIY internet hacks! Never clean your new floors with vinegar and water. Vinegar is highly acidic and will slowly eat away the protective finish on hardwood, laminate, and LVP.
Caring for Laminate Flooring
Modern laminate is tough and scratch-resistant, but it is not immune to moisture. The goal is to keep it clean without soaking it.
- Daily Maintenance: Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum using a "hard floor" setting. Make sure the vacuum's rotating brush is turned off to prevent scratching.
- Deep Cleaning: Lightly mist a specialized laminate floor cleaner (like Bona) directly onto a microfiber mop pad. Never spray puddles directly onto the floor.
- Spill & Pet Patrol: Wipe up liquid and pet accidents immediately with a dry cloth. Never let water sit on the seams, and remember that acidic pet urine can permanently damage the floor if left unattended.
Easton Pro Tip: If your laminate looks streaky after cleaning, you might be using too much product, too much water, or dirty water. Try washing your microfiber pad in hot water (no fabric softener!) and use less spray next time. Mopping along the grain also helps residual streaks blend into the wood look.
Caring for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is 100% waterproof, making it one of the easiest floors to maintain. However, the clear protective wear layer on top still needs to be treated right to prevent dulling.
- Daily Maintenance: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive dirt, pumice dust, and pet hair.
- Deep Cleaning: You can safely damp-mop LVP. Use warm water mixed with a few drops of a pH-neutral floor cleaner or a splash of mild dish soap. Do not drench the floor; a well-wrung, damp microfiber mop is perfect.
- Stubborn Scuffs: For shoe scuffs, a damp cloth and a little elbow grease will usually do the trick. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool.
Easton Pro Tip: Rinse your mop pad frequently while cleaning. LVP is notorious for showing streaky footprints if you accidentally mop the floor with dirty water!
Caring for Hardwood Floors
Real hardwood is an incredible investment that requires a gentle touch to preserve the protective finish.
- Daily Maintenance: Sweep or dry-dust with a clean microfiber mop daily.
- Deep Cleaning: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors (we highly recommend Bona Hardwood Cleaner). Lightly mist the cleaner onto a clean microfiber pad and mop.
- Watch the Humidity: Central Oregon is incredibly dry. Extreme dryness can cause real hardwood to shrink, splinter, and gap. Run a humidifier during the winter months to keep your home's relative humidity between 35% and 55%.
Easton Pro Tip: Keep your dog's nails neatly trimmed! Large dogs running to the door are the number one cause of surface scratches on natural hardwood.
For a more in-depth discussion about caring for real wood, see our In-Depth Hardwood Maintenance Guide for bend.
Need a Repair or Ready for an Upgrade?
Even the best-maintained floors eventually show their age. If you have older floors that are beyond saving, or if you simply want a fresh look for a new room, the Easton team is here to help.
