The scoop on which type of floors are easiest to clean and maintain

Let’s face it; some types of flooring are easier to clean than others. It can be frustrating when you have flooring that requires a lot of upkeep. No one wants to have to spend hours cleaning their floors every day. So, if you are in the market for the best new flooring for your kitchen or other high-traffic and are wondering what type of floors require minimal maintenance, then you have come to the right place. By the time you are done reading this article, you will have a much better understanding of exactly what types of floors are easiest to clean and why.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of your best options when it comes to low-maintenance flooring. This type of flooring is difficult to scratch and the clean up process is simple. More times than not, a vinegar/water mixture and a little elbow grease will do the trick. This type of flooring is also very durable, so the chances of cracking one of these tiles is relatively low. Since ceramic types come in a variety of shapes and colors, this is ideal for any home.

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring that has been finished and sealed requires limited maintenance. It will keep its polished look; all you have to do is vacuum, dry mop and dust it. Occasionally, in high traffic areas, hardwood flooring has to be refinished to stay in pristine condition. This is generally the only long-term upkeep you need to be aware of. In only rare circumstances, like damage caused by flooding or mold, your floor need to be replaced.

Stone

Stone flooring is one of the more costly flooring options, but cleaning it is simple. It’s resistant to normal wear and tear, it’s waterproof, and it’s nearly impossible to crack or scratch. Stone flooring is very durable and can withstand almost anything. Stone flooring only needs to be mopped on occasion, but it will need to be dusted regularly to keep it looking its best.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring can be made to look like stone, tile, or even hardwood; it’s just as easy to clean too! Mopping and sweeping it regularly will help it maintain its sleek appearance. If you notice that your vinyl floors are looking dull, you can always add a drop of jojoba oil to your mop water. This will make them shine like new. Although its easy to clean, vinyl floor is not great for pet owners, as it scratches easily.

Laminate

Not only is laminate flooring cost efficient, it is also very easy to keep it looking spotless. Mopping and sweeping is all that needs to be done to ensure a fresh look. When you get a scratch on your laminate flooring, just rub a little vegetable oil on it and your scratch will disappear in no time. The biggest downside to laminate flooring is that if it does get damaged, it cannot be refinished; it will have to be replaced.

Concrete

Concrete will need to be sealed before you start using it. This will help prevent any liquids from seeping down inside the concrete and staining it. Concrete floors are awesome because they rarely suffer from chips, scratches, or dents. They will need to be resealed periodically to help make sure they remain protected. Other than that, regular sweeping is all that needs to be done to keep these floors in line. Mopping can be done also, but it isn’t necessary.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a little more expensive than ceramic, but it is even more durable. Porcelain will last for years and hardly ever needs to be replaced due to cracks or chips. Sweeping or vacuuming the tile will keep it looking nice on a daily basis. For a more thorough cleaning, you can mop it with a vinegar/water solution. The only downside to porcelain is that it needs to be dried immediately after it is mopped to avoid water spots.

The Final Word

Hopefully now you have a better sense of what floors are the easiest to clean. As you can see, you have a lot of options: ceramic tiles, hardwood, stone, vinyl, laminate, concrete, and porcelain. Deciding which type of floor to put in your home in a big decision. We hope we've made that decision much simpler for you.

Resources — Myrtle Beach Floors, The Spruce

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