We walk on them, our children play on them, our pets sprawl on them, eveything falls on them and when our guests arrive, our beautiful floors speak to them of a gracious home.
Floors are one of the highest visuals in our homes, be they
marble, granite, ceramic, hardwood, brick or terrazzo. Caring for them properly, either by learning how or by hiring a professional to clean them. is a worthwhile investment. It's one of the questions we most frequently hear. How do I care for my floors?
Regular maintenance is the key. Eegardless of the specific type of hard floor, vacuuming is the critical first step. Much of the dust and debris collects at the edges of the floor, so edging carefully is important. Using a small whiskbroom to sweep debris, dust and hair out from the edges of cabinets as well as furniture legs makes collecting the dirt easier.
Misinformation abounds concerning what type of product to use when cleaning good floors. A number of floor manufacturers recommend mopping with plain water or a favorite buzzword, vinegar. However vinegar is not a cleaner and is not suitable for high traffic, heavily soiled areas, and because of it's acidic value may actually harm fine floors such as marble.
Cleaning products are rated on the pH scale. High pH cleaners are alkaline and work better on grease, oil, smoke and stubborn soil. The higher the pH, the faster and more effective a cleaner usually is but a high pH cleaner can damage the finish. The key is to find a cleaner that will release the soil without dulling the surface. A cleaner with a neutral pH is neither acid nor alkaline and is usually suitable for weekly maintenance of washable floors.
A recent innovation in mopping tools is the sh-mop. This flat mop, 8 by 15 inches, with a removable terry cloth cover, gets the floor cleaner three to four times faster than conventional mops and reaches well into 
corners and under appliances. The covers are tossed into the wash after each use giving us a sparkling clean mop every time. Using a dry cover to follow after wet mopping prevents the surface from dulling and helps remove any streaks.
Periodic waxing of wood and vinyl or sealing of tile, particularly in high traffic areas, is an important part of floor care and needs not involve heavy equipment as in times past. Today's waxes do not yellow overtime and often do not require stripping. When a floor is dulled by heavy traffic, a fresh coat of wax can be applied to the area and the new wax will feather and blend nicely with the older already applied wax.
When a floor does require stripping and waxing, three thin coats of wax is the most effective strategy. The first coat of wax seals the surface, preventing grime from reaching into the pores of the floor. The second coat evens out this sealing process and the final topcoat gives the floor its beautiful patina.
Whether you choose to do the work yourself or hire a professional, floor care can be efficient and effective in preserving the beauty of your fine floor coverings. So let the kids play, the pets sprawl, and invite your friends over to see your floors shine.
Lisa Martin is a master housekeeper with Housekeeping Specialists.
