It seems like we spend so much time talking about the new flooring itself, that it is easy to overlook antiquated cleaning tools that also need to be upgraded. So we’d like to take a moment to talk about the vacuum cleaners, brooms, and mops that fill our hall closets. Whether you are attempting to salvage what you’ve got or are ready to purchase new, use our short list to find the features to look for and what to avoid…
Brooms
When to throw it out:
Disrepair – Split ends on the bristles aren’t good.
Dirty – Bristles that won’t come clean can lead to scratching.
What to look for:
Strength – Look for soft but sturdy bristles that won’t scratch.
Mops
When to throw it out:
Smelly Mops – Mop heads are notorious for holding onto odors (and bacteria!)
Disrepair – Look for any sharp or hard plastic pieces pushing through the mop head.
What to look for:
Replaceable – Look for mops with removable heads. Some can even be thrown in the washing machine to be cleaned and sanitized there.
What to avoid:
Grimy – Avoid “spongy” tops that don’t allow you to properly control the amount of liquid you are putting on the floor and may carry bacteria.
Just Say No – No steam mops for real hardwood floors.
Vacuums
When to throw it out:
Broken – Frayed or broken electrical cords.
No Adjustments – If the beater bar on your vacuum is not adjustable.
Beater bar – Bristles are worn away.
What to look for:
Adjustable beater bars! – Be sure to adjust based on what you are vacuuming.
HEPA-filters – You’re moving around a lot of dusty air.
What to avoid:
Avoid Too Much Suction – Get a strong vacuum but some are so strong they can pull carpet fibers out of the backing.
Bottom line? Don’t overlook a small change to protect your investment. And, if you are still unsure if your new investment requires cleaning gear updates, ASK YOU FLOORING CONTRACTOR. Anyone worth hiring for the installation should be able to answer maintenance questions.
