How to Safely Clean Cork Flooring

How to Safely Clean Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a stylish and durable choice for any residential and commercial space. It’s soft and warm underfoot and has a positive environmental impact because of its natural and renewable composition. Cork is also easy to clean and maintain but it requires some special care to keep it looking like new for a long time.

Note that cork, being a porous material, can absorb moisture and cause damage if the floor surface isn’t properly sealed. The procedure that you adopt to clean a cork floor should always depend on the quality of the sealant of your floor. In today’s blog post, we’ll provide a quick guide to cleaning your cork floor safely.

Know the Sealant of Your Cork Flooring

Some varieties of cork flooring come with an already applied sealant but they require another layer after installation to make them moisture-proof. Here are some of the common sealing agents used for cork flooring.

• Wax Finish: Waxing creates a thick protective layer on the surface of the cork floor. It gives an enhanced protection from scratches, spills, and stains. Only 100% natural undiluted wax provides the best and long-lasting protection. You’ll need to reapply wax every 6-12 months depending on the foot traffic that your floor has to endure.
• Polyurethane Finish: A good quality polyurethane finish can make cork flooring almost impervious to stains and water damage. But this sealing agent doesn’t offer good protection against scratches. It can last for up to 7 years.
• Commercial Finish: This is a heavy-duty sealant suitable for commercial spaces to give protection against heavy foot traffic.

Make sure that you know which kind of sealant is applied to your cork flooring before determining its cleaning routine. Contact the manufacturer or your floor dealer for accurate information.

Cleaning Tips for Cork Flooring

• Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly or weekly to remove dust and debris which can cause scuffing and scratches on the surface seal.
• Use a neutral chemical cleaner or a mild dishwashing soap solution for a thorough cleaning of the floor once a month or for removing stains. Wipe the floor with a soft sponge mop but make sure to wring out excess water before cleaning. Always wipe the floor surface dry with a soft microfiber cloth after wet mopping.
• Use a dry stain removal commercial product or eraser to remove stains from unsealed cork floors. Don’t use liquid cleaners as these floors are highly absorbent. It’s advisable to apply an approved sealant on these floors after cleaning.
• Never use harsh solvents such as ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, and abrasive soaps to clean cork floors as they can discolour the floor’s surface and gradually cause permanent damage.

Follow these guidelines to keep your cork flooring looking its best for years to come. At AA Floors, we have an exclusive selection of top-grade cork flooring in various colours, textures, and styles at the best prices. We believe in providing excellent craftsmanship and customer service.