Can I clean the cork floor? About the features of the coating and working with it

Cork flooring is incredible aesthetics, environmental friendliness and reliability. Flooring from bark of cork oak with special impregnations lasts a long time and looks very beautiful. Is it worth washing the cork floor with the usual methods, or are there any peculiarities in the care of this material? Such coverage needs care according to certain rules.

Can I wash

On the cork floor it is pleasant and useful to walk barefoot. But such a habit over time affects the condition of the coating: sweat marks are not removed by ordinary water.

If the cork is coated with a layer of protective varnish or pvc film, then it is very resistant to moisture, detergents and even weak abrasives (in exceptional cases, do not abuse it!). Among the other advantages of the cork are the invisibility of minor defects due to the natural pattern and good sound insulation.

Basic rule
Mopping the floor from a cork with plenty of water is not necessary. The coating is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth worn on the mop.

All methods of cleaning the coating

Immediately note which detergents to apply are NOT recommended:

• solvents;
• washing powders;
• hard metal brushes and other abrasives - erase the protective layer, you have to apply a new one.

For cork flooring, especially its varieties without a protective coating, special care products are provided. There is a wide range of compositions for frequent washing, for refreshing colors, stain removers, antistatic agents, polishes and mastics. For the safety of expensive coatings, do not pass by such products.

How to wash a cork floor, tips for frequent cleaning:

1. Vacuum up all sand, animal hair and other small debris.
2. For washing, prepare a solution with any mild detergents without aggressive components and abrasives: with soap, shampoo, gel or cleaning fluid.
3. Moisten a washcloth in solution and squeeze well. Do not spill water in the cork, especially at the joints! From excess moisture, the material quickly loses its operational properties.
4. It is not recommended to wash the cork with a washing vacuum cleaner for the same reason: the device distributes moisture under pressure and dampens the material quite strongly, but it will not be able to select all the drops - it will ruin the floor.
5. Avoid wet cleaning if the room is too cold.

purityis.decorexpro.com/en/ magazine recommends monitoring the condition of street shoes: the sand brought on it and inevitably creeping out from the hallway, gradually abrades the protective layer. Always sweep it or vacuum it. And put a protective mat in the entrance. It is better if it is on a polymer or felt basis: stains often remain from rubber and latex.

A selection of tips to help keep cork floor in perfect condition for many years:

1. If you spilled tea or other liquid, immediately wipe it dry.
2. We advise you to lay textile rugs under heavy furniture to protect the cover.
3. Maintain a stable air humidity of no higher than 60% and a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius in the apartment.
4. Discard slippers with a rubber sole, as it leaves stubborn stains on the cork.
5. Clean weekly.
6. Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the cork permanently - it fades from this.
7. To prevent the coating from wearing out, periodically change the location of heavy furniture.

The cork floor is expensive and beautiful, which means it requires a special attitude. Since you allowed yourself such a flooring, try not to spoil it with unreasoned actions.