Have you ever stepped up to your window with a warm cup of coffee and just considered how awful it would be to have to survive living outdoors during these fall and winter months? How without a home, a heater, and clothes to bundle up in we wouldn't be able to celebrate the beauty that comes with the cold this time of year. Thankfully, most of us don't have to play out the chill-inducing scenes we see on survivalist T.V. shows. We get to casually bypass the survival section we see at the store and head straight for the fresh food aisles.
While your floors have about as much cause for concern as you do for enduring the winter, our strange thread of contemplation got us thinking about survival and, more importantly, survival kits. As flooring experts, we know what it takes for your floors to last as long as possible. That's why we've put together these lists to make sure you have everything you need to get the most out of your investment. Take a look below to find the survival kit you'll need for your specific type of floor:
Hardwood Survival Kit
Vacuum Cleaner with Soft Brush Extension - Vacuum your floors at least once a week
Soft, Lint Free Cloths - for cleaning, oiling, etc.
Glass or Wood Cleaner - use in small amounts to get rid of dirt
Wood Filler - to repair deep scratches and gouges
Walnuts or Stain Marker - for touching up light scratches
Laminate
Survival Kit
Microfiber Mop - to apply laminate cleaner
Laminate Cleaner - you'll want to get some of this, well, to clean your laminate
Soft Bristle Broom or Dust Mop - for regular maintenance and getting rid of dust and debris
Window Coverings - to prevent sunlight and heat from harming your floors
Vinyl Survival Kit
Floor Mat - to keep dirt and chemicals from being tracked onto your floor
Soft Broom - to sweep up daily
Warm Water - when a broom isn't doing the job, use some warm water to clean up the mess
No-Wax Cleaner - make sure to pick a cleaner specifically made for your floor
Tile Survival Kit
Broom or Vacuum - for daily care
Damp Mop - you'll want to lightly mop the floor at least once a week
All-Purpose Cleaner - to rid your tile of soap residue and mildew
Carpet Survival Kit
High Quality Vacuum - to get as much dirt and grime out as possible
Spot cleaner - spills will happen, so be prepared
Wet-Dry Vac - buy one, rent one, or get a professional to help, but you should give your carpets a deep cleaning at least once a year
Today we are thankful that there are so many great products out there to help you. Your floors may not have to survive the cold, but they do have to survive a lifetime of being walked on and holding up heavy furniture. With a little TLC and the proper supplies, they will continue to do just that for years to come.