Sheen Services 1988 blog

Hard Floor Maintenance Tips: Expert Guide from Sheen Services

Written by Lydon Chaundy | Nov 3, 2025 4:36:48 PM

Hard floors are a beautiful and practical choice for homes and businesses across Somerset, but they require proper care to maintain their appearance and longevity. With over 35 years of experience in professional cleaning, we've seen every type of hard floor challenge imaginable. Here's our expert guide to keeping your tile, hardwood, and laminate floors looking their best.

Understanding Your Hard Floor Type

Not all hard floors are created equal, and each type requires specific maintenance approaches.

Tile Floors

Tile is durable and water-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. However, grout lines can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to discoloration and unpleasant odors over time.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood adds warmth and elegance to any space but is sensitive to moisture and scratches. Proper sealing and gentle cleaning methods are essential to preserve the wood's natural beauty.

Laminate Floors

Laminate offers the look of hardwood at a lower cost but requires careful moisture management. Excess water can cause warping and damage to the core material.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance

Sweep or Vacuum Regularly

Remove loose dirt and debris daily to prevent scratching. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard floor setting. This simple step prevents abrasive particles from damaging your floor's finish.

Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Address spills as soon as they happen, especially on hardwood and laminate. Use a slightly damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly to prevent water damage and staining.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Products

Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip sealants or damage finishes. pH-neutral cleaners designed for your specific floor type are always the safest choice.

Place Mats Strategically

Position mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. This reduces the amount of debris tracked through your home or business.

Deep Cleaning: When to Call the Professionals

While regular maintenance keeps floors looking good, professional deep cleaning is essential for long-term preservation and appearance.

Signs Your Hard Floors Need Professional Attention

  • Grout lines have become dark or discolored

  • Surface appears dull despite regular cleaning

  • Visible scratches or wear patterns

  • Sticky residue that won't come off with regular mopping

  • Water no longer beads on sealed surfaces

Our Professional Hard Floor Cleaning Process

At Sheen Services, we use professional-grade equipment and techniques to restore hard floors:

Rotary Scrubbing

Our rotary machines deep clean tile and grout, removing embedded dirt that regular mopping can't reach. This method is particularly effective for commercial spaces with high foot traffic.

Steam Extraction

High-temperature steam penetrates deep into grout lines and surface pores, killing bacteria and lifting stubborn stains without harsh chemicals. This eco-friendly method is safe for homes with children and pets.

Resealing

After deep cleaning, we can reseal your floors to protect against future staining and moisture damage. Proper sealing extends the life of your floors and makes daily maintenance easier.

Common Hard Floor Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Water

Excessive water is the enemy of hardwood and laminate floors. Always use a damp mop, never a soaking wet one, and dry the floor immediately after cleaning.

Neglecting Grout Lines

Many people focus on tiles but ignore grout. Unsealed or dirty grout harbors bacteria and detracts from your floor's overall appearance. Regular professional grout cleaning prevents permanent discoloration.

Using the Wrong Products

Vinegar, bleach, and ammonia-based cleaners can damage floor finishes and sealants. Always use products specifically designed for your floor type.

Skipping Protective Measures

Furniture pads, area rugs in high-traffic zones, and regular mat cleaning all contribute to floor longevity. These small investments prevent costly repairs down the line.

Seasonal Hard Floor Care

Spring and Autumn

These seasons bring increased moisture and dirt from rain and fallen leaves. Increase your cleaning frequency and check door mats regularly.

Summer

Bare feet and sandals can leave oils and residue on floors. More frequent mopping may be necessary during warmer months.

Winter

Salt, grit, and moisture from winter weather can be particularly damaging. Place absorbent mats at all entrances and clean them frequently.

Why Choose Professional Hard Floor Cleaning?

With 35 years of experience serving Somerset, Bath, Bristol, and surrounding areas, Sheen Services understands the unique challenges of maintaining hard floors in our region. We're fully insured with £2,000,000 coverage.

Our 100% no-risk guarantee means if you're not satisfied with our work, we'll re-clean for free or provide a full refund. We also offer a 10-day guarantee on our cleaning services.

Maintenance Schedule Recommendations

Daily: Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas

Weekly: Damp mop entire floor with appropriate cleaner

Monthly: Deep clean grout lines in kitchens and bathrooms

Annually: Professional deep cleaning and resealing assessment

As Needed: Address spills, stains, and damage immediately

Protecting Your Investment

Hard floors represent a significant investment in your property. Proper maintenance not only keeps them looking beautiful but also protects their value and extends their lifespan.

Whether you have tile in your commercial kitchen, hardwood in your dining room, or laminate throughout your office, the right care approach makes all the difference.

Get Professional Help Today

If your hard floors are looking tired, stained, or damaged, Sheen Services can help. We serve a 20-mile radius covering all of Somerset, Bath, Bristol, and surrounding areas. Our professional team uses Prochem equipment and eco-friendly products to deliver outstanding results.

Emergency cleaning available: Same-day service within a 15-minute drive, next-day for locations further out, with weekend services available.

Minimum order: £80 for both residential and commercial services

Contact Sheen Services today for a free quotation. With our 98% customer satisfaction rate and decades of experience, you can trust us to care for your hard floors with the expertise they deserve.

About Sheen Services 1988 LTD

Established in 1988, Sheen Services has been providing professional cleaning services to Somerset and surrounding areas for over 35 years. We're a WOOLSAFE-approved operator in the Mendip area and hold Gold Membership with the National Carpet Cleaners Association. Our services include carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, hard floor cleaning, and specialized odor removal.

Visit us at www.sheenservices.co.uk or call us today to schedule your hard floor cleaning service.