(NAPSI)-It’s easy to see that hard-surface flooring has become increasingly popular. This fact may floor you: According to the Freedonia Group, an industrial research firm, the country currently has nearly 12 billion square feet of it.
There are several major kinds of hard floors: wood, laminates, vinyl, ceramic, porcelain and quarry tile, natural stone floors, and clay tiles.
To help you protect and preserve your hard-surface floors, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers these tips:
Use Entry Mats: 80 to 90 percent of soil on floors is tracked in from outside.
Remove Dry Soil Often: Vacuuming is the most efficient way.
Wet Clean Regularly: Use a neutral floor cleaner or one formulated for the particular floor surface. When cleaning wood floors, keep moisture to a minimum.