When selecting flooring for your space, you want to consider the aesthetic appearance of the floors, but you also want to think about how practical the selection is for your home. You want to pick something that looks great but is also easy to maintain and clean. For a rundown on upkeep for carpet vs. hardwood flooring, keep reading.
Spills happen. Whether you're a bit clumsy, you have children, or you have pets, you can anticipate at least one spill happening in your home. If you do have a spill on your floor, you need to clean it immediately, whether you have carpet or hardwood. Carpet flooring needs to be cleaned with a stain-resistant treatment as soon as possible to avoid staining. However, even stain-resistant products cannot guarantee that a spill won't stain your carpet, especially if you miss a spot or cannot tend to the spill right away. On the other hand, cleaning hardwood flooring after a spill requires less work. All you have to do is wipe away the liquid with a clean cloth and dry the floors. As long as you do this quickly, your hardwood should not stain after a spill.
Another thing to consider when choosing between carpet and hardwood is how much foot traffic you have in your home. If you're shopping for a room that has a lot of foot traffic, such as an entryway or a living area, you may want to consider carpet. A patterned carpet hides dirt well, helping your home appear cleaner. While hardwood is easier to clean than carpet, high traffic can cause the finish of the floors to wear away quicker. This is because dirt and grit tracked in by someone's shoes can scratch the wood. If you do decide you want hardwood in your home, opting for a more durable hardwood flooring can help you avoid this problem.
The last thing to consider is allergens. As you choose between hardwood flooring and carpet, think about allergens. You especially want to be mindful of allergens if you have asthma or you have children who are susceptible to allergies. Carpet is not an ideal flooring choice for a household that is prone to allergies because the fibers of the carpet can trap in dirt, debris, pet hair, and other allergens. Additionally, carpets can attract mold and mildew microbes, which can only be removed with regular vacuuming. Hardwood flooring is the most appropriate choice for a household with allergies because hardwood does not trap in allergens. To remove dirt, dust, or pet hair, simply sweep the dirt away with a damp mop.
If you are thinking about adding hardwood floors to your home, shop with TongueAndGroove.com. You find our catalog on our website and you can call us at 800-689-9006 with any questions. We hope to help you enhance your home soon!
