What’s the best way to protect your kitchen floor? Your kitchen floor must be one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. And as such, it can take quite a beating. But if you follow these six ways to protect your kitchen floor, you’ll be sure to keep it safe and looking new for years to come.
Clean Kitchen Floors Daily
Floors are germ magnets. They’re one of the first things you see when you walk into a restaurant or food establishment, so they have to be spotless. Besides being unsanitary, dirty floors can become damaged by bacteria and debris tracked in on customers’ shoes. Although some folks argue that daily cleaning is unnecessary, it’s really just good business sense. After all, who wants to dine at a restaurant with grimy floors? Instead of waiting until someone complains about uncleanliness, take action before there are problems. Daily floor maintenance will pay off in higher customer satisfaction—and happier customers mean more tips for you. So go ahead and roll up your sleeves. You won’t regret it!
Keep Pets Off the Kitchen Floor
Pets are typically not allowed on our kitchen floors. This is because of their sharp claws and large paws; they can scratch our hardwood floors or get hair, fur, or dirt stuck in-between spaces between boards. If you want your floor to remain pet-free, but don’t want them sitting on cold tiles (or having them roam around your house), try getting a small area rug for them that stays in one place. This will help protect your floor while also making sure that your furry friends don’t destroy it!
Clean Up Spills Immediately
It’s very easy for spills to end up on your kitchen floor, but it’s even easier to clean them up immediately. If you don’t respond quickly, they can cause stains that are much harder (and more expensive) to remove later. Be aware of how slippery certain foods can be and take extra precautions. For example, many people keep an eye out for marinara sauce around their ovens—because it’s so easy for sauce splatters to move out of control quickly. Consider purchasing a special pad or cleaning agent just for use on your kitchen floor if it’s prone to getting messy.
Use Mats Under Heavy Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators and ranges can be heavy and, if you don’t use mats or pads under them, they can chip your flooring. It’s a good idea to put mats between appliances and your floors. It not only protects your floor but also keeps major appliances from sliding across your floors if they begin to move. Make sure you protect all of your kitchen floors with a variety of products that range from economical pads to high-end interlocking tiles.
Remove Standing Water From Kitchen Floors
Spilled water on your kitchen floor isn’t just unsightly, it can also be dangerous. Mold and mildew thrive in moist, dark environments like that created by a damp, damaged kitchen floor. To keep your floors looking and feeling their best, remove standing water as soon as you see it. Use a sponge or dry towel to mop up any water and then allow time for it to dry. You can also use a dehumidifier or air conditioner on humid days if needed—especially during summer months—to help prevent mold from forming.
Use Corners to Store Items
Storing items on your kitchen floor is never a good idea, but if you’re low on storage space, it may seem like your only option. But you can maximize every inch of space in your kitchen by simply storing extra items in corners of cabinets above your countertops. You can put food containers, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils under hanging pots and pans. For smaller spaces, such as when there isn’t enough room for a second sink, look for heavy-duty products that double as both dishware and storage units—they can fit into tight spaces while also holding prep tools or place settings. Some units with wheels even allow you to move them out of sight when not in use.