Why Ultraviolet (UV) Light Floor Finishing is Better Than Traditional Methods

Protecting your Floors
After you’ve finally finished the process of selecting the right hardwood flooring that suits your home best, you’re going to want to protect it. With the wide variety of finishing methods out there, how do you know which is better? We get asked this question quite often, and we want to provide you with a new and upcoming method that we feel is the best solution for your hardwood flooring.

Environmentally Friendly Floor Products
Traditional methods of finishing your hardwood floors often involve toxic materials that give off nasty smells, a timely process that can leave your home out of commission for weeks, and floors that aren’t able to withstand everyday wear and tear. The commonly used wax finishing method offers some protection, but falls short as it is prone to scuffing and can attract dirt. It also tends to age with a yellowish tone that clashes with lighter-colored floors. Shellac, another commonly used sealant, also offers some protection, but contains high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are toxic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Clearly there must be something better out there, right?

Why UV

Well, there is! Ultraviolet (UV) light finishing offers a better solution for curing and refinishing your hardwood floors. UV light finishing cures floors within seconds of application and leaves them harder and more resistant against scratches, scuffs, and marks from shoes. Because there are no toxic chemicals involved in UV light finishing, you’re able to return home after a few short hours knowing that your home is as safe as before the finishing process. As you may have already guessed, UV light finishing is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than traditional methods of finishing.

Another common issue with traditional methods of finishing is discoloration. Wax, as previously mentioned, is prone to dirt build-up which causes an undesirable discolored look. With UV light finishing, your floors will continue to shine long after the finishing process has occurred. If you have bay windows in your home where you enjoy the welcome of the sun, discoloration or fading from sunlight won’t be an issue either with UV light finishing.

If your hardwood floors are starting to look like they could use a little touchup, stop by our showroom floor or give us a call and ask us about our amazing new UV light finishing process!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST Flooring Company in Madison, WI!

                                                                                         Floors for Less

                                                                                                               1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

                                                                                                                 Madison, WI 53713

                                                                                                                 Phone: 608-442-1200

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How to Pet Proof Your Floors

Your flooring will always receive a lot of wear and tear as you live life on it. Between kids, spills, dirt, shoes and food your floors are always needing to be cleaned and cared for, but throw a pet in the mix and now you'll need to be even more cautious. Some flooring types are better than others when you have pets, and there are ways to protect them! Here are a few tips for pet-proofing your floors!

Different Floors - Different Cleaners

Carpet - Carpet and rugs are probably going to show the most wear and stains if not cared for properly. Stains and smells can soak all the way to the padding, which can make them a challenge to clean. Some carpets do come with a sealant on them, and this can help repel stains. Your best friend will be a shampooer and a vacuum. You can get pet stain removers to get the stain out, and then we recommend a scheduled shampoo of the carpets and rugs to keep them looking nice, and reduce the chances of having to replace the entire thing.

Wood - If your wood floors are finished, you'll have less of a problem than with floors that are unfinished. The goal is to get the messes cleaned up as quickly as possible. Putting rugs down will help with protecting your floors, and always be sure to clean under the rug when messes happen. Untreated messes that seep through the rug can be disastrous.

Laminate - The coating on these floors can dissolve from urine, and moisture can make the laminate warp. Your best bet is to get the mess cleaned up immediately. Laminate isn't sensitive to cleaners, but it is to acidic messes.

Ways to Protect Your Floors

Carpet - A temporary way to protect your carpet, which can be a bit unsightly - but very effective, is to put a heavy plastic covering that sticks on one side over the carpet. If you are getting ready to install carpeting, a good solution is a moisture proof pad! You can also spray something such as Scotchguard on your carpet to create a barrier. You'll probably have to reapply it monthly at least.

Wood - Vinyl tablecloths with a fabric backing can help when covering a large area. For absorption you can try newspapers or paper towels on top. If you're looking for something more permanent, you can use a water based coating to create a barrier that will help repel messes. Even with a barrier, you will still want to clean messes up immediately.

Laminate - You won't be able to apply a coating to laminate, but you can utilize the tips from above to help save your laminate from wear and tear.

These are a just a few tips that can help you protect your floors from your favorite, fuzzy family members! After a certain amount of time, some flooring just needs replaced - and when that day comes, we're here for you! Our flooring showroom in Madison is stocked full of flooring options that will leave your home looking beautiful! From carpet, LVT tile, laminate, hardwoods, bamboo and cork, we have MANY options for you and your family. We have the best flooring selection in Madison, and we can't wait to help you improve your home. Come visit the best flooring store in Madison and let us show you how beautiful your home can look!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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What Do You Do With Water Damage?

It happens. Whether you left the kitchen sink on and forgot, or your water heater leaked, sometimes you will have to deal with water damage in your home. There's no use crying over spilled water though, your floors can be repaired or replaced. Here are a few things things you need to figure out before starting the repairs.

Are Your Floors Damaged?

Wood & Laminate Floors: When wood floors are damaged, you will notice cupping, with dips and raised edges in the planks. Dark spots may also be found in your floors; sometimes it's just part of the natural pattern, but it could also be mold. Your floor planks may bubble upward creating a crown shape, or there could also be buckling, with the planks being completely removed from the floor underneath. Be aware and pay attention to your floors after water damage.

Vinyl Flooring: If you notice any stains or discoloration that were not there to begin with, you could have damage and mold happening.

3 Steps to Repairing Your Floors

1. Remove Water - The first thing you'll want to do is remove all of the excess water. For large pools of water, you can use a wet vacuum. After you've taken care of those, you can point fans towards the area to assist with the drying. You may even use dehumidifiers to help remove the water from the air, and the floors. Sometimes just getting the area dry is all you need, but usually more work will be necessary.

2. Remove Damaged Flooring - After you've dried the area completely and have decided there is water damage, you'll want to remove the damaged flooring. With laminate, you can remove the boards starting at the nearest wall. Hardwood floors are a little more complicated; you'll use a saw to cut into the floor and a pry bar to remove the damaged planks. With your vinyl, flooring you'll use a utility to cut out the damaged area and then find something you can pry it off the floor with.

3. Inspect the Subfloor - After you've removed the damaged flooring, you'll want to inspect the subfloor. If it's plywood, it will likely have to be replaced. If it's concrete then you'll check if there is any remaining moisture. If you still find moisture, continue drying it with the steps from above and then reinstall new flooring.

Floors For Less

We certainly hope that you won't have to deal with water damage, but mistakes happen, and sometimes you can't prevent a flooded floor. Whether you're looking for a new flooring due to water damage, or because you're upgrading your home, we have the best flooring in Madison! We would love to help you choose a flooring that will compliment your home and be very functional as well.  Come visit our flooring showroom in Madison and let our experience make your home look better!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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5 Flooring Types For Your Climate

When choosing a new flooring for your home, there are many things to consider: wear and tear, maintenance, ease of installation, and finally - your climate! Sometimes where you live can have a direct impact on the flooring you select. When choosing flooring in Madison, you may need to consider the cold weather as a factor in your flooring, though that doesn't have to be your MAIN consideration. Here are a few flooring varieties and how they can be influenced by your climate.

Comfy Carpets

Carpet is always a wonderful selection. It can come in rolls or tiles, and short or fuzzy fibers. There is a carpet to suit practically any of your needs! Everyday cleaning requires vacuuming, and you will find that carpet stains worse than other flooring options. You can steam clean your carpets regularly to help keep dust and dirt from inhabiting your carpet. You can also use a spray on carpet cleaner to help with stains. Whether you live in warm or cold climates, carpet is a great option. If you live in a wet, damp climate, be aware that carpet can harbor mold and mildew much easier than other flooring options.

Luxurious Laminates

This flooring is up and coming in the world! Modern technology allows for laminate to duplicate the look and texture of wood in such a way that you can hardly notice the difference between it and the real deal. The upkeep of laminate is very similar to wood, you have to take care when using water and liquids to clean it, and keep moisture to a minimum. A dust mop will definitely help you maintain the luster of your new floor. As for your climate, laminate could seem chilly, and in warm climates that would be very welcome! If you live in a cooler climate, heating elements can be installed underneath, and there is no greater feeling than walking across a warm floor on a cold morning. If you experience a lot of moisture, beware that the edges can swell and you'll have to replace the panel.

Trendy Vinyl Tiles

Luxury vinyl tile can stand up to wear and tear. So you can mop this flooring to your hearts content! Vinyl tile is suitable for any climate. It can be chilly, so if it's warm outside, you will love that! The tiles are easily replaced if you damage one, and this product is eco-friendly! This flooring is a great option no matter where you live.

Honest Hardwoods

This is such a tried and true option for flooring. It has been around for hundreds of years, through many different climates. It will be cool underfoot which makes it a great option for warm climates. You can also install heaters underneath some wood floors, which will make it absolutely magnificent in the colder climates! Damp and dry conditions can cause issues for hardwood flooring, as the dampness will cause swelling and the dryness will cause shrinking, but high-quality sealers will help guard your floor against these cracks. Another great option is engineered wood flooring, which is great for all climates!

Our showroom has many beautiful flooring options for your home, no matter where you live!  If you have any questions you can visit our flooring showroom in Madison and let our team assist you with any concerns you may have. You can generally make any flooring work in any climate, but sometimes it's a good idea to double check first. When looking for great flooring options in Madison, we have some great styles in our showroom! You will also find many of our flooring options are very compatible with heating elements under your floors, which will make your Wisconsin winters SO much more bearable! Come visit our showroom today and let our expertise help you make your home beautiful.

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Fourth of July Fun Facts!

Fourth of July is finally here! This holiday is always full of so many fun traditions and events. Your Madison flooring outlet would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! May it be spent with lots of food, fireworks, family, friends and GREAT flooring! To celebrate we're giving you 10 fun facts about the holiday.

1. The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486.

2. A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph, but the shell can reach as high as 200 meters.

3. The record for the largest firework display consisted of 66,326 fireworks and was achieved in Portugal in 2006.

4. Dreaming about fireworks means that you like to be the center of attention and are showing off to others. It also symbolizes enthusiasm and exhilaration.

5. The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China. They were invented more than 2000 years ago in China.

6. Queen Elizabeth was so fascinated with fireworks that she created an honorary title, "Fire Master of England" for the individual who created the best fireworks.

7. A sparkler burns at a temperature over 15 times the boiling point of water. Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch. When your sparkler goes out, put it in a bucket of water to insure that it is completely put out.

8. Firework sounds can be determined by different chemical combinations within the tubes. Cylindrical tubes can create whistling sounds, aluminum flakes make hissing noises, and flash powder creates the big, loud "booms."

9. Walt Disney World may just love fireworks the most. The resort consumes the largest amount of fireworks in the U.S. per year, thanks to nightly firework displays over the Magic Kingdom.

10. Americans LOVE their fireworks! The American Pyrotechnics Association says that U.S. consumers purchased 163.6 million pounds of fireworks last year alone and firework displays used another 23.1 million pounds.

Now you know 10 random facts about fourth of July that you can share with your friends this weekend! We hope your weekend is fun and safe, filled with lots of food and fireworks. If you are using your three day weekend to catch up on some house projects don't forget to stop in a check out our selection! We have the best flooring in Madison and we would love to introduce you to our products. We also have some beautiful options for eco friendly flooring in Madison, so when you want your projects to be good for your home and good for the planet, we would love to assist you!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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What To Know About Cork Flooring

Isn't it enough that we have to wake up in the morning? But then we have to walk across a cold floor too?! Make your mornings nicer by installing a floor that will soak in some warmth and keep your tootsies toasty. Puttering around on a cold Wisconsin morning never sounded so good as when you cruise across a beautiful Cork Floor! Floors for Less provides the most beautiful selections on Cork flooring in Madison, Wisconsin. When looking for a unique and beautiful floor, cork is the way to go!

Harvest History

Our cork flooring is harvested from the Cork Oak in Portugal. This region is noted for it's higher cork density and longer life. The tree is not harmed in the process removing the bark, so when looking for Eco-Friendly flooring, this is a great option. Properly harvested, cork recycles itself in 12 years, a great renewable material. When produced, cork bark and other cork waste from manufacturing is ground into small pieces. During the manufacturing process, all the raw materials are used, either for the finished floor, or for an energy source. Any waste created in the production, such as dust and tree trimmings are burned in furnaces that then supply heat to bake the cork. The waste from the process is extremely low, and when looking for the perfect eco-friendly flooring in Madison, Wisconsin, Floors for Less has the perfect option for you!

The Stylish Difference

At Floors for less we have three different color options: Artimus Brown Cork, Artimus Natural Cork, and Amore Natural Cork. This flooring is a snap together, floating floor. The unique colors give you several choices for your home. And the beautiful Urethane wear-layer gives a beautiful glossy finish to this floor. A cork floor can add a beautiful, Green, and warm atmosphere to your home, that cannot be compared to any other wood flooring out there. Among the visual differences, cork floors are also great with acoustics.

The Durable Difference

Cork Flooring is a very durable option when looking for your flooring. It stands up to foot traffic and the spongy character makes for a more cushioned walking surface. Cork also stays warmer than most hard floors, and in Wisconsin, that is a HUGE bonus. Cork is naturally resistant to invasive organisms like mold and mildew. Being a more hypoallergenic flooring than it's competitors makes it great for anyone suffering with allergies. If that isn't enough, cork floors are naturally fire resistant and don't release toxic gases when combusting. When properly maintained it's a very durable option. All of our corks also have a water based Urethane wear-layer, so they are safe and easy to maintain.

When you're looking for a beautiful flooring that will make a difference in the world, but also a difference in the all around look of your home, be sure to contact us! We have some beautiful selections for economical flooring in Madison, Wisconsin, and we would love for you to come in and take a look. Our prices are competitive and our service is exceptional!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Laminate Flooring FAQs

If you've been dreaming about Wisconsin hardwood floors, but can't seem to justify the cost, consider laminate flooring. Laminate is a very popular alternative to actual hardwood floors that is about half the price. If you've never gotten up close and personal with laminate, you may have some questions and concerns about it. Floors for Less brings you some of the most frequently asked questions about laminate flooring:

1. What is Laminate Flooring? 

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring can simulate tile or stone, but most commonly looks like wood. The layers are topped with a high-resolution photographic image of a natural wood floor. It's then finished with an extremely hard, clear coating made from special resin-coated cellulose to protect it from wear and tear.

2. What's the Difference Between Laminate and Hardwood Flooring?  

Hardwood flooring is made from natural, durable woods, such as oak, maple or hickory. While laminate may closely resemble this hardwood flooring, it is actually composed of wood residues, such as sawdust, shavings and wood chips. This material is ground into a pulp to which a melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin is added. It is then dried and pressed into panels. While hardwood lasts longer than laminate, hardwood in not necessarily superior.

3. What are the Advantages of Laminate Flooring? 

The most obvious advantage of laminate flooring over hardwood is the price. Laminate is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Laminate is easier to install than solid hardwood and many people can even install it themselves. In many cases, laminate can be more resistant to stains, scratches, moisture and even general wear and tear than actual hardwood.

4. Where can Laminate Flooring be Installed? 

Laminate flooring is extremely versatile and can be installed in almost every room of your home. Along with basements and living rooms, laminate flooring is recommended for areas that are regularly used by children and pets. Laminate can even be used on steps with special installation. While very versatile, laminate should only be used in climate controlled rooms that avoid extreme temperature swings and excessive humidity. You should also avoid areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, saunas and enclosed porches.

5. Which Direction Should Laminate be Installed?

When choosing which direction to lay your new Madison laminate flooring, you should consider incoming light. Typically, it is best to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. The starting wall should be as long and straight as possible.

6. How Do You Clean Laminate Flooring? 

Laminate flooring is pretty low maintenance. For the most part, you can keep it clean by simply dust mopping or vacuuming with a soft brush or wood floor accessory to remove dust, dirt or grit. A damp cloth can be used if needed, but be sure not to saturate it. Make sure to clean up an spills or water immediately, don't let excess liquid sit for an extended period of time. Don't use abrasive cleaners, or steel wool or other scouring pads that could harm and scratch the flooring.

Now that you know a little more about laminate flooring, you'll be able to make an informed decision when you visit our Madison flooring store. Floors for Less offers many different flooring options, including a variety of laminates. Stop by our showroom to take a look today!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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12 Grout Cleaning Tips and Solutions

Tile, whether on the floor or as a backsplash, can add beauty to your home. However, keeping that grout clean can sometimes be tricky. With the right cleaner and a little scrubbing though, you can get it looking fresh and new. While bathroom grout is typically affected by mold and mildew, kitchen grout could be subject to a combination of food stains, general household traffic and grime, and mildew. No matter what the cause of your dirty grout, start with a simple solution and only move up to the harsher chemicals if you're having trouble getting it clean. Floors for Less brings you a few grout cleaning tips along with some ideas of solutions to use!

Grout Cleaning Tips

1. Start by just using warm water, this will remove any loose surface debris. Allow it to dry before proceeding with cleaners. 
2. Never use bleach on colored grout, as it can become discolored. 
3. Use a stiff brush for scrubbing the grout. While old toothbrushes are too soft, metal bristles can wear away the grout, so find a happy medium. 
4. When using any chemicals to clean, make sure the room is well ventilated. 
5. Use gloves and protective eye wear when working with any chemical-based cleaners. 
6. Test your grout cleaning method in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it will not erode or damage the grout. 
7. Never mix cleaners together because chemical reactions can cause noxious fumes or burns if the mixture touches the skin. 

Grout Cleaning Solutions

1. Simple Household Solutions - Use vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water, or make a paste of baking soda and a bit of water to clean the grout with. 
2. Generic Household Cleaners - Mr. Clean, Lysol, or powder-based cleaners can also work on tile grout.
3. Steam Cleaning - If you own or have access to a steam cleaner, try using it on your grout. The pressure of the steam cleaner can loosen debris and stains that cleaners can't dissolve.
4. Commercial Cleaners - Try to find a cleaner that is pH balanced so that the chemicals in the product won't erode the grout with continued use. To get the best result from a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
5. Bleach - For heavy duty stains, use even stronger products such as oxygen bleach powder, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine bleach. These products should be well diluted before use. Be sure to read labels carefully and follow directions to the letter.

By following these tips above, you'll have your Madison tile floors and backsplashes looking as good as new in no time! However, if you're looking for some new flooring, stop by the showroom of our Wisconsin flooring company. We have many different tile, laminate, wood and carpet options to fit your individual needs!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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6 Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpet comes in many different shapes and sizes. From flat commercial carpet to soft, fluffy carpet you'd want in your bedroom, each style can be categorized by the types of fiber used to create it. To get the best performance and most enjoyment out of your Wisconsin carpet, it's essential to select a carpet fiber that fits your needs. Let's take a look at 6 types of carpet fibers and the benefits of each:

1. Wool

The most expensive of all carpet fibers is wool. This traditional favorite offers a deep, rich look and feel. While it is very durable, eco-friendly and soft, its usually double or triple the cost of other carpet. Wool fibers are naturally superior to synthetic fibers, as well as longer lasting, inherently flame retardant and resistant to dirt and crushing. Wool helps moderate temperature and humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture as needed. It is also soil and stain resistant, requiring less cleaning than synthetic fibers. Wool carpet can definitely add value to any room; it's the ultimate statement of style, success and comfort!

2. Nylon 

Nylon is considered to be the most durable for foot traffic and is used in approximately 65% of carpet sold in the US. In overall performance, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers, providing flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles. Many nylon carpets are exceptionally soft and can be found in a variety of colors. While nylon is not stain resistant, most carpets made with nylon feature a stain-resistant treatment for protection against household spills. It is a great choice for the heavy traffic of an active family or a commercial building.

3. Polyester

Compared to nylon, polyester carpet fibers offer a nice "bang for your buck." It is naturally stain and fade resistant, and offers exceptional softness and color clarity. While polyester is not as durable as nylon, it still performs very well and resists wear. It offers a wide selection of textures and colors. Polyester is a good choice for lower to medium traffic areas such as bedrooms. If you're looking for a great value, consider polyester carpet fibers for your home.

4. Solution Dyed Polyester

Solution dyed polyester is a carpet that is actually made a color, rather than creating it white and dying it. Color selections of this type of carpet are limited because of the way it is constructed. If you can find a piece that you like, it is one of the best values available. It is almost stain proof, bleach resistant, UV resistant, color fast, green and made with very little oil, allowing for less dirt build up. It is a great choice for any room in your home.

5. Triexta 

Triexta is a glorified polyester carpet, one of the newest fibers in the carpet industry. There are several reasons why triexta stands out from your typically polyester. First off, it is more durable and resilient than conventional polyester. When it comes to looks, triexta would be more comparable to nylon than polyester. Triexta lacks a high luster and offers a more matte finish. It is incredibly stain resistant and is also significantly softer than both polyester and nylon. Generally speaking, triexta is very competitively priced.

6. Olefin 

Olefin, also known as polypropylene, is a more basic carpet fiber made from plastic. Unlike other carpet fibers, it will not absorb water, making is quite easy to clean. While it is very stain resistant, it's not as soft as other fibers and will crush quickly. However, color will not fade, even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, atmospheric contaminants or other harsh chemicals or elements. Originally, this type of carpet was ideal for outdoor use and basements due to its resistance to moisture, mildew, water damage and staining. When constructed properly, Olefin provides an excellent value and good performance.

At Floors for Less, we can take care of all your flooring needs. Stop by the showroom of our Madison flooring company today to take a look at our different flooring options. From carpet to hardwoods, we can help you transform your space into the room you've always dreamed of!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Hardwood Floors

Madison hardwood flooring is a great way to add value to your home. With beautiful American Walnut or a lighter Natural Ash, Floors for Less has a variety of options to match your room. Our hardwood floors are relatively easy to care for if you avoid the most common mistakes. GoodHouseKeeping.com explains 7 ways you're ruining your wood floors:

1. Rotating Brush Vacuums. 

Vacuums with rotating brushes can be very abrasive to wood flooring. If using a vacuum on your hardwood flooring, be sure to either turn off the brush roll or use an attachment instead. However, you don't want to not vacuum at all. Gritty dirt and dust particles can scratch your floor when they sit for too long.

2. Using Steam Cleaners. 

When using steam to clean your hardwood floors, exercise caution. Skip the steam cleaning if your flooring has a wax finish or the finish is old and worn. Otherwise, use the lightest level of steam your appliance offers and keep it moving across the floor. Don't let the steam sit in once place for too long.

3. Too Much Wet-Cleaning. 

Unless your hardwood floors get a ton of foot traffic, you don't need to mop them more than once a month. Instead, keep them well swept or vacuumed and spot-clean as needed. Be sure to clean up any spills right away, don't let it sit until you're ready to wet-clean for that month.

4. Drenching Your Flooring. 

While today's Wisconsin wood flooring finishes are much more water resistant than before, you don't want to drench them in water and cleaning solutions. When it comes to cleaning your wood floors, a little goes a long way. When its time to wet-clean, do it in patches. Be sure sure to use a damp, not wet, mop or cloth and then dry the area promptly.

5. Wrong Type of Rug. 

Rubber-backed rugs and mats or rubber mesh pads can dull your floor's shine and even cause discoloration. To protect your flooring, use a combination felt and rubber pad instead.

6. Sun Exposure. 

Too much sun exposure can also cause discoloration in your wood flooring in Madison. When the sun is at its strongest, be sure to keep the blinds or shades closed. This will limit the color change and also the drying out of the wood's finish.

7. No Caution with Sharp Objects. 

Hopefully you already know that sharp objects and wood flooring don't mix. However, there are a few sharp objects that are often overlooked. This includes your pets' claws and high-heeled shoes. To avoid scratches and other issues from these sharp objects, keep your pets' nails trimmed and take your heels off at the door.

Following these tips will help you keep your new hardwood floors in Madison Wisconsin looking great! At Floors for Less, all of our hardwood comes from local distributors, allowing us to offer you great product at an even better value. Stop by the showroom or give us a call today at 608-442-1200!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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6 Things for Homeowners to Consider When Purchasing New Carpet

While many people are into Madison hardwood flooring these days, there are some advantages to having carpet. They can easily create a cozy atmosphere in your living room or bedroom. Carpet is easy to maintain, has the lowest total cost of flooring options, is quick to install and is versatile enough to match the decor in any room. However, with the vast amount of carpeting options, choosing the perfect Wisconsin carpet for your home can be a daunting task. Here are 7 things to consider when picking out that new carpet:

1. Carpet Durability

The most important aspect of any flooring really is the durability. There's more to a carpet's durability than just the way it feels though. Durability, when it comes to carpet, is directly related to the thickness or density, the fiber it's made from and the way it is constructed. When looking for the most durable carpet for your budget, consider the following:

• Carpet Density - This is how close the fiber strands of carpet are to each other. The denser the carpet, the longer it will stand up straight. However, the more dense it is, the less soft it will be. You will have to decide which is more important to you or try to find a balance between the two. 
• Carpet Fiber - There are many different fiber types of carpet. Wool is most expensive, but also most durable. Nylon is considered to be the most durable for foot traffic. Polyester gives you a nice bang for your buck when compared to Nylon. The list goes on. 
• Carpet Construction - Carpet comes in numerous different types and styles, each serving a different purpose. Carpet fibers can either be looped or standing straight up, plush vs. berber, and then you have the shag! The carpet type you choose will depend on your needs and wants. 

2. Stain Resistance

No matter where you'll be putting the carpet, stains can occur anywhere in the home. Stain resistance is very important. Carpet can either be made with a fiber that does not absorb (or absorbs very little) liquids or it can be treated with a stain treatment. The better the stain treatment on your carpet and the less oil used in manufacturing, the better your carpet will repel dirt. This not only extends the life of your carpet, but also the look of it.

3. Price of Carpet

One of the biggest factors that goes into determining what type of carpeting in Madison, Wisconsin you'll choose is the price. Usually the price is directly related to the quality of the product, but that's not always the case. Once you get above a certain benchmark, you're spending more on style than quality. Beware of very stylish carpets that cost a lot, but are made of lower quality fibers. It's a good idea to work with an honest, reputable Madison flooring company to make sure you're getting a good value.

4. Softness/Feel

The feel of your carpet is the most fun aspect because it's what you feel when you're walking barefoot across or laying across it. The feel of the carpet adds comfort and coziness or stiffness and durability. As long as your fiber, construction and thickness are good, you really can't go wrong with the softness. While a tight carpet will last longer, we're not talking about a significant difference. Therefore, you should purchase something that you're going to be happy with.

5. Look & Style

The primary reason why most people choose a specific carpet is based on the limitless choices in color and style. Before drowning in all of the options, consider the room space, other room furnishings, the overall targeted feel and your future plans. If you're planning to sell your house, choosing a neutral color and tone is your best option.

6. Functionality

Carpet can instantly improve the home's aesthetic value and bring a new look and feel to any area. In choosing which type of carpet is right for you, think about floor traffic and room usage. Once you determine these factors, it will be easier to purchase carpet correctly suited for that room. If you're unsure of what the room's use will be, make sure to choose a carpet that will work well in any application.

Choosing the right carpet is not an easy task and you're going to have to live with your decision for years to come. However, with the right information and a knowledgeable staff guiding you through the purchase, carpet can create beautiful, functional spaces. Stop by our Madison flooring showroom today to take a look at what we have to offer.

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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How to Remove Carpet Stains

Whether you have kids or not, you're bound to spill something on your carpet sooner or later. Our Madison flooring company is here to provide you with the expertise you need to keep your floors looking great! From wine to candle wax, here are some tips from ThisOldHouse.com to get different types of stains out of your carpet. Be sure to always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot and never scrub the carpet because you'll risk ruining the carpet fibers.

Water-Soluble Stains

For water-soluble stains, you can use a simple cleaning solution made up of 1/4 tsp. of non-bleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 oz. of water. Water-soluble stains include:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Berries
• Colas
• Food Dyes
• Gravy 
• Ice Cream
• Jelly
• Milk
• Mud
• Washable Ink 
• Wet or Latex Paint

Urine

For urine, absorb as much as possible with white towels, then blot with a damp, cool cloth. Next, spay or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Finally, apply a solution of 1/2 tsp. of clear, mild, non-bleach detergent mixed with 32 oz. of water, rinse and blot dry.

Other Water-Soluble Stains

Some water-soluble stains are special and take a little more work. Try 1 tablespoon of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water. (However, don't do this on wool or wool-blend carpet; instead, use mild detergent and water.) If that doesn't work, you can try one part chlorine bleach to five parts water, but only on solution-dyed carpets, such as polypropylene. Bleach will harm other types of carpets; check with the manufacturer if you are unsure what type of carpet you have. These special stains include:

• Blood
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Mustard 
• Tea
• Vomit
• Wine

Fat, Oil, Wax and More

For fat, oil and wax, place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on warm setting. The stain should come up off the carpet and stick to the paper towel. For glue, moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it on the stain. Once the glue residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the carpet is clean. For gum, use ice to freeze it and then shatter it with a blunt object, such as a spoon. Vacuum before the pieces soften, and blot the carpet with a white towel. For nail polish, blot the area with a rag dipped in nail polish remover.

If your carpet is too old and stained beyond repair, come see us at Floors for Less!  Our showroom features the best flooring in Madison, Wisconsin. We can help you replace your carpet or even switch to hardwood or laminate. We have flooring to meet everyone's needs. Whether you're planning to install it yourself or have a professional do it, we have the knowledge and ability to help you get started!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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4 Strategies for Long Lasting Carpet

With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your Madison, Wisconsin carpet looking great for years! If you stay on top of it, cleaning it can be easier than you might think. All it takes is a good vacuum, the right cleaning products and a little know-how. Check out these strategies for keeping your carpet looking great from FamilyHandyMan.com!

1. Get Rid of Dirt.

Dirt acts like a thousand little blades cutting the fibers of your carpet. When you walk across a dirty carpet, you grind these dirt particles against the fibers, creating tiny nicks. Also, when first scratches the fibers, it dulls the sheen. This is why high-traffic areas appear duller than the rest of the carpet. Over time, this process mats the fibers down and makes them stain more easily. Try these tips to keep your carpet as dirt-free as possible:

• Vacuum entrances and high-traffic areas twice a week and everywhere else at least once a week. Frequent vacuuming will reduce soil buildup. 
• Suction power is cut in half when there's a dirty bag, dirt cup or filter. The main reason bagless vacuums stop working is that the filters aren't changed often enough. Be sure to replace or wash filters every 3 months and replace vacuum bags when they're 3/4 full. 
• Vacuum slow enough to get out as much dirt as possible and go over high-traffic areas more than once. 
• Use doormats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpet. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil, while water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 

2. Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner.

While you can easily rent a machine to clean the carpet yourself, it is important to have your carpets professionally cleaned every once in awhile. When done correctly, this process deep cleans the carpet and doesn't leave behind a soap residue. A rented carpet cleaner will remove the surface dirt, but doesn't get that deep clean that you need to remove allergens, dust and greasy residues. The best strategy for keeping your carpets clean is to do-it-yourself most of the time, but hire a professional every 12 to 18 months.

3. Do Some DIY Cleaning.

Since hiring a professional carpet cleaner can be costly, the next-best thing is to rent or buy a machine and do-it-yourself. This approach can be effective if you understand how to use the machine properly. Hurrying through a cleaning will leave soap residue, a soaked carpet and a pad that can mold or mildew easily. Make sure that you clean the carpet before it becomes really dirty. How often the cleaning needs to be done, depends on the kind of carpet traffic you have, for example kids or pets. If you wait until the carpet is filthy, cleaning it will be much more difficult, take longer and probably cost more. Be sure to vacuum before and after cleaning the carpets. You may want to pre-treat any stains or high-traffic areas. Before cleaning you will also want to remove or elevate your furniture. When you are done cleaning, be sure to let the carpet dry thoroughly before walking on it and replacing the furniture.      

4. Clean Stains Right Away.

If you treat a stain immediately, there is a 99% chance you can remove it. The longer a stain reacts chemically with the carpeting, the harder it is to remove. Try removing the stain with water first; press a clean, dry, white cloth over the stain to absorb the spill. Don't dig or scoop food spills as that can work the stain into the carpet. If there are solids on top of the stain, use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape the food toward the middle of the stain and up into a while towel. You also do not want to rub or scrub as that will damage the fibers, creating a fuzzy area. Be patient gently working water into the spill and blotting it inward. If water alone does not work, try a white vinegar and water solution or club soda before trying any commercial cleaning products. Some commercial products can cause carpet to get dirty faster or damage the carpet's color and texture, so be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area before using one.  

If you're carpet has reached the end of it's life, Floors for Less can hook you up with some brand new carpet! We emphasize service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. Good Madison flooring at a great price adds to the beauty and value of your home. Stop by the showroom today to take a look at what we have to offer!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

LIKE Us on Facebook 

FOLLOW Us on Twitter

CONNECT with Us on LinkedIn

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