Cork Flooring Care and Maintenance

As many facilities turn to sustainable materials, cleaning professionals are starting to see something new on their customers’ floors. Cork has become an increasingly popular flooring choice due to its durability, green properties and unique health characteristics.

A naturally renewable material, cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows back after being harvested. Cork flooring remains at a stable temperature year-round and is naturally repellent to bugs, mold and mildew.
Click to learn more about the benefits of cork flooring.

Extremely durable, cork flooring can last for decades when properly maintained. Keep cork floors clean and beautiful with these simple tips:

Vacuum Frequently
Regular vacuuming is one of the most important factors to maintaining the integrity of a cork floor. Consider using a backpack vaccum to remove dirt, dust and debris that can scratch the floor surface. Not only are backpack vacuums highly effective and easy to maneuver, but they are also shown to increase productivity.

Wash Gently
Every one to two weeks, or as needed, wash cork floors using a damp mop or autoscrubber. Avoid leaving standing water on the floor and choose a machine with soft brushes to gently clean floors without damaging the finish.

Strategically Place Floor Mats
Placing floor mats at store entrances helps to significantly reduce damage to the floor by soaking up moisture and trapping debris from shoes. Opt for breathable mats. Rubber and other non-porous backing can trap moisture and mar the finish. Keep mats clean with frequent vacuuming and use a carpet extractor to remove excess moisture as needed. 

Wipe Spills Immediately
Heavy moisture can damage floor finish. Do not allow liquid to sit on cork floors. 

Opt for Green Cleaning Products
Avoid cleaning products with abrasive ingredients, since they can destroy your floor’s finish. Green-certified cleaning solutions effectively clean floors, protect the finish and have less impact on indoor air quality.