How to remove stains from vinyl floors

How to remove stains on floor

Floors for Paws’ latest guide to removing common stains from vinyl flooring, and how to keep it clean.

The flooring we have in our homes and businesses, takes a hammering in terms of foot/paw traffic. The reality should be that indoor shoes (slippers etc.) should be worn in the home but it isn’t always practical in a commercial setting! Inevitably there will be spillages and stains too, as well as daily dirt and grime. At Floors for Paws, not only is our vinyl flooring the best flooring for dogs, but it is popular with owners too as it is low maintenance and easy to clean (no more relentlessly scrubbing carpets!)

If your vinyl flooring does become victim to various stains, this guide will help.

Removing food and drink stains from vinyl flooring

  • Red wine requires prompt action as it can stain quickly. Add soda water to the stain – the bubbles dissolve the pigment and prevent staining. Leave for thirty seconds then soak up the liquid with paper towels, blotting it up rather than rubbing it.
  • You’ve seen what your Friday night vindaloo does to the takeaway tubs so imagine what it will do to your floor! Wipe up curry spills with a damp cloth before applying a paste of water and white vinegar in equal amounts. Rub the stain gently with the paste and wipe with a clean cloth.
  • Tomato ketchup that has dried can be tough to remove but a paste of two tablespoons of baking powder mixed with one teaspoon of water will do the trick. Apply the paste to the stain, leave for a few minutes then gently scrub with a clean cloth.

Removing wax spills from vinyl flooring

Carefully remove any dried on wax, being careful not to scratch the vinyl. Using EcoSpirit (a white spirit substitute) on a soft, clean cloth, simply rub the affected area gently until the wax has gone. Then use a damp cloth with a tiny drop of washing up liquid to wipe over the area to remove any white spirit residue.

Removing paint stains from vinyl flooring

Spills of emulsion and oil paint need to be treated differently. With emulsion, wipe (don’t scrub) away any excess and scrape off any dried paint without scratching the vinyl. Soak with a solution of washing up liquid before scrubbing any stubborn paint. Oil paint should be wiped away quickly and the vinyl allowed to dry. Dry oil paint can be removed with rubbing alcohol, before rinsing the vinyl and drying thoroughly.

Removing ink stains from vinyl flooring

While fewer of us use ink pens, ink remains one of the worse spills you can have as the high percentage of pigment stains really rapidly. Soak up the ink as quickly as possible, without spreading it. Once the remaining ink is dry, wipe the area with a kitchen towel sprayed with hairspray. This will not damage the surface coating of the vinyl and is not abrasive. NB nail polish stains can be dealt with in the same way.

Removing grease and oil from vinyl flooring

A bit trickier to deal with, oil or grease stains can be treated by sprinkling with bicarbonate of soda. Let the bicarb soak up the liquid before wiping away with a damp cloth. If there is any remaining stain, a solution of washing up liquid in warm water, applied with a cloth, will help. If the stain is persistent, a commercial degreaser may be needed.

Our top tips for removing stains

  • Act quickly – the sooner you wipe a spillage, the less likely it is to stain
  • In high risk areas like the kitchen or bathroom, or underneath dining tables, consider mats or rugs.
  • It is easier to deal with spillages and remove stains from vinyl that is in good condition and that has been maintained well

Vinyl flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, we offer three ranges of vinyl flooring, all of which are low maintenance and easy to clean. Our luxury vinyl range and our Pawsafe Domestic range are available as planks or tiles and are ideal for homes and offices. They have a textured surface layer to minimise slipping plus an extra-soft comfort layer for cushioning. For business premises including veterinary practices, doggy day care centres, and pet-friendly cafes, our Pawsafe Commercial range is supplied as vinyl on the roll.  Both Pawsafe ranges have been developed in conjunction with, and endorsed by, CAM (Canine Arthritis Management).

For further help or advice about caring for your vinyl flooring, see our blog posts about cleaning and maintaining vinyl floors, call our friendly team on 01522 300218, or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Best flooring for homes with dogs

best flooring for dogs

Here at Floors for Paws we only sell vinyl flooring because it is universally recognised as the best flooring for dogs. Vinyl flooring is a top choice for dog owners. It’s completely waterproof, which means it handles accidents and spills with ease. Vinyl is also known for its durability and resistance to scratches. The Pawsafe Domestic range offers a textured, anti-slip surface, perfect for preventing slips and providing comfort for dogs and owners alike. Additionally, vinyl is easy to clean, making it a low-maintenance option.

Let’s look into the other options that are available on the market:

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another option for homeowners with dogs. It’s durable and scratch-resistant, although not as waterproof as vinyl. To improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping, opt for laminates with a textured finish. Laminate can mimic the look of wood or stone, offering a stylish yet practical solution for pet owners.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly and durable option that’s more resistant to scratches than traditional hardwood. It’s also more water-resistant, although not entirely waterproof. Bamboo is hard enough to withstand dogs’ nails and is less likely to dent, making it a solid choice for pet-friendly homes but can be slippery.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a timeless and beautiful option, but it requires more care when you have dogs and may need re-sanding regularly. Harder woods like oak or hickory are more resistant to scratches and dents. Engineered hardwood is a good alternative, offering more stability and moisture resistance compared to solid hardwood.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is softer and provides excellent comfort for dogs, reducing strain on their joints. It offers good traction and is naturally antimicrobial, resisting mould and mildew. However, cork is prone to scratches and dents, so it might not be suitable for homes with dogs.

The Importance of Subfloor Preparation

No matter what type of flooring you choose, proper subfloor preparation is crucial. Ensuring your subfloor is level, clean, and dry will maximize the performance and longevity of your flooring. Poor subfloor preparation can lead to issues like uneven surfaces, poor adhesion, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan for your flooring. It is a common misconception that many floors do not need sub-floor preparation.

LVT Vs. click flooring – Which is best for dog owners?

Floors for Paws dog-friendly flooring features

When choosing flooring for your home, consider these key features from Floors for Paws:

Scratch Resistance: Can withstand your dog’s nails and prevent visible scratches.

Waterproof: Floors that are waterproof or highly water-resistant are ideal for dealing with spills and accidents.

Traction: Floors with good traction help prevent slips and falls, which is especially important for older dogs or those with mobility issues.

Durability: Choose flooring that can handle the wear and tear of daily dog activity.

Cushioned backing: Our PawSafe domestic and commercial ranges have a cushioned backing to provide support for your dog’s joints.

Vet approved: We have supplied flooring to many veterinary practices including The Hampshire Vet.

Finding the best flooring for your home with dogs involves balancing durability, comfort, and aesthetics. Vinyl flooring stands out for its waterproof properties and ease of maintenance. Laminate, bamboo, and engineered hardwood also provide excellent alternatives depending on your specific needs but can be slippery and have their limitations in terms of damage. Remember, proper subfloor preparation is key to ensuring your new flooring performs well and lasts long.

At Floors for Paws, we are committed to helping you find the perfect flooring solution for you and your dogs. Explore our range of pet-friendly flooring options and give your home the perfect blend of style, practicality, and safety. 

If you have any further questions after that, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@floorsforpaws.com or on 01522 300218.

Canine Arthritis – Prevention is the best solution

Canine arthritis

Thanks to Canine Arthritis Management, headed by Super Vet Hannah Capon we know have a much better indicator of the best treatment for dogs with Arthritis. If you have a dog who is, or you think is struggling with this head over to their website for an in depth look at the best options to help your dog. https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/

Arthritis is a condition that tends to appear later in life but is often due to the accumulation of joint wear and tear and injuries throughout a dog’s life. 

One of the main pieces of advice relates to slippery floors. If you have a dog with any condition which affects their gait it is important that you look at your flooring in and around the home. Many dogs in the later stages of Arthritis will need rugs, runners or carpet offcuts if the home has hard, smooth flooring. 

But how do we prevent so many cases of arthritis? We at Floors For Paws believe that having an Anti-slip floor will go a long way to protect the joints of your dog. One of the main causes of injury in canines is from slipping on floors. Our work with Animal physios highlighted the correlation between smooth flooring and injury in dogs. 

A safe flooring for your dog will limit the risk of joint injuries and potential Vet bills. 

Along with arthritis Floors For Paws has helped dogs with ACL/CCL injury, hip dysplasia, spinal injury, and degenerative myelopathy who had previously struggled on smooth flooring. 

 

Video below: Donna Wills (PGC A Phys, RVN. Member of IAAT, BVNA and RAMP – Founder of Animal Physiotherapy Ltd) and Hannah Capon (MA Vet MB MRCVS Director of Canine Arthritis Management) discuss flooring effects on Canine Arthritis.

 

  

A guide to choosing the best flooring for dogs: everything you need to know

Best flooring for dogs

Searching for the best flooring for dogs can often seem a daunting task as you want something stylish and durable, but also comfortable and safe for your furry friend. When you search ‘Best flooring for dogs’ or ‘Pet friendly flooring’ you will mainly see results that point you to flooring options that are best for dog owners. That is not always the same thing.

In today’s comprehensive guide, we deconstruct what dogs want in a flooring as opposed to what most dog owners prioritise.

Let’s take Jenny. She has just bought a new puppy. She currently has carpets throughout but wants something that will be more appropriate for the onslaught the flooring will take with a news puppy in tow!

What are her initial needs? Scratch-resistant flooring for dogs, waterproof flooring for dogs, easy to clean flooring for dogs.

Scratch-resistant best flooring for dogs

This will be essential in order to maintain an attractive floor. What would be good floor options for scratch resistant flooring for dogs?

  • Laminate flooring
  • Tile flooring
  • Luxury vinyl flooring with a PU layer of over 0.55mm
  • Stone flooring

Waterproof best flooring for dogs

Young pup is bound to have some accidents, so this is a no brainer. What would be good floor options for waterproof flooring for dogs?

Easy to clean best Flooring for Dogs

High on the list of Jenny’s priorities is likely to be easy to clean flooring for dogs. What floor options does she have?

  • Laminate flooring
  • Tile flooring -ceramic or porcelain
  • Luxury vinyl flooring
  • Click LVT

So, Jenny has researched her options and the one that ticks all the boxes is vinyl flooring.

Now let us look at what her puppy would prioritise.

Pup wants the following:

  • Secure footing/good grip
  • Comfortable under foot
  • Cool in summer and not cold in winter
  • Hypo-allergenic

What is the best option for your dog?

Estimates suggest that around 1 in 3 dogs will develop arthritis in their lifetime, with the percentage increasing significantly in older dogs (80% of dogs over 8 years old might have some degree of arthritis). As with everything, prevention is better than the cure. By giving your dog safe flooring from an early age, it can help to prevent slips that can lead to joint issues, injuries and osteoarthritis in dogs.

But let’s not forget Jenny. She is the one who pays the bills after all! Her priorities are:

  • Scratch resistance and durability
  • Waterproof
  • Ease of cleaning and maintenance

If only there was a dog-friendly and pet-proof flooring that could tick all the boxes…

Floors for paws PawSafe domestic range

  • Secure footing/good grip for dogs
  • Comfortable under foot
  • Cool in summer and not cold in winter
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Scratch resistance and durable
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Vet endorsed

Ready to find the perfect balance for you and your furry friend in your home? Order your free samples from the PawSafe Domestic range today.

If you want the best flooring for your dogs, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

Best Dog Proof Flooring: Top Solutions for Pet-Friendly Homes

Dog proof flooring

As dog owners, we know the joy and companionship that comes with having a canine campadre. However, maintaining a beautiful home with pets can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right flooring. At Floors for Paws, we specialize in providing the best dog proof flooring that caters to the needs of both you and your pets. In this blog, we’ll explore the top flooring options that are durable, easy to clean, and comfortable for your beloved dogs.

Vinyl Flooring

Durable and Easy to Clean – vinyl flooring is one of the most popular choices for dog owners, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of pet claws. Vinyl is also water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets that may have occasional accidents which makes cleaning a breeze, allowing you to keep your floors looking good with minimal maintenance.

Key benefits of vinyl flooring:

– Water-resistant

– Scratch-resistant

– Easy to clean

– Comfortable underfoot

Laminate Flooring

Affordable and Resilient – laminate flooring offers a great balance between affordability and durability. It’s designed to mimic the appearance of hardwood while providing a tougher surface that can handle pet traffic. Laminate is also resistant to scratches and stains, but it is not aways a practical option for households with pets as water spills and dog pee can get underneath the surface and cause warping.

Key benefits of laminate flooring:

– Scratch-resistant

– Stain-resistant

– Affordable

– Variety of styles

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Elegant and Durable – for those who love the look of hardwood but need something more resilient, engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent choice. It’s made up of a solid wood veneer over a plywood base, providing both beauty and durability. Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes compared to traditional hardwood, making it a better option for pet owners. That said, it can be prone to scratches from dog claws.

Key benefits of engineered hardwood flooring:

– Beautiful hardwood appearance

– More moisture-resistant than solid hardwood

– Durable

– Variety of finishes

Tile Flooring

Ultimate Durability – tile flooring is known for its incredible durability and resistance to scratches and stains, making it an ideal choice for homes with pets. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are especially tough and can handle the heaviest of foot (and paw) traffic. Tile is also easy to clean and maintain, which is a significant advantage for pet owners. However, it can often be slippery and hard on dogs’ joints.

Key benefits of tile flooring:

– Highly durable

– Scratch-resistant

– Water-resistant

– Easy to clean

Cork Flooring

Eco-Friendly and Comfortable – cork flooring is an eco-friendly option that offers unique benefits for pet owners. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which helps to reduce allergens and bacteria in your home. Cork is also soft and comfortable underfoot, providing a cushioned surface for your pets to walk and lie on. Additionally, cork flooring is resistant to scratches but can be difficult to keep clean.

Key benefits of cork flooring:

– Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial

– Comfortable and soft

– Scratch-resistant

– Eco-friendly

Floors for Paws – The world’s best flooring for dogs

At Floors for Paws, as dog owners and dog lovers, we understand the unique challenges of maintaining a beautiful home with pets. That’s why we’ve researched and curated the best flooring solutions designed specifically for dog owners. Our ranges are hypo-allergenic, easy to clean, slip-resistant, anti-stain, waterproof, and comfortable.

For the ultimate in dog proof flooring, explore our PawSafe Domestic Range, endorsed by Dr. Hannah Capon. Our flooring options ensure that both you and your furry friends can enjoy a stylish and pet-friendly home.

Key benefits of the Pawsafe Domestic dog proof flooring range

– Vet endorsed

– Water-resistant

– Non-slip

– Scratch-resistant

– Easy to clean

– Comfortable underfoot

– Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial

– Durable

– Dog friendly AND Dog proof flooring

For more information on our products and to browse our selection, click here to explore our PawSafe Domestic Range.

If you want the best flooring for your dogs, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com

How to fit LVT herringbone flooring

herringbone flooring

 

For dog owners who want the luxury of a high end, solid wood parquet block floor but who worry about the safety of their pets, look no further. At Floors for Paws, we have the perfect solution – LVT herringbone flooring.

What is herringbone flooring?

Often used when talking about wooden parquet flooring, the term herringbone is in fact one of the most popular patterns that can be created with any type of block flooring. The pattern is created from rectangular wooden blocks which are each arranged at a 45 degree angle from the next to make a geometric, V shape.

Can LVT be installed in a herringbone pattern?

LVT planks are ideal for creating a herringbone pattern and will give a durable, long lasting and beautiful floor.

How to fit LVT herringbone flooring

  • LVT needs to acclimatise upon arrival at your home, to make up for the change in temperature between your home and where it was stored prior to delivery. Leaving the LVT for 24 hours reduces the risk of it warping or cracking after installation.
  • While luxury vinyl tiles do not need a traditional underlay, it is vital to prepare the surface your tiles will be installed on. This surface is known as the subfloor and should be concrete, floorboards or ceramic tiles. If your subfloor has carpet, vinyl or lino on it, this should be removed
  • Prepare your subfloor to ensure it is perfectly smooth and even. Remove all nails and tacks etc. and thoroughly vacuum, before repairing any cracks or holes.
  • For concrete floors a thin (3-4mm) layer of smoothing compound can be applied to the surface to ensure the subfloor is completely smooth. Wooden subfloors should have a flooring grade plywood affixed every 120-150mm, with the joins filled so they won’t ‘ghost’ over time.
  • Cut LVT planks with a sharp blade and glue them down, butting each one up tightly to the next.
  • A herringbone pattern should be started in the centre of the room and worked outwards from this central point. Drawing a guide line will help and one corner of the first tile should be lined up to this at a 45 degree angle. Subsequent tiles should be laid at 90 degrees to the previous one. Once the first pattern row has been established and glued down, subsequent rows are added on alternate sides. The overall pattern is created as you add subsequent rows of planks.

Please note: Installation of glue-down LVT planks requires much more skill than click-together planks and is not for the faint-hearted. We do not recommend that a novice DIY-er tackles this kind of installation and would always recommend an approved installation specialist.

LVT herringbone flooring from Floor for Paws

For pet owners wanting a stylish and traditional aesthetic in their home but who worry about the risks from hard, wooden floors to their dogs, the PawSafe domestic range from Floor for Paws is the best flooring for dogs. It is available in a choice of 12 wood-effect patterns perfect for creating a chevron design, with 6 of those available in a smaller plank size ideal for the Herringbone design. All feature a textured, non-slip surface layer to help unstable dogs of any age. The range also offers a comfort layer and fleece backing. All Floors for Paws ranges come with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples or contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or telephone on 01522 300218 for more information?