Ballarat Sale Ready Tip #8 Dirty floors can be a ‘deal breaker’, clean your carpets & floors thoroughly.

Dirty floors can be a ‘deal breaker’, Clean your carpets & floors thoroughly.

 Floor coverings are a cost to replace, & buyers know this, so they will want to see flooring coverings in good condition. It may not be economical to replace worn or inappropriate flooring before you sell, so make the most of what you have. Have your carpets professionally cleaned a few weeks before your first public viewings. This will also help them to smell clean.

 Marked or damaged timber floors can be cleaned with a product that leaves a sheen on the top.  Alternatively wipe a small amount of vegetable oil over the scratched area. Most suppliers recommend that timber floors are given a light mop with water only. If you use detergent, choose a neutral water-based one.

 For the purpose of general cleaning, choose water-based cleaners. However, for a deep clean purpose, choose an alkaline, water-based cleaner. Timber floors don’t like  ammonia, bleach or any abrasive cleaner as it can leave residue on the floor which may  damage it.

A chemical based cleaning solution may affect the polyurethane finish on the floor boards. This may result in a cloudy look on the surface.

 A splash of vinegar is a common solution, mixed well with water, & mop on with damp, not wet, mop.

This solution is harmless for timber floors which have a polyurethane coating, but is not suitable for timber floors with an oil finish, because it will dry out the flooring.

 If you have pre-finished boards, check the manufacturers instructions on how to clean & maintain them. If they are pre-finished, that is acclimatized and coated in a factory, they should be able to cope with stronger cleaning chemicals. However, always a good idea to do a test patch in a corner to see if there is a reaction.

 If you want to replace your carpets, there are a number of carpet outlets in Ballarat, so you can shop around to find a carpet that you like I your price bracket.

 If other floorcoverings are wearing thin, or discoloured, considering laying sheet vinyl over the area. A modern sheet vinyl, or vinyl ‘plank’ may look more modern & appealing. A change of colour or pattern in the flooring can be a great uplift. There are a number of outlets in Ballarat that supply & lay sheet vinyl

 We can offer a ‘walk & talk’ consultancy that will point out the deal breakers that potential purchasers may consider. For details, see our web-site “Property Styling’ services section.