Q: Please advise as to the best product to use on the original and slightly distressed cork floor in my Manhattan 1929 studio for the purpose of cleaning and preserving the texture and lustre which is still in amazing condition for its age?
Sent by Daniel
Editor: Can anyone help Daniel out with info or suggestions on how to keep his cork flooring in good shape? Let us know in the comments below - thanks!
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I've never even seen a cork floor. Any pics?
I don't know the first thing about a good answer to Daniel's question. However, I am really impressed that his floor has held up so well I have been interested in cork flooring for some time, but understood its one disadvantage is its lack of durability. I wonder if cork flooring products are more flimsy today than those made in 1929?
Cork tiles from the 20s would be waxed not finished with a polyurethane. I grew up in a house with similar tiles (slightly younger vintage) and they are lovely to live with. How lucky that you have them and they are in such good condition!
Care of cork is fairly easy - certainly no more work than with wood.
Keep the floor clean of dirt and debris with regular sweeping (or vacuuming) and a weekly damp mopping. Don't leave the floors wet - after mopping, dry the floors well (a good microfiber pad on a mop head would work perfectly)
At least twice a year you may want to buff the floors to restore the luster of the finish. Use a soft white pad and buff on a low rpm. Typically you won't need to add wax with each buffing - only as needed. If you add wax each time, you will have a build up that will be very unattractive.
Moisture and dry air are the biggest risks to cork (same as with wood).
in-the-poche- is correct.
I stress slightly damp mop, cork floors do not like being wet.
Also, use a neutral low pH cleaner like a dish soap I used ivory or dove dish soap to clean mine..Avoid solvents, especially any that contain glycerin in it
Do not drag furniture on the floors, get felt pads if necessary and cork floors do not like sun they will turn yellow.
Lucky you enjoy!
I seem to recall that the cork floors in Fallingwater were/are treated to Johnson's Floor Wax.
If there's a buildup of crud, waxed floors can be cleaned with ammonia. Test in an inconspicuous area 1st. Then reapply a nice coat of wax. This is encouraging; I've been wanting a cork floor in my kitchen.
I had a 1929 apartment in Chicago that had cork floors. The management was going to carpet before I moved in, but I told them I'd rather have the cork. But once I moved in, I wanted to cover them. In the living room, there were spots and large furniture indentions everywhere. and they were permanent. I think cork would be good for a kitchen, but maybe not a living room.