Nothing beats the luster and elegance of hardwood floors. They add a certain richness to your house that only hardwood can give.
But, caring for hardwood floors can be tricky. Why? They can be very susceptible to getting damaged if you don’t know how to care for them.
If you want to know how to care for hardwood floors, we can help. From maintaining the wood to keeping them in good shape, we’ve got all the info you need to keep your hardwood floors looking great.
Want to know more? Then read on and we’ll walk you through the must-know info on how to care for hardwood floors.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventing damage before it happens is the first step in learning to care for hardwood floors. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Use Rugs and Doormats
Rugs and doormats are excellent tools for making sure your hardwood floors will last. By placing a doormat at every entrance to your home you can trap dirt and particles that can damage the finish of your hardwood floors. Rugs placed in high-traffic areas can also help to protect the wood from unwanted scratches.
It is recommended to choose rugs with a low pile that won’t make it difficult to move furniture, and it’s important to make sure all substances are blotched up immediately to avoid staining.
Avoid High Heels
High heels can not only damage the finish on your hardwood floors but can also cause small indentations in the wood. If you must wear shoes with heels, use floor protectors on the bottoms of your shoes to cushion the impact and avoid scratches or dents. Encourage your family and guests to remove their shoes or wear soft-soled shoes indoors.
Trim Pet Nails
Pets can leave track marks in the wood, particularly when their nails have become too long and are dragging when the pet is walking. To prevent scratches, the pet’s nails should be trimmed at least every 3-4 weeks. This can be done with a pet-safe nail trimmer or by taking the pet to a groomer.
Use Furniture Pads
Furniture pads will provide a layer of cushion between the surface of your floor and the bottom of your furniture, which will protect it from dings, scratches, and damage. Additionally, it’s important that the furniture pads are non-marking and easily wiped down with a damp cloth, as this will prevent the material from transferring onto the floor.
Daily Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors. Here are some tips for daily care for hardwood floors:
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Depending on the amount of traffic and other factors, you should sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors at least one to two times a week to keep them clean and free of debris.
When you vacuum, use the bare floor or delicate setting to avoid scratching the wood. Regular sweeping and vacuuming help reduce buildup and prevents wear and tear to your floors, as well as eliminate any small particles that could cause scratching.
Damp Mop
o ensure the longevity of hardwood floors, a daily damp mop should be carried out to pick up dirt and dust. It’s important to use a lightweight mop with a clean microfiber pad and a mild cleaner specially designed for hardwood floors. To keep floors looking neat, avoid using too much cleaner and ensure the pad does not have excess moisture, which can damage the wood.
Wipe up Spills Promptly
Good upkeep of hardwood floors involves prompt wiping off spills. This should occur as soon as the liquid is spotted: the quicker you can clean spills the better. Use a soft towel or microfiber mop to blot up the liquid before it has a chance to seep in and cause staining or other damage. If the spill contains something sticky, such as syrup or honey, use a damp cloth to loosen and then remove it.
Maintaining the Finish
The finish on your hardwood floors protects them from damage and gives them their shine. Here are some tips for maintaining the finish:
Don’t Apply Wax on Your Own
When caring for hardwood floors it is important to remember to never apply wax on your own. The wrong application of wax can cause problematic effects such as damaged or faded floors, or dulling of the finish. If waxing is necessary, find hardwood floor waxing services to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Use a Finish Restorer
Over time, the finish on your floors may become dull. Use a finish restorer to bring back their shine. Finish restorers come in two types: water-based and oil-based.
The water-based option is generally cheaper and easier to use, but it also takes longer to dry and may not be as effective as the oil-based. Oil-based products have a longer curing time, but they also provide a higher degree of protection.
Recoat the Floors
When recoating hardwood floors, the first step is to determine if the floors actually need recoating. If the floor is dull or scratched, recoating may be needed. Certain types of hardwood floors may require more frequent recoating to ensure optimal longevity of the floor.
Recoating involves sanding the floors down to bare wood and applying a new finish. This is a job best left to professionals.
Learn the Basics on How to Care For Hardwood Floors Today
Hardwood floors require regular care and maintenance to stay looking their best. Regular sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping, and spot cleaning are essential to keeping hardwood floors looking good and lasting long.
Consider investing in a professional cleaning every couple of years to get the most out of your hardwood floors. If you’re interested in learning how to care for hardwood floors, look into professional hardwood floor care and maintenance services to help keep your floors looking their best!
