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How To Take Care Of Hardwood Floors

by Camila, Wednesday, February 2, 2022 12:55 PM

Hardwood flooring is the number one flooring option for homeowners in America. No flooring material does a better job of beautifying the home than hardwood. Since there is an increasing desire for hardwood floors, substitute flooring materials continuously strive to emulate the look and feel of hardwood.

The unfading appeal of hardwood due to the wood’s natural beauty creates an ambiance that is very hard to replicate. Other flooring materials may attempt to mimic hardwood’s unique appearance, but none have managed to achieve it.

This distinctive quality of hardwood is the reason for its well-established reputation as the classiest flooring material to utilize in your home. If you install it in a rental property, you can increase your rent and attract tenants that are more prestigious. In addition to being lovely, hardwood flooring outperforms all other flooring options in its durability and ease of maintenance.

As with all things, hardwood flooring has minor downsides that shirk in contrast to the stated benefits. There are things you should know about hardwood to get the most out of your floors. Since hardwood flooring is a wholly natural material, it is vulnerable to a few challenges. Some of these issues include:

It is essential to verify that any rugs or pads you use on your hardwood floors are appropriate as inferior pads can dull the floor's shine and lead to discoloration.

You want to protect your initial investment with good maintenance habits. Read on to learn about our tips on hardwood floor care.

• Hardwood floors are highly vulnerable to spills and stains. Any liquid spill can damage the floor, including excessive use of liquid cleaners. Pet urine and feces will also stain the floor.
• Hardwood floors are susceptible to damage from dirt or grime tracked by shoes, noticeable around doorways that lead outside the home.
• Hardwood floors can also be scratched or dented by high-heeled shoes or pet nails/claws.
  

1. Shoe Mats

Place a mat between exterior doors and the inside of your home to serve as a buffer. Anyone entering the home can wipe their shoes and deposit any grit clinging to the soles of their shoes to the mat.

2. Wipe Spills Immediately

Wood swells when it absorbs moisture. Constant and intermittent shrinking or expansion of your wood floors will lead to cupping, splitting, and gapping. Wipe spills as soon as they happen; do not let liquids sit on the floor!

3. Indoor Footwear

High heels place the entire weight of your body to a small, concentrated spot. It has enough pressure to dent a hardwood floor. Do not let anyone wear heels on your hardwood floor; keep comfortable slippers around, if necessary.

4. Trim Pet Nails and Claws

Pet nails can scratch, dent, or gouge the surface of your hardwood floor. 

5. Use Furniture Pads

The legs of furniture present the same problem as high-heeled shoes; they concentrate weight on a small area. Place pads under the legs of chairs, sofas, and tables to mitigate the strain your furniture places on your hardwood floors.

6. Avoid Rubber-Backed Mats or Pads

As mentioned earlier, rubber-backed mats or pads dull and discolor hardwood floors. Avoid buying rubber-backed products for rugs and furniture.

7. Sweep and Dust Often

8. Vacuum Once A Week

Even if you diligently observe your daily floor sweeping routine, some dust and debris will still escape you. Vacuuming the floor once every week will help you pick up any dirt or crumbs you missed while sweeping. Robotic vacuums are very helpful with collecting missed debris. 

9. Mop the Floor With Care

When you mop your hardwood floor, avoid using too much water. Too much water on the wood and it will soak it up and start swelling. Another thing to avoid is steam; vapor will enter the spaces in-between the planks and cause damage. A damp mop is all you need.

10. Use the Right Cleaning Product

Beware of using harsh chemicals on your hardwood floors; the potential short-term benefits are not worth the long-term damage to your floor. These products often promise to polish, shine or revitalize your wood floors, but it is best to avoid them. Real wood; real natural!

11. Refinish Your Floor Every 3-5 Years

Over time the coating on your floor may wear thin and will need to be reapplied. It would be best to do this every 3-5 years, depending on how much traffic the floor sees and how fast it wears.