Hardwood floors are a classic choice for any home. They are durable and attractive, and their natural beauty adds value to your property, but hardwoods require special care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips and tricks for caring for hardwood flooring and maintaining the materials in great shape.
1. Caring for Hardwood Flooring: Sweeping
Sweep the floors regularly with a soft broom or dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Be sure to sweep in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the floor.
2. Vacuuming Hardwoods
Use your vacuum to remove dust and dirt you may have missed while sweeping. Don’t use a machine with a rotary brush, as the bristles can damage your hardwood floors. Instead, purchase a vacuum with soft bristles or no bristles. Check your vacuum for a hard floor setting, and use that when vacuuming hardwoods.
3. Caring for Hardwood Flooring: Mopping
Vacuum or sweep the floor before mopping to remove dirt or debris that could scratch the floor. Next, choose the right cleaner for the job. Avoid harsh chemicals or too much water, which can damage the wood. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser made specifically for hardwood floors. Finally, be sure to dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning. Allowing water to sit on the wood can cause warping and other damage. Use a soft towel or cloth to dry the floor thoroughly.
4. Dealing with Spills
Assuming that the hardwood floor is sealed, you can follow these steps to deal with a spill:
- Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- If the floor is still wet, use a clean cloth dampened with water to clean the area gently. Be sure not to saturate the wood.
- Once the floor is dry, apply a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner with a soft cloth and buff the area until it shines.
5. Protect the Hardwoods from Furniture
Protect your flooring from scratches by using furniture coasters when rearranging the room. Apply felt pads to the feet of your chairs and couches to help prevent scratches on the surface of the wood.
6. Take Your Shoes Off
Keep flooring clean by removing your shoes at the door, and encourage your family members to do the same. You’ll reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home and prevent scratches and staining. If you have pets, teach them to wait at the door. When you return from walking the dog, wipe their paws before allowing them into the house. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed.
7. Caring for Hardwood Flooring: Manage Humidity
Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your home to prevent warping and cupping. Moisture can negatively affect hardwoods, causing staining, mold, warping, and peeling. Keep the indoor humidity consistent to avoid damage to the flooring.
By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come.
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