Proper Care for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are very popular, as they are extremely durable and sought by many home buyers today.  However, increasing the lifespan and maintaining the current beauty of your hardwood floors will add value and protection to your new investment.

Always sweep your hardwood floors regularly with a soft-bristled broom to reduce the chance of scratching the surface.  A vacuum will also remove dust and dirt, and this needs to be done once a week.

Water should never be used as a cleaner for hardwood floors.  If water is spilled onto your hardwood, simply wipe it up with a soft towel or cloth.

However, wood cleaner mixed with water provides a great product to mop your floors with.  This process, called “damp mopping” is considered the best way to clean hardwood floors.  When using this mixture, ensure your mop is efficiently wrung to prevent excess moisture on the wood.

Try not to walk on the floors with high heels or heavy boots; this can result in small dents.  As with any type of flooring, never drag your furniture over it.  Always ask for help in lifting and moving the furniture to its new place.

If you ever feel that your cleaning methods are not keeping the wood’s texture intact, you may need to try waxing it.  Products vary, so read the instructions to determine how best to use a commercial floor wax.

Doormats should be placed at entrances to each room.  This prevents undue dirt and dampness from being carried onto the wood via shoes.

Curtains and blinds should also be closed during the day.  This is because direct sunlight will affect the color and texture of your hardwood floors.

Any high-traffic areas may require a fashionable area rug.  Rugs are easily replaced if they are ever ruined, unlike hardwood floors.  Placing these rugs in rooms that experience more use than others is always a good idea.  You may simply need a runner to protect areas that are walked on more often than others.