Cleaning Hardwood Floors and Preventing Damage
Hardwood floors are considered a major investment in any home. Homeowners spend on hardwood floors because of their warm and comforting feel in the home, durability, and the enhanced value it can give their home. Despite its durability, hardwood floors are vulnerable to liquid, stains, and scratches. Though most hardwood floors now come with protection, these bear the brunt of the traffic and wear off eventually. Here are some tips in cleaning your hardwood floor safely and also how to protect your floor from damage and make sure it lasts decades as hardwood floors are meant to endure.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
1) Sweep your hardwood floor regularly with a broom to remove dirt and grit that can cause scratches on the surface finish. It’s also advisable to vacuum (without a beater bat) your hardwood flooring about twice a week to siphon off those dirt that the broom could not get to.
2) Use a damp mop to clean your hardwood floor once in a while. Do not use a wet mop as this can damage your wood floor. After using a damp mop, dry off any excess moisture with a dry mop.
3) Remember that when you are cleaning/mopping your hardwood floor, it is actually the coating or finishing that you are cleaning. As such, it would be a good idea to determine the kind of finish was applied on your hardwood floor to know what type of cleaner would be safe to use. Normally, your retailer will have a recommended cleaner for you. Make sure you also clarify the terms of your warranty. The wrong cleaner can actually void the warranty on your hardwood floor.
4) The protective coating and finish on your hardwood floor will eventually wear out, most especially on areas with high traffic. To determine the state of the finish, you can put a drop of water on the area. If it beads up, the protection is still good. Otherwise, you will need to retouch the coating on that area. If the coating appears to have worn off on most areas, it may be a good time to refurbish the finishing on your floor. It will also involve sanding the surface to remove the remaining coats before applying the new coats. Sanding will likewise correct minor scratches and stains.
Protecting Hardwood Floors
1) Door mats and rugs are good to have in your home because it traps dirt and grit that can scratch your hardwood floor.
2) Avoid wearing stiletto shoes or any type of shoe that can scratch or dent your wood floor.
3) When moving furniture, do not drag them across your hardwood floor. Lift them instead to avoid scratches. It is also advisable to place flannel protectors under the foot of your furniture.
4) Put window treatments or curtains on windows where the sun can directly touch your hardwood floors. Sun exposure will cause color fading on your hardwood floors.
5) Do not wax the floor, especially if you plan on recoating your floor. Wax can leave residue and will prevent some finishing or coats from adhering to your hardwood floors.
Follow these guidelines diligently and it is certain that your hardwood floors will just be as good for the residents of your home in the next generation. And remember that if there are any doubts on how you can remove stains or repairs, it is still best to consult with a professional to handle the situation.
