Hardwood floors can add value and style to your home. Whether you’ve refinished the original floors or you recently invested in installing a new set, we’re willing to assume that you want to protect your investment for the future. Regular cleaning and caring for your hardwood floor will help retain its beauty for years to come. Use these helpful tips to keep your floor looking polished for years.
The Do’s of Hardwood Flooring
- Vacuum and Sweep Regularly
Shoes can track in unwanted dirt and dust that will wear through your wood floor’s finish. It is extremely important to vacuum weekly to protect the finish. Use an attachment with a soft, stationary brush or a felt surface, as attachments with rotating brushes can damage the finish. - Invest in Furniture Pads
Putting felt pads on the legs of your furniture will help protect the finish of the hardwood from scratches.
- Keep Out Moisture
Water has the capability to seep into the wood and stain it. This means that it is important to shut all windows when expecting heavy rain. - Position Rugs Near High Traffic Areas
Hardwood can be damaged in areas of high traffic. The best way to protect your floors from this is by putting a rug over the area. Rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. - Trim Your Pet’s Nails
The long claws of a dog or cat can bring potential scratch marks to the floor. Make sure to keep those nails trimmed short.
The Dont’s of Hardwood Flooring
- Forget to Clean Spills
When water and other liquids trickle into the cracks of the floor, and they aren’t promptly cleaned, the wood can stain. - Wear High Heels
Pointed stiletto heels are bad news for your hardwood floors, as they can create dings and dents on your expensive floor. Try to get your guests to ditch all forms of shoes at the door. This will protect your floor from unwanted dirt and marks. - Slide Furniture
Never slide furniture when rearranging your living area. This can leave costly scratch marks on your hardwood floor. Make sure to lift heavy pieces off the ground, or invest in felt moving pads instead. - Use Oil Cleaners
Using oil cleaners on your floor can leave an oily residue that is hard to remove. This can harmful to your polyurethane-coated floor.
Without this basic care, you may end up needing a hardwood floor repair or board replacement and that begins to get expensive. If properly cared for, your hardwood floor can last a very long time. So, if you follow these simple guidelines, you’re floor will keep its shiny beauty for many years to come.
