Wood floors are durable and easy to care for. Compared to carpeting – which can show every bit of dirt or mud that gets tracked in, wood flooring is a breeze to keep looking good. And a few simple precautions will prevent any damage from occurring in the first place.
Extending the life of your wood floors.
It’s not hard to maintain the beauty of hardwood floors and to make sure they last a lifetime.
Water is one of the biggest threats. But just using doormats outside your home and area rugs inside your doors will help keep your floors dry and reduce dirt, pebbles, and sand that can scratch them. Be sure to use area rugs in rooms with a lot of moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. Vacuum or shake out the rugs and mats often.
If you do spill something, wipe it up quickly. Make sure that none of your potted plants leak when you water them. And don’t use a wet mop to clean your floors.
Using fabric or soft plastic glides under the feet of your furniture will help prevent scratches and dents. And never slide your furniture across wood floors. To minimize damage, you should pick up your furniture and carry it.
Don’t use the beater bar of your vacuum cleaner to clean your wood floors. The brush attachment is much gentler. Direct sunlight will fade your floors, so cover them with area rugs, keep your curtains closed, and rotate your furniture every once in a while.
High heels are one of the worst enemies of wood flooring. If possible, don’t wear them around the house. The same goes for cleats or athletic shoes. Dogs that weigh over 50 pounds are also especially hard on wood floors. Since you can’t really prevent their claws from scratching, use rugs over all your high traffic areas.
It’s also important to monitor the moisture in your home. In climates where it’s necessary to heat or air condition your house a lot, you may need a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain the correct moisture level. If it’s too dry, the wood planks can crack.
Cleaning your floors.
Compared to other materials, wood floors are easy and inexpensive to keep clean.
Only use products that are designed specifically for wood. Products made for other kinds of floors may damage the wood or cause a waxy build up that will make them look dull. Most manufacturers recommend specific products, so read the information that comes with the flooring. And don’t use ammonia, which is too harsh.
A broom with soft bristles or a cotton dust mop is all you need to mop up dirt or grit. A micro-fiber mop, Swiffer, or other mop that attracts dust is a good choice if you have pets. You can also buy a spray to use on your mop. Floor cleaners designed for use on wood floors can be used to remove scuff marks or stains. But test it in an inconspicuous area first.
You’ll need a vacuum to remove any particles in the seams, especially if the wood has a beveled edge. Use the brush attachment for cleaning.
These simple steps will help keep wood floors looking their best for generations.
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