The key to having as much success with your hardwood flooring as possible is keeping it well-taken care of with regular maintenance. But knowing exactly how to take care of your flooring isn't always easy. There are a lot of conflicting opinions about what the best practices and techniques are.
We're here to clear it all up for you with the top seven hardwood flooring maintenance tips to keep your floors looking good as new!
1. Avoid Sliding Heavy Objects
One of the hardest things to repair on a hardwood floor is scratches and deep impressions. And unfortunately, these are some of the most common types of damage people see in their homes. Luckily, most can be avoided with a little extra effort!Most scratches on hardwood floors are caused by sliding heavy objects, like furniture or boxes, across the floors. While it seems like an innocent action if there's even a tiny nail or splinter hanging off the heavy object it can cause major damage. The best thing you can do is avoid dragging anything across the floor at all.
We also suggest adding furniture pads to the bottom of every item on the hardwood, this allows you to safely and easily move them around as needed.
2. Choose the Right Protection
An important step to take during hardwood floor installation or when refinishing hardwood floors is adding the right protection layer to the flooring. This most often comes in some kind of sealant that is applied almost like paint or stain.That layer creates a hard barrier between the floor and the outside environment which can protect against scratching and also discoloration as the flooring ages. It can also make cleaning the floors much easier as it is a harder, slicker surface that can be wiped down quicker.
It's a good idea to work with your flooring professional to find the right top coat for the exact hardwood flooring you chose.
3. Add a Humidifier
Hardwood floors have a reputation for being durable with their ability to last for decades. This can certainly be the case with the right conditions, even without a lot of extra care. One thing that can ruin hardwood floors is too dry of a climate, which can cause them to become brittle and crack.That type of cracking is really hard to repair and almost always requires replacement instead.
If you live in a dry climate but would like hardwood flooring, simply adding a humidifier to your space can make a huge difference. Just a little bit of extra moisture in the air will protect them and keep them strong as ever.
4. Routine Cleaning
The most important thing you can do to protect your space is continue regular hardwood floor care and maintenance. There is no substitute for making sure your floors are being neglected and slowly wearing away because of it.Hardwood floors are pretty low-maintenance in the required cleaning tasks to keep them looking nice.
Mainly, you'll want to be sure to sweep them on a regular (if not daily) basis and give them a good mop every week or so. This will help avoid major build-up and help you keep an eye on any potential problem areas.
5. Use Quality Cleaners
For many hardwood floors, water will be enough to get you the clean, shiny finish you're looking for. But in those cases of more stubborn messes or the occasional deep clean, you'll want to make sure you're using high-quality cleaners.Low-quality cleaners can be filled with ingredients that will cause damage and break down the topcoat over time.
Checking with your flooring professionals is the best way to know what products work best with your flooring type and finish. This way you can feel confident that everything will stay strong and looking great!
6. Make Repairs Quickly
There is always a chance that something will happen to your hardwood floor when you're living with them. They are strong but not indestructible and that's okay!The key is making repairs are quick as you can to avoid the issue spreading and making an even bigger problem.
When you notice a big crack, scratch, or splintering section, it's time to call in the professionals to make a plan for repairs or hardwood floor refinishing. They can help you get your floors back to prime condition in no time.
7. Remove Shoes
While some of the other ways to keep up with hardwood floor care and maintenance can seem like an extra set of tasks and more work for you, there's something even easier you can do. Simply remove your shoes when you come into the house and avoid walking on the floors with them on.This will do wonders in helping you keep the flooring cleaner in between deep cleaning sessions. You won't have to worry about as much dirt being tracked around or shoes scuffing up the floors.
A simple task might feel like it won't make a big difference, but you'll be shocked at what a no-shoe policy will do for your home!
How to Take Care of Your Hardwood Flooring
The flooring in your home is such an important piece of the overall look and function of your space. Not to mention the investment it is to have it repaired or replaced when it's not well-taken care of, especially hardwood flooring.Following these simple hardwood flooring maintenance tips will help you keep your floor looking amazing and functioning even better. You won't have to worry about chips, scratches, or stains ruining the beauty of the floors because everything will be fully protected. Just a little bit of consistent effort can extend the life of your floors for many extra years!
If you're interested in learning more about your flooring options and getting an estimate for your home, contact us today!
