The beauty of hardwood floors is unmatched. They add a warmth and elegance to any room. Not only are they beautiful, they can increase the appeal and value to your home. Keeping them looking new can be a challenge, especially in high traffic areas. However, with a little love and care, hardwood floors can keep their brilliance for many years.
Everyday Cleaning
Everyday cleaning for hardwood floors can be very simple. A soft broom can be used to sweep up the everyday dirt that falls on the floor. Before sweeping, pick up any large pieces of debris that may scratch the surface, for example rocks. Make sure your broom bristles are soft.
Dry mopping once a week will help pick up any dust that is on the hardwood floors. If the wood is sealed, then a damp mop can be used.
It is important when using water that the wood is sealed. Sealed floors will not be penetrated by the water. If your hardwood is older and showing signs of heavy wear, it may be best to avoid anything wet.
A vacuum can also be used. Vacuums work well to suck up any particles that may scratch the grain. By using an attachment, such as the one with bristles, you can clean up sand and dirt that may be on the floor.
Keeping Hardwoods Looking Fabulous
There are a few things that can be done, or avoided, that will help the wood floors keep their new look. Using rugs, especially in high traffic areas, will not only give the décor a boost but will also protect the surface from shoes, pets and people. Using door mats is also a good idea. Even asking family and guests to remove shoes at the front door will help to eliminate the risk of rocks or other abrasive debris.
When moving furniture around on hardwood floors, avoid dragging it. Also, try and place pads under the feet of all your furniture. This will also help to reduce scratches.
Spills whether they’re water, wine or fruit juice can do a lot of damage to a floor. If any liquids do end up on your hardwood, wipe them up as soon as possible. While hardwoods that are sealed can have a damp cloth used on them, prolonged exposure to any liquid can permanently stain or damage the surface.
Most flooring manufacturers will have guidelines for cleaning and caring for a hardwood floor. It is very important that you find out what those guide lines are.
Long Term Care
Overtime your hardwood floors may start to show their age by looking dull. There are several things from reviving finishes to sanding the floors down and starting over that can bring your floors back. Remember that these steps can be put off for a very long time if the floors are taken care of on a daily basis. Taking a few extra steps daily to care for your floors will save you time and money in the long run.