Hardwood Floor Maintenance Guide
If you have hardwood floors, they need regular maintenance to look great. A poorly maintained hardwood floor can increase the risk of injury and affect the value of the home. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
Clean Spills Immediately
You don't really want the hardwood getting wet, so you should clean up any spills immediately. Moisture can cause the wood to swell and splinter, but some spills can also leave stains. Clean with a damp cloth and then with hardwood floor cleaner. Do not clean with a mop as this can expose the floor to too much water. When done, always make sure the floor is dry.
Protect Against Scratches
Wood floors are prone to scratches. Scratches affect the aesthetics of the wood, but they can also expose the underlying, unprotected wood, increasing the risk of decay or other problems. A lot of scratches come from furniture, such as dining room chairs getting scooted around. You can avoid this with furniture pads.
Alternatively, you can put down rugs and mats for furniture. Rugs and mats are also a great idea in high-traffic areas and high-risk areas. For example, you may want a mat by the kitchen sink to prevent damage if a wet pot or pan slips out of your hand. A mat at the entry doors prevents debris from getting in and scratching the floor.
Sweep and Clean the Floor
You'll want to sweep the floor regularly to remove any debris. Debris makes the floor look dirty and worn, but it can also increase the risk of scratches. Choose a fine bristle broom, which will reduce the risk of damaging the floor. You may want to occasionally vacuum the floor.
Keep the floor clean with appropriate hardwood floor cleaners. You may want to clean high-traffic areas more often.
Refinish as Needed
In many cases, the damage is only surface level and can be corrected with routine refinishing. During this process, the floor is sanded, restained, and lacquered. This gives your floor a new look, but it also better protects it against future damage.
Some benefits of refinishing include:
- Improves home value
- Prevents pests
- Reduces the risk of injury from splintering wood
- Increases the floor's life span
If your hardwood floor is looking worn and old, you may not need to replace it. A good refinish may save the floor and vastly improve its appearance. If you would like to know more, contact a hardwood flooring refinishing company in your area today.