How To Properly Care For Hardwood Floors
The elegance of hardwood floors makes it a popular choice of flooring for many homeowners
. Not only are they beautiful they can also increase the value of your home. If you want to keep your floors looking like new you have to properly maintain it. Consistent and careful maintenance will almost guarantee it to look just as good as the day you bought it.
Here are some tips to help you care for your hardwood floors.
It is important for you to know as much about your floors as possible, things like the type of wood and the finish of the wood are important. Take the time to research and learn as much as you can about your new floor.
I mentioned that you should be consistent in your cleaning chores. Well it is recommended that you clean your floors daily. Always use a soft bristle brush when sweeping as this minimizes scratching the surface.
If you spill something, whether it be liquid or solid, clean it up immediately. Use a soft cloth to remove any type of spill.
Never use wax on your floor if it has a urethane finish. You should also avoid any cleaner that leaves a residue.
It is important to remember to only use cleaners that are made for your type of floor.
Dirt and sand are solid materials that act like sandpaper on hardwood floors, so it's important to clean them up.
When wood gets wet it expands so never use a wet mop or large amounts of water to clean floors.
Cleaners that contain ammonia or oily soaps will make your floors dull so read cleaner labels carefully. This leads to our next point.
Only use professional wood cleaning products that are recommended by the manufacturer to clean floors. They clean better and keep the finish intact.
Never drag
furniture across your floors no matter the size. Always lift them. A good idea is to use protectors on the feet of all furniture.
High heels and work shoes can damage floors. Have a pair of soft shoes handy to walk on your floors until you are ready to leave.
If you have pet's trim their claws as they can really wreak havoc on wooden floors.
Area rugs placed in high traffic areas can really help protect your floors from being damaged, just remember to clean them often.
The sun can also damage your floor. Over time exposure to sunlight may fade or darken the wood. A good idea is to use curtains or window treatments to help protect your investment. Rotate furniture or rugs from time to time so that the wood ages evenly.
Always hire an experienced professional when doing any work on your floor. Never try to handle it yourself, unless you are an experienced professional.
If you find that normal cleaning is not getting the results you want you may have to screen and re-coat your floor.
Your floors can have lasting appeal for years to come if you take the time to take care of them. Do not hesitate to call professional help if the need arises, this helps protect your investment.
by: Joseph Thynes
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