If so, you’re undoubtedly wondering how to care for hardwood floors in order to maintain them in good condition for as long as possible. Hardwood flooring is long-lasting, but it is costly to repair.
Here’s how to take care of your hardwood flooring.
The Fundamentals of Hardwood Floor Care
There are a few things you can do on a daily basis to keep your hardwood floors in good shape.
Scratches on hardwood floors are tough to repair, but they can easily avoided. Never use a scraper on your hardwood flooring. When moving furniture, always lift it and transport it to its new place.
To avoid unintentional scuffs, place padding under the legs of tables, couches, and chairs.
Another important tip for caring for a hardwood floor is to clean up any spills right away. Hardwood and water do not get along.
Because wood is a porous material, allowing water to sit on it for an extended period of time can cause it to soak into your floor and harm it. High humidity and moisture cause wood to expand, which may ultimately lead to surface gapping, splitting, and cupping.
You should never damp mop or steam clean your hardwood floor for the same reason. Learn more about water damage to hardwood floors by reading this article.
Another great advice for hardwood floors is to sweep them everyday with a soft-bristled brush to avoid a buildup of filth or dust, which may cause scratches and stains.
Dust and pet hair may also get into the microscopic cracks between your floors, causing hygiene difficulties and allergies.
Weekly vacuum using a soft floor nozzle to remove any crumbs or debris missed when sweeping.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning Suggestions
If you see your hardwood floors becoming dirty, avoid using a stiff-bristled brush to clean them.
Instead, use a slightly moist mop and an authorised cleaner to wash the floor. Wring it out with a string mop until it’s nearly dry.
On your hardwood floors, you should use a neutral liquid. On your hardwood floors, never use vinegar, baking soda, or dish detergent.
Certain cleansers may leave a residue on your wood flooring. You may test this by first putting the cleaner to a piece of glass to check whether it leaves any residue.
Use a store-bought cleaner designed specifically for hardwood floors for the greatest results. If you want sparkling clean floors, seek for the following qualities in a cleaner:
Solvents aid in the drying process by reducing filmy buildup and streaks.
Surfactants that emulsify and loosen dirt and grease
Chelators are used to prevent water spots and salt stains.
To battle filth and establish a neutral pH, use citric acid.
Long-lasting dirt is broken down by oxidizers.
These components, when combined, offer the ultimate solution for keeping your floors immaculate and in pristine shape.
Hardwood Floor Maintenance
Recoating your hardwood floors every three to five years is an essential aspect of maintaining your hardwood flooring. It’s also one of the greatest ways to spruce up worn-out hardwood flooring.
This is usually a straightforward procedure. It entails gently sanding the previous coating, sweeping away all the debris, and then re-coating it with a fresh layer of protective coating.
You’ll need to wait 24 hours before stepping on your floor again.
When certain sections of the present finish have worn down to the wood, problems arise. In these circumstances, you’ll have to go through the more costly procedure of refinishing the floor.