Homeowner\’s Tips for Hardwood Flooring Care
Congratulations! You finally have the hardwood flooring you dreamed of. However, do not make the mistake many homeowners make. Take the time to learn how to care for your floor properly. Below are some of the key points of hardwood floor care. Follow them, and your floor should stay looking great for decades to come.
First you need to understand your floor. What kind of wood is it? How is it sealed, with wax or polyurethane? If it is sealed with polyurethane, you will want to avoid putting wax on top of that. Ask the previous owners if you can, or search the Internet for a match.
If you really cannot find out, it may be worth it to consult a professional. It may seem like a hassle or unnecessary expense at first. But when you consider the hassle and expense of refinishing a ruined floor, it\’s actually a bargain.
The next step is to purchase the right floor care products. Do not just use any cleaner! The chemicals in many cleaners can ruin the finish and even damage the wood. Testing it on a hidden spot will not work either. The damage may not show up right away. You will want to look for a pH neutral cleaner designed specifically for hardwood flooring.
There are two things to watch out for on a daily basis. The first is dirt. Dust and dirt, even the very fine type, can scratch your floor. Traditional brooms can make the problem even worse, by dragging the particles across the floor. The solution is to either vacuum with a brush attachment or get a dust mop that will pick up the dirt rather than push it around. Make sure the wheels of the vacuum cleaner are not scratching the floor also! The best way to do this is to lightly clean the wheels before you begin.
Another way to keep dirt in check it so put down rugs in high traffic areas. It will not only keep dirt from getting all over the room, but it will reduce wear in those areas. It\’s important to shake out the rugs and sweep under them daily though. Otherwise the dirt can filter through the rug and scratch the floor underneath.
The second thing to be aware of is water. Any pools of water, even small ones, can damage hardwood flooring. If sweeping is not enough, damp mop the floor. The mop should be barely damp though. As little water as needed to get the job done. If you have a spill, clean it up with a soft, dry cloth immediately.
Another water-prone place homeowners often overlook is the area under plants. Warping and water rings are the number one reason people have to have their floors resurfaced. Make sure all plants have a water-catch tray under them, and check regularly to be certain there are no leaks and that water has not become trapped underneath.
Hardwood flooring can really improve the value of your home. It\’s worth both the investment in money and in the time it takes to care for it. If you follow the advice and pay attention to the daily upkeep, your hardwood floors will look gorgeous for a lifetime.
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