You finally have the exquisite hardwood flooring you have always wanted. Unfortunately, many home owners make the mistake of not taking the time to learn about the best way to care for their flooring. Here are some simple rules of thumb to keep your hardwood flooring looking gorgeous for a lifetime.
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.
Once you know your floor, you will need to get the proper products. Do not use any old cleaner! The chemicals in many cleaners can damage the finish over time. Look for a pH neutral cleaner that is made specifically for your type of hardwood floor. There are many different ones out there.
There are two things that are torture to a hardwood floor. The first is dirt. Any dust or dirt, even fine dust, will scratch your floor. Avoid brooms and sweepers that push the dirt around. You can scratch it even more! Look for a dust broom that lifts particles away from the floor surface. You can also use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Just be careful that the wheels of the vacuum are not scratching the floor. Swipe the wheels with a damp rag before you start cleaning.
Another thing to do to hold down dirt is to place rugs in high-traffic areas. Not only will this reduce wear and tear, it will help keep dirt from spreading around the room. Be vigilant about shaking out or vacuuming those rugs however. If the dirt filters through under the rug, you’ll just make the scratching worse.
The second thing you’ll want to watch out for is water. If you spill something, wipe it up immediately. If you need to mop, make sure your mop is just barely damp. It’s best to wring it out twice. Make sure there is no standing water left when you are done mopping. Basically, use as little water as necessary to clean the floor.
One more important thing to check regarding water. Make sure all plants have a water-catch tray that does not leak. Check under them often to make sure no water seeps through. Water rings and warping under plants is the number one problem affecting hardwood floors.
Protect your investment by doing the simple things above. If you do, your hardwood flooring will stay looking great for a lifetime. Remember, you will get out of it what you put into it. So take good care of those floors!
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