Hardwood floors add value to your home, and also add a warmth and richness like none other. But hardwood flooring can also be quite vulnerable. Here are some tips to help keep your hardwood floor rich and beautiful for the years ahead.
Wood flooring enemy number 1: water
Water is a major cause of damage to hardwood floors. If you spill and liquid on your floor, simply wipe it with a slightly damp cloth as soon as possible. Also, if you're planning out where to place wood floors in your home, it is wise not to install wood flooring in damp places such as bathrooms or kitchens because dampness and general humidity can cause hardwood to warp and eventually crack.
Place floor mats at entrances
Sand and dirt can easily scratch natural wood floors, so simply place mats at entrances to minimize damage. You may also want to place rugs or runners over heavy traffic areas.
Clean appropriately
When using liquid cleaners, it is best to use cleaners that are recommended for wood floors, reason being because other cleaners can have oils that can be troublesome when it comes time to recoat your flooring.
For regular cleaning, sweep or dust mop your floors regularly (once every day or two) to avoid build-up of grit.
Protect it from the sun
Spots on your wood floor that get a lot of sun will become discolored over time. To avoid this, keep your shades or curtains closed, or even use sheer drapes to minimize discoloration. You may even want to simply place a rug over sunny spots.
Avoid dents
These floors can get dented fairly easily, so try to avoid dents by placing felt pads under your furniture and by lifting heavy objects over wood flooring rather than dragging them.
Hardwood flooring is something that you can enjoy for years to come, and the proper maintenance will help keep that richness for a long time.
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