There are so many different types of flooring products that we can buy today. There are a lot of us that have made the decision to have the great look of hardwood flooring installed in one or more rooms.
This natural product is very attractive and extremely durable. However, you will need to take special precautions and care with cleaning hardwood floors.
To start with, simply vacuum the floor with an attachment made for gentle cleaning of bare floor surfaces such as a soft bristle brush. If you prefer, use a broom that is made with soft, fine natural bristles to prevent scratching. Yet another choice is the use of a dust mop that is made especially for hardwood flooring. Take your time as this step is vital in the cleaning process.
Be sure to get along the baseboards, under furniture, corners and hard to reach areas. All the dirt and dust must be removed to prevent scratching of the surface in subsequent steps. Depending upon the home and the traffic, this should be done every couple of days during the week.
As with any household, accidents will happen. Whenever there is a spill or any type of wet footprints are tracked in, it is critical that this be addressed immediately as moisture can permanently stain a hardwood floor since water is its worst enemy. First, dry the area using towels. Once there is no standing water, place a fan in the area to move air around and let the floor dry completely.
Cleaning is very easy - prevention is doubly so. The best way to clean up dirt that is tracked in from outside is to prevent it. Make sure that there is a storage location at all entry doors for shoes, boots, galoshes and rubbers. Keeping mud, water, snow and ice contained is usually the easiest way to stop tracks before they happen. Just adopt a "Go Japanese" ethic in your home. Leave all shoes in their designated areas outside or just inside doorways and go barefoot or sock foot throughout your home. This may take some getting used to but your floors and your cleaning supplies will thank you all.
Also, place rugs and runners in high-traffic areas. Barefoot or not, eventually these areas will begin to show their wear before lesser used areas do. Also place small rugs at the entrance to each room. You must vacuum these floor rugs when you are cleaning hardwood floors. Otherwise the dirt that has been captured on their surface will make its way onto your hardwood floor.
Additional care may be needed from time to time. The best way to be sure is to look at the care guide that came with your particular flooring. Your hardwood floors will stay beautiful for many years to come with a hint of prevention and occasional tender loving care.
By:Jeff Runyon
| 