Hardwood floors are the perfect investment in any home. They look great, they’re ideal for allergy sufferers, and they add to the value of your home. Once they’re installed, though, how to you make sure they continue to look great? These tips can help.
Wood Flooring Care Tips
Start Outside Your Home: You can prevent problems with your wood flooring by making sure you have mats both outside your doors and right inside to ensure no dirt is tracked in. During rainier times, you’ll want to offer an area where people can remove their shoes to ensure they don’t track water onto your floor.
Keep Scratches At Bay: You can make certain your floor doesn’t get scratched by employing a bit of added protection. Use floor protectors under your furniture and make good use of rugs in the play area to make sure your children don’t run toys along the floor that might scratch it.
Use a Dust Mop Daily: Dust, dirt, and even pet hair can scratch the surface of a floor, so make sure you use a dust mop routinely or a vacuum cleaner with a floor brush attachment to help get rid of the dirt and dust.
Deep Clean Twice a Year: When your wood flooring is ready for a deeper cleaning, you’ll want to consider using a wood-cleaning product that has been prepared according to the instructions on the label. Damp mop the floor, then rinse with clear water if required. Dry the floor quickly, as standing water can do long term damage to your floors.
Take Care of Marks: If you have a spot on the floor, you’ll want to take care of it as soon as possible. Hard finishes like urethane need a simple wipe down. Soft oiled finishes, though, need a different touch. Often fine steel wool and some floor wax will do the trick. Simply apply the wax with the steel wool. In the case of an oil stain, you can break down the grease with a dish detergent, then use the steel wool and floor wax.