Hardwood Floors
12 Practical Tips to Keep Them Beautiful (and Boost Your Home’s Value)
Although hardwood floors can be a long-term investment, to keep them looking scratch-free, glossy, and healthy, you need to care for them correctly. Regardless of whether you have a floor made from oak, maple, or hickory, these tips will help protect the finish, reduce wear and tear, and keep your floor looking great throughout the year.
Use the right cleaner
Do not use strong chemicals or steam mops. Use a cleaner made specifically for hardwood floors and follow the directions on the product’s label. For daily spills, a microfiber mop dampened with the appropriate solution will suffice.
Remove dust often.
Since dust is like sand, a simple dry mop or dry vac using a soft dirt brush will help to keep the grit from causing damage to the surface.
Use felt pads to help protect surfaces.
Scratches can be created by any moving furniture, such as chairs, tables, etc. Use felt pads on the bottom of the pieces and replace them when needed.
Moisture Control
Hardwood is sensitive to changes in humidity; therefore, if there are too many, you need to humidify or dehumidify your house.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Water is probably your worst enemy outside of dirt. Clean up water fast using a dry cloth, then use a safe hardwood cleaner if necessary.
Use Doormats and Area Rugs
Using a doormat reduces dirt from getting into your home and helps protect your floor in high-traffic areas.
Use no wet mop, only a damp mop
A flood can cause water from the mop to seep through floor seams, potentially damaging the floorboards.
Maintain a constant temperature in your home
Heat and cold extremes will cause wood floors to expand and contract. Keeping your thermostat at one temperature will prevent this from happening.
Screen and refinish your wood floors regularly
When your wood floor begins to lose its original shine because of wear or the top coat becomes thin, scheduling professional refinishing will give you back the original look.
Keep your pet’s nails trimmed
Your pet can create many small scratches with their nails on the hardwood floor.
Use floor protection that is safe for the interior
For rolling chairs, opt for a transparent hardwood floor protector mat.
Consider preventive coatings
Certain floors benefit from periodic maintenance products. Consult with a flooring expert for advice.
Hardwood floors can look beautiful for a lifetime with regular cleaning, moisture control, and protection from scratches. If you are planning renovations, proper maintenance is one of the best ways to retain value and attractiveness.