The natural beauty of Hardwood Floors make them a popular choice for floor coverings. They are an investment that adds beauty and value to your home. In a busy household, it can be a challenge maintaining the new floor look.
Here are some hardwood floor care tips you can use to keep your floors looking shiny and new, no matter what type of hardwood floor you have.
Of most importance, is to keep your hardwood floors clean. Regular vacuuming (with a hardwood attachment) and dusting is ideal. It is best not to use a broom to sweep since sweeping can cause damage. A piece of glass stuck in the broom can scratch the floor. You should avoid using harsh cleaners on wood floors. Mopping with a damp mop is usually sufficient to clean.
Pet claws, high heels, excessive sun exposure, failure to wipe up water from pet water bowls can all cause damage to your floor. To avoid damage from these normal wear and tear elements, have your pet’s nails trimmed, use rugs at your entrance doors, establish a no shoe policy, use window coverings in rooms with direct sun exposure, and use a raised pet water bowl. In addition, avoid dragging furniture across the floor and use felt floor protectors on the feet of your furniture.
Water damaged hardwood floors repaired by Salpeck’s Furniture Service.
Because hardwood is a natural product, it will at some time require maintenance and repair. Knowing what type of floor finish you have will guide you to the best method to repair any damage. The most popular finishes are polyurethane finishes and wax finishes. These two types of floor finishes are maintained differently.
- Polyurethane Finish: Never use wax on a urethane finished floor; instead look for products intended for use on urethan finished floors. It is best to prevent wear and scratches by using rugs in traffic areas.
- Wax Finish – You should avoid using water to clean a waxed floor; however, a lightly dampened mop is fine to use. Usually vacuuming and buffing is all that is needed to maintain a shine. When this method no longer works you will need to re-wax. When its time to re-wax your wood floors, be sure to clean the floors first and use a good quality wax designed specifically for waxed hardwood floors.
Note: Laminate floors should not to be confused or mistaken for wood floors. Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood with a photographic appliqué layer under a clear protective layer.
Salpeck’s Furniture Service onsite repair of hardwood floored stairs.
If you do preventive work and maintenance as soon as you spot a problem, then you can hold off on major work. If you have nicks, dings or other damage to your hardwood floors that need repaired, Salpeck’s furniture service can come to your home and make that repair for you. Click here to get an estimate or call 919-449-7902.
Do you have a question about caring for your hardwood floors? If so, use the comment section below to ask.