Hardwood Care

Preventative Maintenance

Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable and timeless choices available. However, it can be damaged and susceptible to wear and tear over time. For this reason, it is important to engage in preventative maintenance to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. 

Some tips for keeping your hardwood floors looking good include:

• Take your shoes off. Hardwood floors may be more likely to endure damage if you wear shoes while in the house. Take your shoes off when you come home, and encourage guests and others in the household to do the same. 
• Don’t drag your furniture. Dragging furniture across a hardwood floor can lead to damage. Lift furniture or place a soft barrier between furniture and the floor when moving it. 
• Put felt on furniture bottoms. Place felt stickers on the bottoms of furniture to prevent damage to the floor when furniture is moved accidentally or with regular use. Be sure to replace these stickers as soon as they wear out. 
• Use mats and rugs. Place mats and rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on your floor. 

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is also important for the protection of your floors. When dirt, dust and other particles are on the floor, they are likely to cause scratches. In addition to protecting your floor from these harmful particles by using mats and rugs or taking your shoes off, you should also remove them from the floor regularly. Sweep your floor at least once each week with a good-quality broom. In between sweeping, use a dry microfiber mop to remove particles of dust or dirt. To reach the areas between planks or in other difficult spaces, consider using a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. 

The exact cleaning technique you should use on your hardwood floor will be dependent on its finish and installation. For example, if you have a hardwood floor with a urethane finish, it should not be waxed. Instead, you need to opt for a residue-free cleaner that will not leave a film behind. If you have a floor that is labeled as pre-finished, the flooring manufacturer may recommend specific cleaning products for the floor. 

It is important to avoid using any cleaners reserved for other types of materials, such as vinyl. Using these cleaners could cause permanent damage to your hardwood floor. Likewise, you should not use oil soaps or ammonia cleaners, as these products will affect your floor’s performance and finish. 

When cleaning your floor, avoid the use of excessive water. Excessive water will lead to expansion, which may result in permanent damage to the floor. Do not use steam cleaning or wet mops, as either of these methods will involve too much moisture for your floor to handle. 

Addressing Spills

If a spill occurs, it should be dealt with quickly. When excessive moisture comes into contact with the floor, it can cause expansion and other damage. Blot the spill up quickly, and use an approved cleaner to remove any remaining residue. 

If you have any other questions regarding your hardwood floors, contact Hiltons Flooring today.