Keeping Your Hardwood Flooring Safe
Congratulations! You finally have the hardwood flooring you dreamed of. However, do not make the mistake many homeowners make. Take the time to learn how to care for your floor properly. Below are some of the key points of hardwood floor care. Follow them, and your floor should stay looking great for decades to come.
First, it\’s important to understand the type of floor you have. What kind of wood was used? Is it wax sealed or sealed with polyurethane? If it\’s sealed with polyurethane, for example, you will not want to add wax to it. If the flooring came with the house and you do not know, try researching the Internet to find a match, or ask the previous homeowners if possible.
If you still cannot figure it out, consider hiring a professional to come and look at it. You may think this is an unnecessary hassle and expense, but remember your floor is a valuable asset. The cost of consulting a professional is much less than the cost of having to refinish your floor because of improper care.
The next step is to purchase the right floor care products. Do not just use any cleaner! The chemicals in many cleaners can ruin the finish and even damage the wood. Testing it on a hidden spot will not work either. The damage may not show up right away. You will want to look for a pH neutral cleaner designed specifically for hardwood flooring.
There are two things that are torture to a hardwood floor. The first is dirt. Any dust or dirt, even fine dust, will scratch your floor. Avoid brooms and sweepers that push the dirt around. You can scratch it even more! Look for a dust broom that lifts particles away from the floor surface. You can also use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Just be careful that the wheels of the vacuum are not scratching the floor. Swipe the wheels with a damp rag before you start cleaning.
Another thing you will need to do to keep dirt in check is to put rugs in high traffic areas. This will keep dirt in place and reduce wear and tear on the floor in those areas. Shake out the rugs daily though. The dirt can settle through the rug and scratch the floor underneath, just like sandpaper.
The second thing to be aware of is water. Any pools of water, even small ones, can damage hardwood flooring. If sweeping is not enough, damp mop the floor. The mop should be barely damp though. As little water as needed to get the job done. If you have a spill, clean it up with a soft, dry cloth immediately.
Another water-prone place homeowners often overlook is the area under plants. Warping and water rings are the number one reason people have to have their floors resurfaced. Make sure all plants have a water-catch tray under them, and check regularly to be certain there are no leaks and that water has not become trapped underneath.
Hardwood flooring can really improve the value of your home. It\’s worth both the investment in money and in the time it takes to care for it. If you follow the advice and pay attention to the daily upkeep, your hardwood floors will look gorgeous for a lifetime.
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