Caring for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful, low maintenance and improve the worth of a home many times. They are the ideal choice for someone that wants to enjoy the floor, not spend all time keeping it up. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean the same as no maintenance and there are a few things you should consider to keep your floors looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your floors is easy and is one of the main benefits to choosing hardwood. However, you must be careful of the type of cleaners you choose because some of them can damage your floors. A traditional household cleaner like vinegar is often all you will need for regular cleaning.

If you choose to purchase a regular hardwood floor cleaner, beware of those that cause a buildup or have harsh chemicals because they can cause your floors to peel. Vacuuming with a vacuum designed for hardwood is the best way to remove all dust and dirt. You can use a broom for a quick pick-up in between vacuuming.

Use a damp, not wet mop when needed for spills. Too much water can damage the wood, so make sure to ventilate the area when you do mop for faster drying.

Stains

Many stains that cause serious damage with carpet can easily be cleaned on hardwood floors. They may need to just be wiped up or cleaned with a cleaner. Examples include shoe marks and crayons.

Other stains can be harder to remove. These are usually liquid stains that can seep into the wood if left for long periods of time. One of the worst is pet urine. If you have such a stain, make sure to clean it up right away. If it seeps into the wood, you may have to sand it and re-stain the floor to remove the stain and its odor.

Protecting Your Hardwood Floors

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The pithy saying is especially applicable to hardwood floors. By protecting them in the beginning, you can prevent a lot of time spent in repair or worse yet, replacement of damaged boards.

• Use area rugs – they are ideal for high-traffic areas where heels can cause scuff marks or dents or where people may spill food and drink like around a dining room table or in the main sitting area. They are also good for areas that receive a lot of sunlight to help prevent fading.
• Use leg pads – Place pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent dents and use them under any heavy piece that you move. This helps prevent scratches or dents in the floor.
• Apply a sealant – applying a top coat sealant can help prevent spills and other stains from penetrating the wood. The liquid stays on the surface where it is mopped up without causing any damage to the wood fibers beneath.

Caring for your hardwood floors and preventing damage before it occurs ensures that your floors will last for many years with their original beauty.

Canada's premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring installation.

Canada's premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring ins