Easy Maintenance Tips for Classic Armstrong Hardwood

Author: Carpet Express

Armstrong hardwood is in the nature of plywood that is made from a single piece of timber that is milled in planks. These plies are used for flooring, cabinets, and many other purposes. They are basically available in two types:

  • Solid Hardwood

  • Engineered Hardwood

Both these hardwoods differ from each other in terms of the technique through which they are processed. Solid hardwoods are hardwoods that are used naturally without undergoing any process. However, engineered hardwoods, as the name suggests, refers to the engineering of hardwoods by applying heat and pressure to several plies, so as to combine them into a single ply for providing far better resistance against climate changes.

General Maintenance Guidelines

The following guidelines and tips will aid in maintaining the life span of hardwood floorings.

Cleaning Hardwoods

The basic thing that comes to mind is the removal of dirt and dust from the floor. All hardwoods must be cleaned thoroughly to make them free from dirt and dust, especially in the case of hardwood floorboards. Users tend to use a wet mop because they think that it cleans in a better way. But then, it is advised to avoid wet mop for cleaning hardwoods as it can reduce the shine and polish of the floors that makes it look extra-ordinary.

Sweep your floorboards and prefer using a broom or dust mop for better results. Companies like Armstrong commercial flooring offer special floor cleaners for hardwood cleaning, you may like to go for them too.

Hardwoods and Spills

Never let any spills dry up on your hardwood. It is well-advised that you wipe up any spills immediately. For wiping, use a soft, dry cloth. Keeping the cloth slightly damp won’t do any harm either. Always start cleaning floorboards from the edges towards the center of the spill. Do not let any spill remain on the hardwood for long as it can damage its finish, along with depreciating its quality.

Prevent Your Hardwood from Scratches

Avoid dragging furniture over hardwoods. It is highly recommended to place felt pads at the bottom of the furniture legs to reduce the possibilities of damaging the hardwood flooring. Different hardwood brands such as Armstrong Hardwood and many others come with written precaution that one must take to avoid scratches on the hardwood flooring.

Also, do not walk on hardwood flooring with high heels or cleats. Such footwear tends to leave scratches and dents on the wooden floors. Last but not the least, never leave the hardwood all bare. Cover some areas of the flooring with small rugs and mats that will help in keeping dust, dirt and grit out of the house to some extent.

Finishing of Hardwood Matters

Hardwoods, especially Armstrong Hardwood, are up for grab in several finishes. They can be finished at the time of installation or can be manufactured as finished hardwood only. It is crucial to know what kind of finishing was applied on hardwoods. Armstrong Hardwoods and many other brands of hardwood are factory-finished hardwoods that avoid all the fuss and mess that is created during site-finished hardwoods. However, one must always confirm the kind of finishing that has been applied to these hardwoods so as to service them properly and render care as required. Popularly, finished hardwoods are available in three main types namely,

  • Surface finishes

  • Wax finishes

  • Acrylic Impregnated finishes

Using the right maintenance product will protect the floor and prolong the life of the hardwood manifold.

Minimize and Prevent Damages

It you have pets and they roam around everywhere, it is highly recommended to trim your pet’s nails and make sure their paws are clean. A humidifier that helps in reducing the shrinkage in woods during heating seasons will increase your hardwood’s life. If in case, chewing gums are stuck on the hardwoods, do not try to take them off straight away. The area of the hardwood flooring wherein the gum is stuck must be treated with ice to make it harder; this will eventually ease the process of taking the gum off.

Any petroleum or wax-based products are a big no when it comes to applying to, or cleaning hardwoods. These damage the polish on the floor and therefore make it more prone to scratches and dents.

Ways to Combat Scratches on Hardwoods

The most affected hardwoods are the floorings for commercial applications. A stage made of hardwood would be a perfect example to explain the adversity of hardwoods installed in such places. But one can help to minimize the damage caused by following these easy tips.

  • Armstrong flooring distributor and many others provide their clients with a wood touch-up kit and sand to re-finish the hardwood floor and heal minor scratches and nicks.

  • Once you’ve finished and healed your floorboard, use a matching color finish to re-stain and give it a natural look.

  • Severe scratches caused by the movement of furniture can be camouflaged with the help of wax sticks but keep in mind that this tip is not advisable for large dents and scratches.

  • Paste shoe polish if nothing seems to work with the help of a cotton swab.

Never take chances with your floorings for commercial applications and follow these handy tricks to maintain the quality of the hardwood for a long time. It definitely pays to be knowledgeable. Keep your house classy and add a luxurious feel with the best hardwoods made from quality wood. Moreover, it is wise to choose branded companies such as Armstrong commercial flooring services and other similar ones for investing in the right product ; they will give you full value for your floors – and for years in a row!

Contact your preferred Armstrong flooring distributor, today!