Hardwood Floors - Retaining their Life, Beauty and Shine

Hardwood floors may be the most attention-grabbing aspect of your home. Regular maintenance can easily ensure that your wood floors last a lifetime and remain intact in an elegant and stylish manner.

Today's technological advancements in wood production provide a very tough and hard wearing finish to the wood floors. However, being aware about the flooring finish you have is important in protecting and maintaining your investment. You must know the exact type of your floor finish to choose appropriate cleaners and polish.

A polyurethane finish is identified by a wood floor with a high gloss luster. And if the floor has a matte appearance, then it has a wax or oil based finish. There are hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for both finishes. It is important that you use a suitable cleaner that is recommended for a particular finish.

Also, a wax floor must not be over-waxed. If the floor finish dulls, try buffing instead to restore the shine. Do not wax a wood floor that has been coated with a urethane or polyurethane finish.

On the other hand, no matter what type of finish your floor has, one rule remains the same. Excessive moisture can cause extreme damage to hardwood floors. If water gets to penetrate the surface finish of your floor and works its way into the boards, the floor will be damaged. That's why only a damp mop is recommended to wipe your hardwood floors. A slightly damp mop can effectively clean the flooring surface without affecting the finish.

Using a dust mop or a soft brush attachment with vacuum cleaner will help pick lose debris and dirt and protect your floors from wear. You must dust your floors on a weekly basis, and keep them dry and clean, especially in rainy season or after an unexpected mess. Keeping door mats at the entrances will also keep away grit, debris, and fragments of glass.

Hardwood floors should also be protected from surface damage. High heels, animal claws and the legs of heavy furniture may cause wearing of the surface finish. These are also sources for gouges and permanent scuff marks as well. Do not allow cleats, hiking shoes or shoes with spikes or athletic heels on the floor. Cork pads or plastic/fabric-faced glides under the legs of your furniture help in preventing scratches.

If you have hardwood flooring than you must also know that direct sunlight can discolor the flooring and so curtains and blinds should be kept drawn often to protect the color of your floors. The rest is done by rugs which can prevent or delay wear. These rugs must be moved occasionally to provide oxygen and bleaching to the floors. It also allows the floor to age evenly. Moving furniture across the floor with felt pads, rubber sheets or paper cartons prevents scratches and scuffs.