How to Preserve Hardwood Floors from Long-Term Wear?

Cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors is an easy process, and it also helps retain the flooring for a longer period. And if you add some preventive and repair measures to the above processes, your hardwood floors will be as new and beautiful as they were at the time of installation.

Following are some basic rules that apply to all hardwood floors in keeping them safe from long term wear:

CLEAN:

Vacuum - Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly with the soft brush attachment to remove dust particles, grit, dirt, and debris that can scratch or dull the floor finish.

Mop - Occasionally clean the floor with a damp mop. Do not wet mop your floor because excessive moisture may cause damage.

Wipe - Wipe away spills as soon as they happen. Do not allow standing liquids on your wood floor.

Remove - A clean damp cloth can be used to clean spots and stains. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, tar, or cigarette marks, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Care - Harsh chemicals in the cleaning solution can break down the finish on your floor and leave it dull, faded, and lifeless. Be careful in selecting the cleaners and follow your flooring manufacturer's advice.

REPAIR:

Floor creaks - Sprinkle talcum powder in the creaky seams. It acts as filler which helps in reducing or eliminating sounds.

Surface refinishing - A buffing and refinish coat should be applied every 4 to 5 years. It helps the floors to retain there original luster for a longer period of time.

MAINTAIN:

Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity level between 45% and 65% throughout the year to minimize the expansion and contraction of wood.

Temperature: Maintain a certain level of temperature for your hardwood floors. Hardwoods are not at all a good choice for areas with varying temperatures especially radiant heating areas.

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PREVENT:

Do Not Use Excess WATER: It is important to never douse your hardwood floors. Excess water will definitely cause extensive damage to the flooring as well as the finish in the long- term.

Use protective mats - Door mats placed at every entry point can collect the dirt, sand, grit, mud, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that can be tracked onto your flooring. Do not use rubber or foam-backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. Dirt and grit are your floor's worst enemies. This step will help prevent the floor from getting scratched.

Place Rugs - Sunlight may soften the tone of hardwood floors. Rugs can prevent or delay the discoloration due to sunlight and also the usual wear. These rugs must be moved occasionally to provide oxygen to the floors. It also allows the floor to age evenly.

Use floor protectors under the furniture - Use felt padding and cork pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent indentation and scratches. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be.

Care for potted plants - Place potted plants in special containers to prevent spills and water stains. Also ensure airflow underneath the waterproof saucers.

Avoid sharp objects - Sharp or pointed objects, stiletto-style heels, hiking shoes or shoes with either spikes or athletic heels, and cleats can damage the finish of the floor. Also, keep your pet's nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.

Protect the floor when moving furniture - Use a trolley when moving heavy furniture or appliances. Also, put down a sheet of quarter-inch plywood, felt pads or Masonite to protect the floor. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects. Lift the furniture off the ground instead of sliding it across your hardwood floor.