How To Care For Hardwood Flooring

Here are some tips to help you keep your hardwood floors looking great for many more years to come.

Floor mats are important when it comes to hardwood floors.

 Small particles from dirt and other substances can act like sandpaper on your hardwood floors and scratch the surface. Place floor mats in front of all doors and entry ways and ask your family members and guest to wipe their feet when they enter your home. Floor mats should also be placed in any area where water can splash, like near the kitchen sink to prohibit possible water damage. Do not use rubber-backed or non-ventilated floor mats as they can damage your hardwood floor. Instead use floor mats or rugs that are made especially for hardwood floors. Remember to shake them out regularly.

Keep your floor clean.

Use a high quality broom to sweep your hardwood floors regularly. Also, use a vacuum cleaner that does not have a beater bar of that you can turn off the beater bar motion. Vacuuming will help you get in between the boards and other hard to reach places. You may also use a terrycloth mop to help clean corners, under cabinets and along base boards.

Hardwood floors will change color and fade over time.

Woods exposure to sun will increase the process and can also cause permanent damage. Use window curtains and treatments to shade your hardwood floor from sun exposure. Also, rotate area rugs and furniture regularly to allow the floor to age evenly from sun exposure.

Avoid scratches and scuffs.

Use flannel protectors on tables and furniture to avoid scuffing or scratching your hardwood. Also, be careful when moving furniture around.
Lastly, high heel shoes and pet nails will leave dents and scratches on your floor, so keep your pet’s nails trimmed and take off your shoes when you come in the house.

Do's & Don't

  • Don’t wax a wood floor with a urethane finish
  • Do use cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue
  • Don’t use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor
  • Do use a professional hardwood floor cleaner to remove scuffs and heel marks  
  • Don’t wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor (wood expands when it’s wet and can cause your floor to crack or splinter).
  • Do clean sticky spots with a damp towel or sponge and clean wet spills immediately

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