Hardwood floors add warmth, beauty, and value to any home, creating an inviting and timeless atmosphere. However, to extend their lifespan, proper maintenance is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential tips and techniques for cleaning and preserving your hardwood floors, ensuring they remain a stunning element of your home for years to come.
Daily Cleaning Habits
Sweeping and Dust Mopping: Daily sweeping or dust mopping removes surface dirt and debris that can scratch the wood. Use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber mop to gently collect dust without damaging the floor.
Vacuuming: Use a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to clean between the planks and in hard-to-reach areas. Ensure the vacuum’s beater bar is turned off to avoid scratches.
Deep Cleaning Techniques
Mopping: Mop your floors with a damp (not wet) mop and a hardwood floor cleaner. Excess water can seep into seams, causing the wood to swell, warp, or discolor. Furthermore, choose pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors.
Spot Cleaning: Immediately clean spills and stains. For water spills, use a soft cloth to blot the moisture. For tougher stains, apply a small amount of hardwood cleaner to a cloth and gently rub the stain.
Protecting Your Hardwood Floors
Use Protective Mats and Rugs: Use rugs in spaces that see a lot of foot traffic, like entrances and corridors. This reduces dirt and moisture tracked onto the floors. Additionally, make sure the rugs are made of breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment.
Furniture Pads: Attach felt pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratches and gouges when items are moved or used.
Maintain Humidity Levels: Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Maintain a humidity level between 35% and 55% to prevent warping or gapping.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Extended exposure to sunlight can fade and discolor wood. Use curtains or UV-protective window coatings to minimize sun damage.
Periodic Maintenance
Screening and Recoating: Every 3-5 years, consider screening (lightly sanding) the finish and applying a fresh coat of finish. This process removes shallow scratches and refreshes the floor’s appearance.
Refinishing: If your floors are significantly worn or damaged, refinishing might be necessary. This involves sanding the floors down to the bare wood and applying new coats of finish. Refinishing can significantly extend the life of your hardwood floors but is more invasive and should be done by professionals.
At Floorcraft, under the experienced guidance of the owner, Marty, we focus on transforming spaces across Northern Virginia. Whether you’re looking for Northern Virginia flooring services, hardwood flooring installation, carpet installation services, or wood floor restoration, our team is equipped to help you.