Tips on Maintaining Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are an expensive investment in a home and maintaining it is not an easy work to do. Without proper care, it will eventually fade and look worn-out. Since wood is a natural material, the tendency for flooring to expand and contract is unavoidable. The important thing to do is to protect your floor against moisture damage, abuse and keeping them shiny as new. Here are some tips on maintaining hardwood floors:

1. Moisture Damage Prevention

Hardwood floors are not waterproof like other flooring such as tiles or vinyl. Therefore, liquid spills must be cleaned immediately. Moisture damage can stem from spills especially when you let them dried off by itself. Wipe the spot with a dry towel and avoid spreading the spill on the floor.

Humidity levels can also damage your hardwood flooring especially during summer. Ensure that your air conditioning is kept at a reasonable level to control humidity throughout the season. During cold season, heat can cause the opposite effect and cause wood to pull apart at seams of planks. The key to controlling the natural changes of the wood is keeping on your heating and cooling system at constant humidity level.

2. Keep it Shiny

One of the most important tips on maintaining hardwood floors is to keep it shiny. Keeping your hardwood floor shiny is easy. There are a number of products in the market that can give a long-lasting shine on your floor. Remember to avoid these harmful products: ammonia-based or wax-based cleaners, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soaps and abrasive cleaning soaps. Use products that are specially designated for hardwood floors. You may use natural products like olive oil instead of wax-based cleaners. The elegance and beauty of hardwood floor relies also on its shine!

3. Avoid Moving or Pushing Furniture

Most damage to hardwood floors comes from dragging or pushing heavy furniture across the floor when redecorating or moving. As much as possible, lift furniture when moving to another location. If unavoidable, place rugs on its legs and gently push it across the floor. Dragging furniture is an easy way to move them but hardwood floors are definitely worth the extra care.

4. Prevent Scratches

Scratches are visible marks that make your floor worn out and ugly. Prevent sharp edges and tools from touching the floor. If you have children, let them play on a carpet or a playmat. Toys can easily scratch floors. Also, If you have pets, clip their nails regularly and keep the short but not sharp. You may consider claw caps or have them wear comfortable dog socks. And for furniture and heavy items, you may install pads. Furniture and glider pads help cushion the feet or legs of the furniture to prevent indentation and deeper scratches on the floors.

5. Use Window Treatments

Excessive exposure to sunlight is one of the main reasons why your hardwood floors fade. Ultraviolet Rays coming from the sun is harmful and can easily fade your wood furniture or floors. You may use curtains to block them off. Alternatively, you can install solar window films to keep natural light from coming in while blocking these harmful rays.

6. Use Area Rugs

One way to stop dirt and moisture in its tracks is to use Area Rugs. Place area rugs on high traffic areas such as kitchen, entryways and hallway. Choose rugs or runners that can also add a stylish touch to your home. At doorsteps, use durable doormats to prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from entering your home that can eventually damage your floors.

If maintained properly, wood floors are a classic and timeless flooring choice that every homeowner will treasure. Although it require effort and extra caution, a long-lasting hardwood floor is always worth it. You just have to be mindful of the things that are not “hardwood friendly” and can damage yoyr floors.