How to Maintain Your Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is famed for its exquisite look. From superior durability to cost-effectiveness, there are several benefits of hardwood flooring. No wonder it is one of the most popular flooring choices.

Different seasons can impact your hardwood flooring differently. External and other factors can result in stress to the flooring. Additionally, regular wear and tear and heavy traffic can lead to irreversible damage to your floor over time.

To keep your hardwood flooring looking its best and to make it last longer, you need to take good care of it. Follow these tips to maintain your hardwood floor for years to come.

Clean Spills Immediately

Do not allow spills to sit on your hardwood flooring for more than a few minutes. Oil-based stains, tomato stains, and stains from drinks can ruin the look of your hardwood floor. Use a dry, slightly damp piece of cloth to wipe spills. Avoid wet or steam mops as they can do more harm than good.

Cleaning spills immediately is important to keep serious issues such as gapping, cupping, and splitting of the wood at bay.

Vacuum At least Once Every Week

Sweeping your hardwood floor regularly is not enough. Tiny dirt particles and crumbs you miss while sweeping can scratch your floor. To prevent serious damage, vacuum your hardwood floor weekly.

Canister vacuums are best for hardwood floors. If, however, you have an upright vacuum, ensure you can switch off the beater bar. Be very careful while vacuuming as upright vacuums have strong brushes that can potentially scratch floors. Use smooth strokes to avoid causing any damage.

Irrespective of whether you have a canister vacuum or an upright vacuum, make sure it has padded wheels and check the attachments you use to make sure there are no sharp edges that can scratch the floor.

Use the Proper Cleaner

Not all wood floor finishes are the same. If you have an oil finish, you must use the specific cleaning products for the type of oil used on your floor.

If you have a urethane finish, there are several products made that will clean these floors and make them look great.  Please check with the manufacturer of the floor or your local flooring expert at Rugworks to make sure you use the right one.

Never use Murphy’s Oil soap or any type of oil product on a urethane finish as it can leave a residue that attracts dirt and makes the floor harder to keep clean. Plus, if you ever have the floor refinished, it can keep the new finish from adhering to the wood.

Use Furniture Pads

Removing scratches on hardwood flooring is even more difficult than getting rid of stubborn stains. To prevent unsightly scratches, add furniture pads to the legs of your sofas, tables, and chairs. Replace pads frequently, as they will wear down and become less effective over time.

Enforce a No-shoe Policy

Trust us when we say that walking on your hardwood floor with your shoes on is a mistake you do not want to commit. Dirt and dust from shoes can ruin your wood floors. Walking with wet shoes on hardwood floors is a strict ‘NO’ as it can contribute to moisture build-up.

Additionally, high heeled shoes can cause irreversible damage by denting the floor. To steer clear of these problems, enforce a no-shoe policy. Ask everyone (even guests) to remove shoes before entering your home.

Looking for a hardwood flooring expert near you in Rohnert Park? Look no further than Rugworks. We have been working tirelessly to beautify our neighborhoods for the last four decades. Our flooring products combine the best of both worlds – durability and aesthetics. To discuss your requirements with a floor installing expert, call us at 707-584-7847.