For most homeowners, having hardwood flooring is a dream come true. Many, however, do not take the time to learn about how to care for their floors. Here are some tips on how to keep your floor looking beautiful for as long as you own your home.
First, it's important to understand the type of floor you have. What kind of wood was used? Is it wax sealed or sealed with polyurethane? If it's sealed with polyurethane, for example, you will not want to add wax to it. If the flooring came with the house and you do not know, try researching the Internet to find a match, or ask the previous homeowners if possible.
If you still cannot figure it out, consider consulting a professional. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it's worth it. The cost pales in comparison to the expense of having to have the floor refinished because you made a mistake.
Once you have figured out what type of floor and sealant you have, you need to get the right products. Many think you can use any cleaner. Do not do this! Chemicals can damage the sealant or stain right through to the wood floor. It will not help to do a test in a hidden area. The damage might not be apparent right away. There are pH neutral hardwood floor cleaners out there, choose one that best suits your floor type and sealant needs.
You'll need to be vigilant on a daily basis for two things. The first of them is dirt. Even very fine dust and dirt can scratch hardwood flooring. You will want to find a broom or dust mop that lifts dirt away from the surface of the floor. A broom or cleaning pad that keeps the dirt in contact with the floor is like using sandpaper. You can also use the vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Before you begin, though, make sure to clean the wheels of the vacuum so they do not become a source of scratches.
Another thing you will need to do to keep dirt in check is to put rugs in high traffic areas. This will keep dirt in place and reduce wear and tear on the floor in those areas. Shake out the rugs daily though. The dirt can settle through the rug and scratch the floor underneath, just like sandpaper.
The second thing you'll want to watch out for is water. If you spill something, wipe it up immediately. If you need to mop, make sure your mop is just barely damp. It's best to wring it out twice. Make sure there is no standing water left when you are done mopping. Basically, use as little water as necessary to clean the floor.
Another water-prone place homeowners often overlook is the area under plants. Warping and water rings are the number one reason people have to have their floors resurfaced. Make sure all plants have a water-catch tray under them, and check regularly to be certain there are no leaks and that water has not become trapped underneath.
Hardwood flooring can really improve the value of your home. It's worth both the investment in money and in the time it takes to care for it. If you follow the advice and pay attention to the daily upkeep, your hardwood floors will look gorgeous for a lifetime.
First, it's important to understand the type of floor you have. What kind of wood was used? Is it wax sealed or sealed with polyurethane? If it's sealed with polyurethane, for example, you will not want to add wax to it. If the flooring came with the house and you do not know, try researching the Internet to find a match, or ask the previous homeowners if possible.
If you still cannot figure it out, consider consulting a professional. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it's worth it. The cost pales in comparison to the expense of having to have the floor refinished because you made a mistake.
Once you have figured out what type of floor and sealant you have, you need to get the right products. Many think you can use any cleaner. Do not do this! Chemicals can damage the sealant or stain right through to the wood floor. It will not help to do a test in a hidden area. The damage might not be apparent right away. There are pH neutral hardwood floor cleaners out there, choose one that best suits your floor type and sealant needs.
You'll need to be vigilant on a daily basis for two things. The first of them is dirt. Even very fine dust and dirt can scratch hardwood flooring. You will want to find a broom or dust mop that lifts dirt away from the surface of the floor. A broom or cleaning pad that keeps the dirt in contact with the floor is like using sandpaper. You can also use the vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Before you begin, though, make sure to clean the wheels of the vacuum so they do not become a source of scratches.
Another thing you will need to do to keep dirt in check is to put rugs in high traffic areas. This will keep dirt in place and reduce wear and tear on the floor in those areas. Shake out the rugs daily though. The dirt can settle through the rug and scratch the floor underneath, just like sandpaper.
The second thing you'll want to watch out for is water. If you spill something, wipe it up immediately. If you need to mop, make sure your mop is just barely damp. It's best to wring it out twice. Make sure there is no standing water left when you are done mopping. Basically, use as little water as necessary to clean the floor.
Another water-prone place homeowners often overlook is the area under plants. Warping and water rings are the number one reason people have to have their floors resurfaced. Make sure all plants have a water-catch tray under them, and check regularly to be certain there are no leaks and that water has not become trapped underneath.
Hardwood flooring can really improve the value of your home. It's worth both the investment in money and in the time it takes to care for it. If you follow the advice and pay attention to the daily upkeep, your hardwood floors will look gorgeous for a lifetime.
About the Author:
Ready for a change of floors? When it comes to flooring, there are a lot of choices. Hardwood flooring and laminate flooring are great alternatives to carpeting. Find great looks now.
Comments
Post a Comment