On average, a hardwood floor in the United States cost about $4540. That is a pretty big investment to make in your floors.
After spending so much on your flooring material, you want to make sure it looks good and lasts a long time. If you’re looking for help in understanding hardwood floor maintenance, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn how to take care of your hardwood floors to keep them in good condition for years to come.
Clean Up Spills Quickly
It’s important to immediately wipe up anything you spill with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Moisture causes wood to swell, so keeping them as dry as possible is key to avoiding issues like swelling, splitting, and gapping.
Most experts advise against using steam mops to clean up spills or for regular cleaning. Although steam cleans well, it allows water vapor to get into small spaces and damage the floor.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming at least once a week is recommended to keep your beautiful hardwood in top condition. By vacuuming regularly, you’ll make sure you pick up any dirt or crumbs on the ground so they won’t scratch your floors.
Be sure to use the hard floor setting on your vacuum, or opt for the flat attachment to protect your floor from bristles. Using the wand will provide strong suction that is sure to pick up any dirt from in between planks.
Find the Right Cleaning Product
The right cleaning product depends on the finish of your floor. Most homeowners have some type of sealing finish, but it’s important to find out exactly how your floor was finished. It’s recommended to take the product recommendation of your flooring or finish manufacturer.
No matter the type of finish, you should always avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on your hardwoods. Chemicals can build up over time and create a hazy or cloudy appearance. It’ll diminish the beauty of your floors.
Use Furniture Pads
Scratches are one of the hardest issues to take care of on hardwood floors. Some scratches can’t be avoided, but others definitely can. By using furniture pads on the legs of chairs, tables, and sofas, you’re protecting your floors from unnecessary scratches.
Know When to Refinish
Refinishing and recoating your floors can take care of a lot of the normal wear and tear you start to see after a while. How often you need to refinish your floors depends on your specific lifestyle. If you’re looking for more detail on how to decide when to refinish your floors, check out this ultimate guide.
Ready to Take On Your Hardwood Floor Maintenance?
Now that you understand the basics of hardwood floor maintenance, are you ready to get to work? By vacuuming regularly and finding the right cleaning product, you’ll be on your way to keeping your hardwoods in pristine condition.
If you’re interested in more articles like this, check out the rest of our blog!
