Hardwood is considered to be the most premium of all flooring materials. When taken care of properly, it does not just stand the test of time, but it also becomes better with age. Many people have the misconception that taking care of hardwood floors takes too much effort, but that is far from the truth. Here is a simple guide on hardwood floor care. You’ll be surprised to find out that taking care of these floors is not as hard as it sounds.
- Regularly clean your floors – Cleaning your hardwood floors is actually simple; all you need is a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner. This will help in getting rid of dust and will prevent dirt and particles from building up, which can cause scratching on the surface. When vacuuming, it is not recommended to use beater bars or rotary brush heads.
- Use cleaners compatible with wood – The occasional use of cleaners can help retain the shine of your floors while providing protection against abrasion, water, extreme weather, and other damaging factors. There are many floor cleaning formulas out there, but not all of them can be used for wood. Make sure to check if a cleaning formula is suitable for use in hardwood floors.
- Protect from excess sunlight – Heat coming from direct sunlight, as well as the UV rays that come with it, can cause damage to wood. Heat can cause drying and warping, while UV rays can cause fading. Overall, excessive sun exposure can cause premature aging of wood. As such, it is recommended that you use window covers (ex.: curtains). Also, periodic rearrangement of furniture and carpets will ensure even exposure and aging.
- Consider using a dehumidifier – Humidity is one of the biggest factors that can affect the lifespan of anything made of wood. Too much humidity can cause damage to wood, which can manifest as shrinking or warping. Use a dehumidifier in your home if you live in places with extreme humidity. The machine reduces moisture in the air that causes shrinking/warping.
- Consider using carpets and floor mats – Carpets and floor mats are best used in wooden floors, especially in high-usage areas. Strategic placing of these covering materials will help trap dirt and other corrosive substances. It also reduces wear from people constantly stepping in and out of the area. Best places to use carpets and floor mats include entrances, exits, and hallways.
Taking care of your hardwood floors isn’t as difficult as you would imagine. You could compare it to the likes of car maintenance – regular oil changes, changing brake pads, changing the fluids, etc. Once you get to know your wood floors it becomes a lot easier to maintain them. This begins with the basics of using good hardwood cleaning products and cleaning your wood floors regularly.
