How To Care for and Maintain Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are popular among homeowners because of their aesthetics and durability. Whether it’s a solid or engineered floor, bamboo flooring or laminated flooring, hardwood floors are very easy to care for and maintain. Here we offer some tips on the care and maintenance of a hardwood floor. Note that you can also apply some of these tips to any hardwood installation in your home.

Daily cleaning

• To prevent your floor from getting dull, make sure that you clean it daily. This daily regimen consists of two steps. First, sweep dirt and dust off the floor using a broom with soft bristles. You can also use a vacuum cleaner designed for hardwood floors to do the job. What is important is that the broom or vacuum cleaner you will use will not scratch the finish of your floor.
• Take a mild solution of soap and water and mop the floor using a soft sponge mop. Make sure that you mop the entire area evenly. Let it dry by air. Do these two steps daily and the beauty of your hardwood floor will be ensured for a long time.
• Here’s a useful tip. Place bristle-type mats at all exterior door entries and rugs at entry points. Tell your household members to wipe their feet and shoes off on the mats and the rugs to minimize the entry of dust and dirt that can cause damage to your hardwood floor. Also use rugs in areas where water can spill on to the floor, including kitchens. Another tip is to use protectors under furniture legs.

Monthly treatment

• To preserve the luster and shine of your hardwood floor, apply a conditioning product such as waxes and finishes once a month. You can apply such conditioning products after sweeping and mopping the floor. Follow directions indicated in the container of your conditioning product and make sure to use a soft rag to apply them evenly unto the surface of your floor. Apply a coat or two of this conditioning product every month, depending on the floor traffic.

Annual treatment

• Apply a sealer on your hardwood floor each year.  This will ensure that that new cracks and scratches caused by grit do not get bigger than they should. This will also ensure that the shine and luster of your hardwood floor will not fade. When choosing a sealer, chose one without a dye to preserve the natural color of your floor. Apply the sealer by sections, making sure it is applied evenly. Use circular motions when applying the sealer across the entire floor surface.

Floor refinishing

• Scratches, dings, and dents on your hardwood floor cannot be prevented, no matter how much care you out into it. Thus, it is recommended to refinish hardwood floors every five years or so, depending on the damage and abuse your floor has sustained.  Floor refinishing can be complicated so if you are not familiar with it, better hire a professional to do it.

Hardwood floors are made to last a long time. With proper care and maintenance, yours just might last a lifetime.