Tips for Protecting Your Hardwood Flooring Investment
You finally have the exquisite hardwood flooring you have always wanted. Unfortunately, many home owners make the mistake of not taking the time to learn about the best way to care for their flooring. Here are some simple rules of thumb to keep your hardwood flooring looking gorgeous for a lifetime.
First you need to understand your floor. What kind of wood is it? How is it sealed, with wax or polyurethane? If it is sealed with polyurethane, you will want to avoid putting wax on top of that. Ask the previous owners if you can, or search the Internet for a match.
If you still cannot figure it out, consider hiring a professional to come and look at it. You may think this is an unnecessary hassle and expense, but remember your floor is a valuable asset. The cost of consulting a professional is much less than the cost of having to refinish your floor because of improper care.
Once you know your floor, you will need to get the proper products. Do not use any old cleaner! The chemicals in many cleaners can damage the finish over time. Look for a pH neutral cleaner that is made specifically for your type of hardwood floor. There are many different ones out there.
There are two things to watch out for on a daily basis. The first is dirt. Dust and dirt, even the very fine type, can scratch your floor. Traditional brooms can make the problem even worse, by dragging the particles across the floor. The solution is to either vacuum with a brush attachment or get a dust mop that will pick up the dirt rather than push it around. Make sure the wheels of the vacuum cleaner are not scratching the floor also! The best way to do this is to lightly clean the wheels before you begin.
Another way to keep dirt in check it so put down rugs in high traffic areas. It will not only keep dirt from getting all over the room, but it will reduce wear in those areas. It\’s important to shake out the rugs and sweep under them daily though. Otherwise the dirt can filter through the rug and scratch the floor underneath.
The second thing to be aware of is water. Any pools of water, even small ones, can damage hardwood flooring. If sweeping is not enough, damp mop the floor. The mop should be barely damp though. As little water as needed to get the job done. If you have a spill, clean it up with a soft, dry cloth immediately.
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.
Do you have a new home? Where flooring is concerned, there are a lot of choices. Hardwood flooring and laminate flooring are great alternatives to carpeting. Find great looks now.
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