Caring for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors have become attractive to many homebuyers today. They provide warmth and character and when properly cared for can last a lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your hardwood floors so that they stay beautiful and last for many years to come.

Banish dust daily

One of the easiest ways to keep your hardwood floors in good shape is to dust them regularly. While it might not seem like a big deal, dust can accumulate and cause scratches on the surface of the wood. Run a microfiber mop over your floors several times a week to eliminate dust and dirt. Not only will this keep your floors clean, but it will also reduce the number of allergens in the air.

Vacuum weekly

Although daily dusting will keep dirt in check, it’s important to run the vacuum over your hardwood floors once a week. The vacuum will help to clean up any dust or debris left behind by the microfiber mop. Be gentle when vacuuming your hardwood floor as the wheels can possibly cause damage to the surface. Don’t use a vacuum with a beater bar, as this will also cause scratches.

Mop with hardwood cleaner monthly

The last step in keeping your hardwood floor clean is to damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner once every month or two. Don’t use water with the mop, and only use the least amount of cleaner necessary so that the floor doesn’t suffer any water damage. Wet mops and steam mops can also dull the finish of your hardwood. Be sure to choose a cleaner that is appropriate for the type of hardwood and finish of your floor.

Use doormats and felt protectors

A great way to keep dust and dirt at bay is to use doormats at every entrance. This will help to diminish the number of particles that are attached to the bottom of your shoes. Those particles can damage the finish of your hardwood floor over time. Likewise, the legs of your furniture can also scratch and damage the finish of your hardwood floor. Be sure to use felt protectors on the legs of any furniture that come in contact with the floor.

Avoid high heels

Removing your shoes before walking on your hardwood floor will certainly help protect the floor from damage. But that isn’t always practical. However – you should remove high-heeled shoes before walking across hardwood. Those high heels can cause scratches, scuffs, and even dents in the wood. Make it easy to remove shoes when coming in the house by keeping a basket of slippers or house shoes near the door.

Trim pet’s nails

If you have dogs or cats, then they can also cause damage to your hardwood floor. Pet’s claws can scratch the floor very easily. Regularly trim your pet’s nails to avoid any damage to the floor. You should also clean your pet’s feet when they come back in the house after being outside. Their paws can track in dust and dirt that can scratch and stain the floor as well.

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