Hardwood flooring is well-loved by many homeowners and homebuyers alike. Hardwood floors are beautiful and durable, but only if you take proper care of them. When you care for hardwood floors at your house, there are specific steps to follow for best results. Here is what every homeowner with hardwood floors should know.
Pick the Right Cleaning Tools for Hardwood Floors
When you care for hardwood floors at your home, make sure that you are cleaning up dirt, crumbs, food debris, and dust every day. When these things are allowed to sit and accumulate, they can become wedged in the small cracks between boards or the wood grain itself. During your daily cleaning routine, choose the right tools, including:
- A vacuum with a nozzle or soft brush that can suck up dirt and crumbs that fall into cracks and aren’t easily removed by a broom
- A microfiber cloth and wood-safe cleaner to remove any sticky residue or spills
- A soft-bristled broom that can sweep up more substantial dirt and crumbs
- A microfiber mop whenever there are lingering stains that require mopping
Clean Up Spills Immediately to Care for Hardwood Floors
Moisture can do tremendous damage to hardwood flooring in a relatively short time, as humidity levels make boards expand or contract. To care for hardwood floors in your house, you should clean up spills as quickly as possible. Use a dry microfiber mop and, if necessary, a small amount of wood cleaner and warm water. Never use a steam mop on hardwood floors, and avoid introducing moisture as much as possible.
Choose Cleaning Products Carefully
Permanent damage may occur if you do not choose the right products when you care for hardwood floors. Never use cleaners designed for other surfaces or multi-purpose cleaners, as these are often too harsh to be used on hardwood floors or finishes. Instead, choose special wood-safe cleaners that are tested thoroughly on flooring just like yours. Homemade solutions might seem like a good idea, but they often do more harm than good.
Don’t Track Dirt and Debris on the Hardwood Floor
Finally, as you care for hardwood floors in your house every day, you should always take your shoes off when you enter. If you don’t take your shoes off, you could be rubbing in abrasive debris like gravel or dirt and scratching your floors. The best way to avoid this damage is to remove your shoes right away. Set up a bench and shoe storage area at your exterior doors to make this easier for your family and guests.
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