Hardwood flooring is a stylish addition to any home, but it can be prone to a lot of wear and tear over time. Hardwood floors require a different type of care compared to carpet and tile floors. To make sure your hardwood flooring always looks as good as new, follow these simple tips.
Hardwood Floor Maintenance & How to Make Them Last
Hardwood floor maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity, aesthetic appeal, and structural integrity of the flooring. To preserve its natural beauty, it’s crucial to adopt a regular cleaning routine, which involves sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove dirt, grit, and debris that can cause scratches. When mopping, it’s vital to use a damp cloth or a specialized wood floor cleaner instead of excessive water or harsh chemicals, which can damage the wood. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent stains and potential warping. Additionally, using felt pads under furniture legs can help prevent unsightly scratches, while rugs and mats at entryways can minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto the floor. Periodic professional refinishing, depending on wear and tear, can restore the shine and vitality of hardwood floors, making them look brand new and extending their lifespan for years to come.
1. Keep Your Hardwood Flooring Dry
Water or really any liquid is a wood floor’s worst enemy. When any liquid is spilled on wood floors it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Even if your floors have surface-sealed finishing, certain areas can still be prone to water damage. If left unaddressed, the liquid could seep through the seams and be absorbed by the wood. This can cause irreparable damage to the floor.
If you have bad water damage to your hardwood flooring, the affected area may need to be torn out, dried, and replaced. Howell Contracting can evaluate the damage to help your floors get repaired or replaced.
2. Clean Your Hardwood Flooring Often
All hardwood flooring needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt from getting in between the floorboards. As mentioned before, avoid using wet mops or rags on hardwood floors. It is best to avoid getting your hardwood flooring wet whenever possible since it can dull the finish. Stick to sweeping wood floors with a soft-bristled broom or use a vacuum cleaner.
3. Use Carpets and Furniture Protectors
Using a carpet could defeat the purpose of showing off your hardwood flooring, but a carpet or mat will not only complement your floor well but preserve it for a long time. High-traffic areas like living rooms or interior hallways are convenient places for carpets. They are also useful around kitchens and outdoor entrances to catch dirt and spills.
Furniture with legs can easily scratch your hardwood floor by being moved over time. This can be solved by using felt pads under the legs. Furniture should be lifted completely off the floor when moved around the house. If it is too heavy, a piece of cardboard under the legs can help slide it across the floor without scratching.
4. Trim Your Pet’s Nails
Did you know that your cat or dog’s nails can damage your hardwood flooring? A dog’s paws naturally grip the ground when they run, so their nails will scratch away at the wood finish quite rapidly. Using carpets or regularly trimming your pet’s nails will help alleviate this problem.
5. Re-apply Surface Finishing to Your Hardwood Flooring
All hardwood flooring needs a protective finish to prevent water damage and keep it looking at its best. Wear and tear from the reasons discussed above can wipe away at the finish over time. No matter how well you treat your hardwood floors, they will eventually need a new layer of finishing. Howell Contracting in Pittsburgh, PA can apply a new layer of finish to your floor in no time.
Contact Howell Contracting in Pittsburgh, PA
Whether you are thinking about getting new floors or are looking to update your existing floors, Howell Contracting can help you with all your flooring needs. We have over 20 years of experience providing flooring services for the Pittsburgh, PA area. Contact us today for an estimate.
