Tips To Ensuring You Protect Your Hardwood Floors In The Long Run

November 7, 2022

Give hardwood a try if you’re looking for the best flooring choice for a high-traffic area. Because of the longevity and robustness of an all-natural material, wood flooring is an excellent choice for withstanding foot traffic and activity. Furthermore, the beauty of hardwood flooring adds a lot of character to a room.

However, if you do not care for and maintain your wood flooring in high-usage areas, it will age prematurely and cause distress. Regular maintenance and proper care is the best approach to prolong the durability of your wood floors. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your wood flooring.

Appropriate Cleaning Supplies for Wooden Floors

After you have installed your wooden floors, it is time to invest in brand-new cleaning supplies. Remember that not all floor cleaning solutions are appropriate for wood floors. Check the label before applying anything to your wood flooring to ensure it will not cause irreversible damage. You can perform a test on a small section of the flooring after purchasing a floor cleaner. At the same time, you must pick a cleaning product that will effectively clean your floors. Select a neutral cleaning solution designed exclusively for hardwood flooring. Here are some tips on how to properly use wood floor cleaning supplies:

• Avoid using a moist sponge or a soaked mop, as both are detrimental to wood floors when cleaning. Excess water can accumulate on a waxed wood floor, causing damage to the surface.

• Only use cleansers that are labeled as safe for hardwood flooring. For the best results, get these items directly from the business that installed your wooden flooring.

• Protect from Wear and Tear

Keeping hardwood floors clean is one step toward extending their life. But you don’t want to stop there. Use carpets and slip-resistant mats in entryways, halls, and other high-traffic areas. Here are a few additional techniques for preserving your flooring from wear and strain and so extending its life:

• Avoid dragging large appliances or furniture across wood flooring. Use hand trucks or lift equipment to protect the floor from scrapes and scratches.

• To avoid damaging the flooring, place felt protectors on the bottoms of chair legs, table legs, and display stands.

• When using rugs, mats, and felt protectors, wash them on a regular basis and replace them as needed. As these items become dusty, the dirt acts like sandpaper, scratching on the surface of your wood floors.

Invest in an Area Rug

Install rugs at entryways to guarantee that guests and residents clean their feet before walking on your floors. A rug protects the woodwork from grime and smudges produced by small pieces of material tracked in from outside. Rugs can also help to protect your wood floors in high-traffic areas by serving as a buffer. Thick rugs look great under heavy furniture and protect your flooring from dents and scratches.

Check Heavy Furniture

Look for rough patches or worn edges on the legs and feet of your heaviest furniture pieces. Metal embellishments have the potential to dig or deform fragile boards. Check if heavy components have felt foot guards connected to the bottom or lightly sand to eliminate sharp edges or debris. Tap-on nails are ideal for large objects such as dining tables and sofas, whereas slide-on pads or peel-and-stick versions are ideal for chairs and table tops.

Protect Flooring from Moisture

Avoid moisture in any room with wooden floors. You can set up a hygrometer to monitor moisture levels in your home. If you live in a humid environment, insulate your home and use a dehumidifier to keep your indoor space dry. Always clean up spills immediately and repair leaks in your home. Never use too much water or a liquid cleaning product when cleaning your hardwood floors. After you’ve finished cleaning, dry the flooring. To clean your floors, use a dry or slightly moist towel.

Regular Maintenance

To keep your hardwood floors in top condition, you must execute weekly or monthly maintenance duties. Perform hardwood floor inspections once a month. It includes searching beneath furniture and carpets. If there is any yellowing on the hardwood floor due to excessive foot traffic, sun spots, or other factors, it is time for a new topcoat.

Flooring is a significant and worthwhile investment for you and your home, so you’ll want it to seem brand new and magnificent for years to come. Taking regular, consistent care of your floors with daily cleanings and area rugs, and being cautious when moving furniture around can extend the durability of your wooden floors.