Hardwood and Laminate Floor Care
Generally speaking, your new hardwood flooring will be easier to maintain than most other flooring options – carpet, tile, and vinyl included. Here are some simple tips that will keep your floor looking brand new, but also help to preserve the lifespan of your floor.
Cleaning Suggestions:
Overall, general maintenance just requires a simple broom or vacuum with the regular use of an approved hardwood floor cleaner. As small stones, mud, and gritty dirt get tracked in from outside, they can scratch the finish of your wood floor. To combat this from happening, use long bristle welcome mats placed at all outside entrances so that people can wipe their feet off before entering your home.
When cleaning products are used, use ones that are recommended by the wood flooring manufacturer that have been deemed safe for wood floors. There are many over-the-counter oil-based soaps (as well as wax-based cleaning products) that may damage or – at the very least – dull the finish of your hardwood floor. Stay clear from those products and you’ll be doing your floor a great service!
Extending The Life Of Your Hardwood Floor:
A great way to extend the life and luster of your wood floor is by placing rugs in high traffic areas. If you’re moving furniture around the room, be sure to use felt gliders or some other type of fabric to protect your wood floor potentially scratching them.
Over time, sunlight can also damage wood, so be sure to pay attention to any areas of your floor that get prolonged periods of bright sunlight. Installing curtains or blinds in rooms where this may be an issue is a great preventative approach to this potential issue.
To Wax Or Not To Wax?:
If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish, our advice is to never use a paste wax on that floor’s surface. A paste wax may form a sticky film on your floor and allow tracked in dirt to stick to your wood finish. Please note that polyurethane finishes will not adhere to any wax whatsoever, and adding a fresh coat of polyurethane to your floor will be very difficult in the future.
Water
It is very important to keep in mind, when cleaning your hardwood floors that water and wood do not mix. Wood flooring that gets wet repeatedly can result in warping, finish peeling, buckling and overall dull finish. Direct use of “water” such as moping can be the cause of these issues but a damp rag or cloth used to clean should not be a problem.
Furniture Tips:
Narrow wheels, sharp wooden legs, and metal furniture legs can all scratch and dent hardwood flooring. Any furniture that rests directly on top of a hardwood floor should have felt protectors or furniture coasters placed under each respective footing. For extremely heavy objects like a piano, use wide, non-staining rubber cups. These small purchases provide cheap insurance for protecting your hardwood flooring investment.