Maintenance Tips that Will Extend the Life of Your Hardwood Floor
A classic hardwood floor creates a warm décor by adding character and coziness, but its warmth goes beyond the look. It’s very effective in that it provides a good level of insulation, so it’s always warm when you touch it and comfortable to walk on. Hardwood floors are easy to maintain, but they still require mopping or sweeping every now and then. You don’t need to call in a pro to fix minor issues, and there are preventative measures you can take to ensure your hardwood floor looks its best throughout the years. Here’s how to guarantee a “wow” moment every time you walk in the door.
Clean Up Spills as Soon as They Occur
Wood expands when it absorbs moisture, meaning that spills could cause the floor to cup or crack. Cleaning up spills right away is paramount to prevent warping, buckling, and discoloration, so wipe up anything you spill, keeping humidity levels down. It’s not recommended to use a wet or steam mop because they cause more damage over time. Modern floor finishes are strong, so you can remove sticky spills (and dirt) with a faintly damp cloth, not one that’s actively wet. As you begin to clean the floor, the cloth shouldn’t leave behind visible pools of water droplets, ensuring an even look across the surface.
Red wine is one of the most common spills a hardwood floor can sustain. When you relax after a hard day at work, red wine is usually the go-to solution for reducing stress levels. Red wine stains anything with a porous surface, so not even your hardwood floor is safe from the dreaded spill. To avoid permanent damage, clean the affected area immediately because if the spill is left untreated, it will stain the surface with its pigments. Use whatever cleaner the flooring manufacturer recommends. Improvising with other cleaners can lead to major problems.
Add A Wood Protector to Preserve the Natural Color
Adding a wood finish helps extend the life of your floor and adds shine. If left unprotected, the wood can dry out, crack, swell, or rot. Additionally, the hardwood floor will lose its ability to support weight, so it’s crucial to use a wood protector. A plant-based hard wax oil finish like Rubiomonocoat won’t leave a residue or emit harmful toxins. It’s made with zero VOCs, so you don’t have to worry about indoor air pollutants that cause sickness (dizziness, headaches, nausea, and loss of concentration). Take the time to properly research different wood finishes to find a suitable option for your home. Another factor to consider is the ease of use, in other words, you have the right skills for the job.
You can apply a wood protector with a brush, cloth, or sprayer – it really depends on the product. Assess your skill set honestly when deciding if the application method is suitable for the task, and check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing a product. A hard wax oil creates a protective barrier against stains and water damage, allowing the original beauty and personality of the wood to shine through. In most cases, it requires one application, but you can apply more finish to create an even look. A high-quality product designed for optimal wood preparation delivers exceptional results.
Sweep Daily to Prevent Scratches & Extend the Beauty of Your Hardwood Floor
In high-traffic areas, such as the dining room, it’s essential to keep the hardwood floor dust-free to remove the grit on contact. Sweep or dust-mop every day to pick up dust, dirt, and crumbs that accumulate throughout the day and prevent the floor from scratching. Vacuuming works best, but it’s hard to pull out a vacuum, so vacuum once a week with a special attachment. Sweeping tends to spread the dust around, so use a broom with angled soft bristles designed for indoor use to get into the corners. In a room, you must clean top to bottom, so clean the floor last.
Consider Implementing a Shoes-Off Policy
Grit acts as sandpaper when you track it around on the soles of your feet. It wears through the finish. Attention must be paid to the fact that even flat shoes have small pebbles, sticks, or other debris hidden underneath that can damage the floor, so it’s best to take the shoes off in the home. Take your shoes off and leave them at the door – it’s more than an act of cleanliness. Ask guests to remove their shoes when they come into your home. Of course, you can make exceptions for elders. It’s perfectly fine to ask people to take off their shoes, but it’s all about how you ask, meaning that an explanation or excuse is necessary.
Ensure the process is as simple and as comfortable as possible. To be more precise, offer guests slippers as a thoughtful consideration; they provide an extra layer of comfort and warmth. It’s your home; you make the rules, but it’s a good idea to have a few extra pairs of slippers (and socks). Implementing a shoes-off policy will reduce your time spent on cleaning, so you can devote time to other matters that call for your attention. Have a dedicated place for shoes – it can be a shoe rack or a small cabinet. If asking isn’t second nature to you, put up a sign that says something like, “Sorry to be a fanatic, but you know how I’m about shoes in the home.”
Wrapping It Up
A certain amount of maintenance is required to maintain a hardwood floor in good condition. Don’t use vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in great quantities, because they can damage the floor’s seal, its acidity etching into the wood’s surface. With time, your floor will start to look a little bit dull; it’s a signal that you need to recoat, which involves a lot of sanding and expense. How often you’ll need to apply a wood protector depends on you or your family’s lifestyle, so there’s no universal answer.
