Hardwood floors add timeless style and natural beauty to your interior décor. A hardwood floor adapts to your decorating style whether you have a century-old, brand new, traditional, or modern home. It’s important to understand how to care for hardwood floors in your home.

Hardwood floors increase your home value, making it a long-term investment. However, not maintaining it properly can reduce the indoor air quality, cause wear and tear, and decrease its overall lifespan.

In today’s article, we will give you some care and maintenance tips for your hardwood floors. Read on!

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

Use the right tools to maintain your hardwood floors. Although there are many tools that you can use to clean your hardwood floor, we recommend using microfiber mops, brooms, and vacuums. Since each product has a different type and variation, make sure you purchase the one that best fits your needs.

Some homeowners prefer sweeping and drying first before they use the vacuum. Others like to sweep, vacuum, and then dry mop. No matter which method you use, you will need at least one of these tools to get the job done accurately.

AVOID VINEGAR AND WATER

Most people use vinegar and water solution to clean their hardwood floors. However, it can damage the material and deteriorate the finishing or protective layer. Vinegar has acidic properties that can break down your floor’s surface finish.

As a result, your hardwood floor will have reduced shine and appear dull. Besides, using the vinegar/water solution can cause an excessive amount of water, leading to swelling, discoloration, and damage.

DUST/SWEEP YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR DAILY

Experts recommend using a microfiber cloth or mop to give your hardwood floor good dusting, leading to reduced scratches and surface damage. Make sure you dust or sweep your hardwood floor daily to maintain its shine.

Besides, a microfiber cleaning pad has static electric properties that trap dirt, dust, particles, spores, viruses, bacteria, and other indoor allergens. You can also use a broom to remove the dirt and dust, but it can push the dirt around.

If you want to clean your hardwood floor without damaging it, make sure you avoid lifting the microfiber cloth mop or cloth off the floor. That way, you can trap more dirt, dust, and allergens on the pad.

VACCUUM/MOP YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR WEEKLY

Regular use of vacuum on your hardwood floor can damage its surface. However, vacuuming once a week is the best practice to maintain your floor. Weekly maintenance allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas that daily dusting/sweeping can’t reach.

You can use a wet mop or vacuum to remove dirt from harder-to-reach areas, such as spaces between the floor and corners. Some vacuums have a beater bar that can damage the bare floor.

Therefore, make sure your vacuum does not hit the floor. Likewise, wheels on your vacuum can damage your hardwood floor. We recommend using vacuums or mops with extra caution to avoid wear and tear on your hardwood floor.

For instance, water and wood don’t mix, primarily when you use a mop for cleaning your hardwood floor. That’s why it is crucial to avoid putting too much liquid on the floor. On the other hand, you can mist your floor lightly using a high-quality floor cleaner to achieve your goal. Remember, a gentle touch is the best practice for cleaning a hardwood floor.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance – Quick-Fix Tips

Hardwood floors are durable and can withstand damages for a long time if maintained properly. Not only do these floors stand up to modern families’ busy lifestyles, but they also look attractive for decades, improving your overall interior aesthetics. Here are a few quick-fix tips for maintaining your hardwood floor.

Spills and Tracked-in Dirt

If you notice any spills or tracked-in dirt, make sure you use a floor cleaner to remove them immediately. Use a soft cloth or sponge mop to wipe the cleaner. If there is excess cleaner on the floor, use a cleaning towel to dry it quickly. There is no need for rinsing.

Spots Caused by Water, Food, or Animals

Use a soft cloth to apply a quality hardwood floor cleaner and rub the area gently to remove the spots or stains. If the marks are stubborn and hard to remove, make sure you hire a professional cleaning service to get the job done without damaging the floor.

Chewing Gum, Candle Wax

Add some ice in a plastic bag and seal it. Apply the sealed bag on top of the deposit and wait for some time, so the deposit becomes brittle. Clean the area with a light hardwood floor cleaner after removing the residue.

Grease, Ink Spots, and Rubber Heel Marks

Apply a high-quality cleaner to a soft cloth and rub the area to remove the spots or stains. However, if the stains remain, using a soft cloth dampened with strong mineral spirits on the floor removes the marks.

Deep Scratches and Gouges

Use a high-quality filler for broken edges, smaller openings, and gaps. If you notice heavily damaged or gouged strips, parquets, or planks, hire a professional hardwood floor installer to replace them with new ones.

Hardwood Floor Protection – Key Considerations

Wipe up spills, stains, and spots immediately
Place a mat outside the entrance to decrease dirt and moisture levels ∙ Trim your pets’ nails to minimize scratches on the floor
Use non-pigmented hard-plastic floor protectors (1-2 inches diameter) to support furniture
Lay a plywood panel on your hardwood floor when moving heavy furniture or appliances
Protect your hardwood floor from direct sunlight to avoid ultraviolet (UV) damage

Hardwood floors are an eco-friendly, durable, and reliable solution for homeowners who want to increase their home resale value. Research shows that homes with hardwood floors sell 10-15% more. However, hardwood floors require regular maintenance and care, and with the above tips and tricks, you can increase your floor’s lifespan and protect it from a wide range of damages.

Summary: How To Care For Hardwood Floors

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