Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors can also add property value to your home and help it to sell faster than carpeted homes. However, caring for them is important as they can be easily damaged. They can be scratched by shoes (especially some high heels) and furniture, and it can be ruined if not cleaned properly. Some floors need to be sealed and waxed and you can check with the manufacturer for proper care of the floor.
Helpful Tips
Hardwood flooring, while very beautiful, needs to be taken care of properly or it can squeak, buckle, be scratched if not cared for properly. Water damage is a very important consideration when cleaning hardwood floors. Therefore, here are some tips about how to clean these floors and other tips for caring for them.
Daily cleaning
When cleaning hardwood floors it is important to keep water off the floors as it can warp or even buckle the wood. In addition it is important to sweep the floor every day (twice a day for kitchen floors) with a very soft bristle broom. This prevents scratching by microscopic dust particles. If food gets on the floor, then it is important to wipe it up with a dry cloth and then use one of the many hardwood floor cleaners that are available to clean the floor. It is best to never use water on the floor.
Rugs
Proper care of hardwood flooring requires proper covering in high traffic areas, such as entryways and in front of the kitchen sink. Soft, cotton backed rugs are fine for this job, as they will not ruin the floor as will plastic backed rugs might. In addition, they prevent dents and scratches in the floors. These rugs need to be vacuumed often so as not to scratch the floor through the carpet itself with any debris in the carpet. Floor mats can be installed at entrances to prevent tracking mud onto the wood floors. Shoes can also be removed at entrances as is custom in most oriental countries.
Prevent scratched floors
Animal (such as dogs) claws should be clipped to prevent scratching the floors, in addition children's toys should not be drug across the floors, as they also will scratch the flooring. It is also important to refrain from putting potted plants on the floors as a water buildup can ruin the floors up in the pot. There are also some countries, especially in the orient, where shoes are not allowed in the house. This is also very good for the floors as shoes, whether women spike heels or men's work shoes can ruin a hardwood floor surface.
Furniture can also damage hardwood floors if prevention is not taken. When moving furniture, use heavy socks over the legs or lift the whole furniture. In addition, wide casters are better than narrow ones that can dig into the floors and leave dents. Furniture pads are also available for use under table and dresser legs.
Humidity
Proper humidity levels are especially needed to prevent warping and buckling of the wood. This can easily be taken care of by using a humidifier in the winter, especially in dryer areas. In the summer, a dehumidifier can be used if needed in the more humid areas.
Sealing and Waxing
There are other wood floor care methods that you need to know. There are some woods that need to be sealed and waxed, but you should check with the manufacturer to make sure it is done correctly. In addition, if the wood floor gets old and damaged it can be sanded down and refinished, sealed and waxed if needed. This restores the old wood to a "like new" condition.
Hardwood floors add value and style to homes and buyers are willing to pay more for homes without carpeting. However, thorough care is important in order to keep the floor in high quality condition. Knowing how to clean them is not difficult to learn, might require some professional advice on particular cleaners to use, and is well worth the cost in terms of both time and money.
A beautiful hardwood floor can last for generations if properly cared for. In addition to cleaning it, it is essential to prevent scratching by animals, furniture and children's toys. Rugs and runners are a nice way to both beautify your hardwood floor and prevent scratching by shoes and animal claws.
