Once you’ve installed new hardwood floors in your home, you should do everything in your power to make sure they last as long as possible. While hardwood is certainly much more resilient than carpet or linoleum, it still requires considerate care every once in a while.
Caring for your hardwood floors is relatively simple, but neglecting to properly maintain your floors can seriously compromise their longevity. If you’ve recently installed hardwood floors in your home, her are a few important tips to help you properly care for your newest investment: (article link)
Have a Cleaning Routine
Start by setting a regular cleaning routine that won’t be too difficult to follow. Start slow by committing to sweep or vacuum at least two or three times every week. Staying on top of dust and dirt accumulating on your floors over time will be one of your greatest challenges.
Setting a regular sweeping or vacuuming schedule will help minimize the amount of dirt that is eventually ground into your floors. A thin layer of dirt and grime will result in scratches when it is left on your floor for an extended time.
Be on Pet Patrol
Claw marks can, over time, be one of the most visible signs of wear on your hardwood floors. Taking care to minimize damage from your pets requires a bit more forethought, but protecting your floors from scratch marks can be as simple as buying a few large area rugs to cover large open areas of your floors.
The accumulation of excess pet hair can also become much more apparent once you install hardwood floors. Taking the time to brush your pets outside every few days can greatly reduce the amount of hair that collects on your floors.
Save the Spills
Staying diligent with spills becomes ever more important with hardwood floors. Ideally, every spill should be cleaned and thoroughly dried as soon as possible. The longer liquids sit on your floor, the greater chance the water has to compromise the floor’s finish and leave behind a permanent stain.
Even small water spills can cause extensive floor damage. When water stays on your floor for a prolonged period of time, it can soak into the floorboards, causing them to expand and contract unnecessarily. Keeping a cleaning or drying cloth readily available will help you stay prepared when an unexpected spill occurs.
Wash & Wax
The most effective way to clean your hardwood floors is to use a damp mop with a minimum amount of liquid. You can also get down on your hands and knees and scrub your floors the old-fashioned way. This will give you the most control over the amount of water you’re using on your floors.
Mixing vinegar and water is a cheap and preferred cleaning solution to restore the shine of your hardwood floors. Be sure to buff the floor dry immediately after washing and never leave puddles of water to soak into your floors and cause damage.
If you’ve recently installed hardwood floors in your home, knowing how to properly care for them is of the utmost importance. Please don’t hesitate to give the flooring experts at Smith Bros a call at 1-403-917-0847 to discuss the best techniques for keeping your floors clean today!