Whether your home has original wood flooring or you’ve recently upgraded from carpet, real hardwood floors are a feature worth protecting. This type of flooring is one of the most beautiful and durable options when taken care of properly.
Luckily, caring for your hardwood floors is pretty simple! As floor cleaning experts, we have put together our top tips to help your hardwood floors stand the test of time—and keep their illustrious shine.
Stay On Top of Spills and Dirt
Like all types of flooring, one of the best things you can do to maintain your hardwood is to clean regularly and stay on top of spills and dirt buildup. Depending on how well your floors are sealed, spilled liquids can be absorbed into the wood. This can cause stains, watermarks, and an uneven texture on the wood.
Adding sweeping, vacuuming, or dust mopping to your daily cleaning routine is also important to maintain your floors. It’s shocking how much dust and dirt can build up throughout the week, especially if you have little ones or pets running around. These particles can easily scratch the surface of your floors and over time, cause them to quickly lose their luster.
Use The Correct Cleaning Supplies
Using the incorrect cleaning supplies is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when caring for your hardwood floors. Many homeowners opt for vinegar or acid-based solutions without realizing that the vinegar can deteriorate the wood.
When cleaning your floors, select a gentle pH-neutral product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. If you want to make your own solution, mix 1 teaspoon of biodegradable soap with a few cups of water. As for cleaning tools, all you need is a microfiber mop or cloth.
Avoid Oversaturating Your Floors
Along with using the right cleaning materials, you will want to make sure that you are using the appropriate amount of cleaning solution. Oversaturating your wood floors is one of the top things you should never do to your hardwood floors. Your mop should be damp, not soaked, as this can cause warping and discoloration, especially if your floors are not completely sealed.
After cleaning with the solution, you can “rinse” your floors by wiping them with a cloth dampened with water. To finish the process, use a clean, dry cloth to pick up any excess solution or water.
Prevent Damage Beyond Everyday Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear in your home is unavoidable, but there are ways to prevent any extra damage that might prevent your floors from looking their best. Adding felt pads under furniture and placing rugs in high-traffic areas can prevent extra scratches and help your floors last longer.
Wearing shoes, specifically high heels, in the house is also a big contributor to hardwood floor damage. Refraining from wearing outside shoes in the house altogether is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your hardwoods. If you need to wear footwear inside, soft-soled house shoes and slippers are going to be the best option.
Trust The Springer Experts For Hardwood Floor Care
If you have noticed your wood floors have lost some of their shine, we are here to help! Our floor care experts use products that seal, protect, and renew your wood or laminate floors. Our hardwood cleaning method can bring your floors back to life all within a single day, and without creating a huge mess or filling your home with harmful odors!
Contact Springer Floor Care to schedule your service in the Des Moines Metro today!