Basic Hardwood Flooring Care Tips

Your hardwood flooring is always worth a little bit of extra effort to ensure its protection against scratches or any other unaesthetic damages.

Firstly, your hardwood floor gives you the comfort of a quality floor that you walk on bare-foot every day. And secondly, quality hard wood floor is an investment that you want to protect as much as possible because it adds a great value to your home if you decide to sell it one day.

Below we put together a simple guide with basic tips on how to protect your hardwood floor and its finish with some easy-to-do procedures.

1. Wipe All Spills Immediately

   When liquid gets spilled on your hardwood floor you should immediately use a slightly damp white cloth or a paper towel to clean up and dry the affected area. For more difficult spots always follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures.

2. Vacuum Regularly

   Small stones, mud and gritty dirt brought from outside can scratch the finish of your hardwood floor. To prevent this you should place long bristle "welcome" mats at all outside entrances for visitors and all people to wipe their feet on before entering into your house. Also, when vacuuming, use a soft bristle brush attachment.

3. Use Proper Chair Glides

   Small and narrow (metal) wheels, sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs can easily scratch and dent hard wood floors. All furniture that rests directly on top of a hardwood floor should have felt protectors or furniture coasters under all its feet. For extremely heavy objects such as a piano, use wide non-staining rubber cups. Purchasing floor protectors is non-expensive insurance for protecting your expensive hardwood floor investment.

4. Do Not Damp Mop

   Water and hardwood flooring don't mix very well. To ensure a long lasting hardwood floor use only manufacturer's recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.

5. Do Not Use Oil Soaps

   There are many "over the counter" oil-based soaps and wax-based cleaning products that can damage or dull the finish of your hard wood floor. The best suggestion is to use only the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.

6. Never Wax Urethane Floors

   If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish then never use a paste wax on the floor's surface. Paste wax can form a sticky film on your floor and allow dirt to stick to your hard wood finish. (Note: Polyurethane finishes will not adhere to any wax thus adding a fresh coat of polyurethane to your floor will be very difficult.)

7. Follow Manufacturer's Recommendations

   The best rule of thumb is to always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and recommendations. An if you are in doubt then you can always contact us for an advice or contact your hardwood floor manufacturer directly.

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