Your floors experience the strains of daily life. From pets strolling on the floor to kids spilling water, there is a lot that hardwood floors go through. But we all want our floors to be in top order, since it reflects how appealing a house is.
Whether you have just installed a new hardwood floor or are focusing on maintaining the ones you already have, they can last for many years if treat with immense care. Following are simple steps for caring and cleaning the hardwood floors for a lifetime of elegance, beauty and comfort.
- Floor finish
If you are not sure about the kind of floor finish, the rub your fingers against it and make assessments accordingly. If there is no smudge, then the floor is surface sealed. Whereas, a smudge indicates penetrating seal like varnish or shellac which has then been waxed.
- Remove the surface dirt
Hardwood floors need to be cleaned on regular basis to maintain its shine. You can sweep or vacuum the floor on regular basis to keep the look as it is. Remove the surface dirt before heading towards the next steps. Find a good broom for my hardwood floor to carry out this process more effectively.
- Treat spills and stains
It is essential to clean up the spills and stains with immediate effect. If there is something sticky, then use lightly dampened cloth to wipe the sticky residue. If there is something that stains then use a stain remover.
- Cleaning solutions
There are hundreds of cleaning solutions available in the market but the best one will be recommended by floor’s manufacturer. Otherwise, you can use a gentle soap with a neutral pH along with warm water. However, make sure too much water is not used on the floor as it may warp the wood.
- Shine it
The floor may start losing its shine with time. You can always recoat the surface with a finishing but never use wax on floor. Also make sure furniture finishes are not used on the floor.
- Prevention
Prevention is better than cure. It is important to prevent the floor from potential harms and damages. Felt pads and door mats can be used to avoid scratches on the floor. Also find out ways to minimize the floor from catching dirt and sand. Clip the nails short of pets to make sure they do not scratch the floor.
- Resist humidity
This is one of the most important part. You may figure out cracks in your floors during winter when the air is dry but they fill in when the humidity rises in summer. Try to keep the humidity between 35% and 55% in your home.
Conclusion
It is important to keep floors in order to enhance the overall look of your house. Above were the steps in which it can be done. However, the most important thing is to remain consistent. Make sure you follow the steps on regular basis for better results.
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