Hardwood floors are great for giving your home or business a more rustic, classic feel. They can be difficult to keep clean and scratch free. Experts say that you should restore them once every ten years or so. There are a few things you can do before refinishing your hardwood floor.
Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your hardwood floors:
Clean regularly. This is pretty basic but also very important. If dirt and dust particles are left on hardwood for too long, they can leave marks and scratches. It is recommended to vacuum at least weekly. If you use any cleaning products, check the labels to make sure they are made specifically for cleaning hardwood floors.
Be selective with your brushes. Use only soft nylon brushes or vacuum attachments.
Clean up spills immediately. Any liquid spill should be wiped up immediately with a dry cloth. If there is still a mark, try a damp cloth, but be sure to dry it immediately. If that doesn’t work, try an ammonia-free window cleaner. Some materials, like furniture polish and hairspray, are especially bad for floors.
Do not wax. ’nuff said.
Use mats. If there are areas that get a lot of traffic, lay out a rug or rug to soak up the dirt. You can also place them in areas where you eat, prepare food, or anywhere else that spills may occur. You can also place them under any furniture with pointed legs that might scratch the floor. Get an extra-large mat to place inside or outside (or both) of your front door.
Do not wet yourself. Just like a mogwai, it’s bad to leave water on wooden floors. Look for places where water can enter. Close the windows when it rains. Put something under the potted plants. And also clean up any spills immediately.
Avoid bright light. Also like a mogwai, too much exposure to sunlight is not good. If you notice that there is a window that gives excessive exposure, close the blinds or curtains for a while.
Over time, your floor will eventually accumulate scuffs and scratches, and you should seek help from professionals for refinishing and other restoration services. By following these simple cleaning tips, you will prolong the life and shine of your beautiful floors.