Hardwood floors are a thing of beauty. They add instant elegance to any space, and they look warm and luxurious… until they’re scratched and dull. Pets, dust, and dragging furniture can all detract from the appearance of your hardwood floors. But they don’t have to, and there are many things you can do to restore their appearance. These tips can help you care for your hardwood flooring so it looks its best and lasts longer.
Get Rid of Dust and Dirt
Regularly ridding your floor of dirt and debris will keep you from scratching it unintentionally. Use a dust mop or the floor-brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner so you don’t unintentionally scratch it with hard bristles. You can also set your vacuum to “bare floor” if you lose the brush so you don’t scratch the finish. Even if it’s just you in the house, do this at least once a week, and your floors will thank you for it!
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Spills are an unfortunate fact of life. When they happen, clean them up quickly so they don’t stain your hardwood or seep into your floorboards.
Mop Up Your Hardwood Floors
About once a month, use a microfiber mop to do a deeper clean – but don’t use too much water. An excess of water can cause the floorboards to expand and warp, so they no longer line up correctly. There are certain kinds of cleaners you’ll want to avoid, depending on the exact characteristic of your flooring. You can always pick a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors.
Protect Your Hardwood Floors From Scratches
Scratches are going to happen on a hardwood floor, so it’s best to think of them as adding character. However, if they bother you, you can do a quick repair with a stain marker or a wax stick. If you can, prevent them from happening in the first place. Consider:
- Using welcome mats, or entry mats, on the floor by the door to collect dirt and grit.
- Removing shoes and wearing socks or comfy slippers while you’re at home.
- Putting floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture and lifting it or using a dolly to move it (instead of sliding it around).
- Trimming pets’ nails so they don’t scratch the floors.
- Having rugs on the floor to break up the space and protect it.
- Using window treatments to prevent the floor from fading.
Refinish Your Hardwood Floors Every Few Years
Experts recommend refinishing your floors every 3-5 years. You don’t need to sand the floors; re-apply another coat of finish. Do a thorough cleaning, like you usually would, and then buff them so the new coat will adhere to the surface. Then, apply your finish. You can also call a professional to have them refinish your floors for you.
Get In Touch
Caring for your hardwood flooring doesn’t have to be overwhelming; just intentional. When you take the time to make it shine, you can enjoy it for years. If you have questions or concerns about your flooring or the best way to care for it, Preferred Flooring in Breese, IL, can help. Submit a question online, contact one of our experts, or visit our showroom. We proudly serve Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, St. Clair County, Belleville, Breese, Collinsville, Edwardsburg, Fairview Heights, Freeburg, Glen Carbon, Highland, Nashville, New Baden, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Swansea, St. Rose, Trenton, and Troy, IL.