Caring for Hardwood Flooring - North Twin Builders
March 14, 2018
Hardwood floors are a beautiful feature for any home, and a flooring choice that can last more than one generation. The last thing you want is an investment like this to become damaged or scratched, taking away from both the visual appeal and the overall performance. Lucky for you, maintaining your hardwood floors is very easy and minimal work with huge returns. A great way to start planning for long-term care for your hardwood flooring is by asking the contractor that installs it and then by following some best practices routinely.
Routine Cleaning Protects Hardwood Flooring
Just as seasonal maintenance on your home helps it to last longer and perform better, regular cleaning of your hardwood flooring is crucial. Simply by dusting the floor daily, you can prevent scratches from dirt particles or small pebbles. Be cautious about leaving any water or liquid standing because it can penetrate the wood, creating discoloration or unevenness. And it’s helpful to use protection on the bottom of furniture because scratches are easier to prevent than repair.
Follow these best care tips to maintain your hardwood floors:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth
- DON’T use a string mop because it will apply excessive water
- Wipe down thoroughly every few months with a quality wood-cleaning product but make sure that the rag is both soft and just barely damp for the best results
- Be aware of the potential damage from sunlight and water
- Hardwood flooring benefits the most from temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees with a low humidity level
- DON’T use vinegar to clean
- Move around furniture and rugs every once in a while to prevent unsightly high traffic paths
Still, even if you do your best to prevent stains or scratches, a lived-in home will eventually lead to damages. The good news is that hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished to extend the lifespan easily and affordably!
Take Note of the Type of Wood & Finishes
Different types of flooring and wood finishes require different care methods. For example, a wax finish must only be
cleaned with a product specifically designed for the job. Standard surface finishes like polyurethanes are great for forming a protective layer over the hardwood that is more easily cleaned.
Similarly, some types of wood tend to fade or wear more quickly and this should be considered when installing hardwood floors in different areas of your home. For example, red and white oak can be extremely durable whereas cherry wood is visually appealing but not as strong as oak. Hickory and Maple tend to fade slower from sun and UV exposure.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Naturally, if your hardwood floor has been enduring normal wear and tear for quite a while, your only option may be a full restoration to regain the original beauty. But here’s a few tips for dealing with everyday occurrences that need not require sanding and refinishing:
- Gum or Wax: Just like with your carpet, harden the spot with ice and scrape off very carefully with plastic.
- Glue Spots: Warm up the area with a warm damp rag or even a blow dryer to soften it up before scraping off.
- White Ring Stains: Water ring stains should be covered with a dry cloth and a few seconds of heat application may remove. Note – if the ring turns black, it indicates that the liquid fully penetrated the hardwood and it won’t be an easy fix.
Interested in more home care tips from North Twin Builders, your professional Vilas County home remodeling contractor? Be sure to check back on our blog often for more home maintenance tips and DIY suggestions. Ready to remodel your home to include beautifully designed hardwood floors? We would love to hear from you!