Everyone loves hardwood flooring for its beauty and the value it adds to their homes. However, having hardwood can come with a lot of responsibility. The only way hardwood remains beautiful, worth the investment, or holds any value is through proper maintenance. You don't have to look at your flooring and instantly feel overwhelmed. As with any flooring, a busy life can take its toll over time. But if you follow some simple tips you will find that maintaining your hardwood flooring really isn't that hard.  Visit us today to learn more from our expert flooring consultants.

1. Remove Dirt - Use a simple dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and sand at least once a week. If you don't, these fragments can easily scratch your finished floors leaving them looking less than stellar. You may be tempted to try a vacuum or sweep with a broom every time, but a simple dust mop can do the trick most of the time.


2. Avoid Polishes and Waxes - To upkeep your hardwood flooring, you'll need to rebuff and coat your floors every 3 to 5 years. This may seem like a long time between processes, but using polishes and waxes in between can leave a nasty film on your floor. Eventually, this film will cause issues with the coating process leading to more costs down the line.


3. Clean Heavy Spills Quickly - Spills happen. When mud, water, or any other messes end up on your floor, use a damp mop to clean them up quickly. But the key is a DAMP mop. You do not want any wet mops or towels touching the floor for a long period of time. This can penetrate the wood and damage the floor.


4. Use Furniture Pads! - The number one culprit of unsightly scratches and tears is furniture. Furniture pads may seem like the most obvious choice, but you'd be surprised how few people use them. Cover your hardwood flooring with rugs, sofa feet, and other protectors available for tables, chairs, and more. This will keep your furniture from scratching or causing dents in the flooring over time.


5. Watch the Humidity - Moisture is the enemy of hardwood flooring. You will want to keep a steady level of 30-50% with an optimal temperature between 60 and 80 degrees. During the summer months you may need to utilize an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep a consistent level and your floor in tip-top shape.


6. Don't Be Afraid to Vacuum - This one comes with a bit of a disclaimer. If you feel the need to use a vacuum on your hardwood, it needs to have softer brushes and bristles that won't scratch the floor. Vacuuming can ensure you haven't missed any crumbs or dirt when sweeping which may have you resting easy there won't be an unsightly scratching from messes.

Don't Be Afraid of Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is gorgeous and adds plenty of value to your home when taken care of properly. With a few simple tips you'll be able to maintain your flooring for years to come. We are here to help!  Stop in and see us today.