Hardwood flooring can be a major investment that adds beauty and value to your home. With the proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can last for decades while retaining their classic warmth and elegance. Follow this ultimate guide to keep your floors looking their best year after year.
Regularly Sweep and Vacuum
One of the easiest and most effective ways to care for hardwood flooring is regular sweeping and vacuuming. Sweep frequently to remove surface grit and debris that can scratch and dent hardwood. Pay special attention to high traffic areas and entryways.
Vacuuming is key for getting dust and dirt out of crevices and gaps in boards. Use a vacuum with an attachment suitable for hard floors, not a beater bar. Set it to the bare floor or hardwood setting. Stick to a regular schedule, such as vacuuming twice per week.
Use Mats at Entryways
Many problems start right at your home’s entranceways. Dirt, pebbles, sand, water, snow, and other hazards hitch a ride on shoes and paws into your home. Protect hardwood floors by using mats inside and outside exterior doors to trap debris and absorb moisture.
Look for coarse-textured mats that can effectively scrape shoes clean. During rainy or snowy months, put down additional throw rugs inside entrances to contain wetness. Rotate and launder mats weekly so they don’t transfer built-up dirt back onto floors.
Avoid Excessive Water Exposure
While properly finished hardwood has a protective coating, excessive moisture can still cause damage over time. Always promptly clean up spills, pet accidents and leaks to prevent water seeping between boards. Never wet or damp mop a hardwood floor.
Use protective mats around sinks, dishwashers, tubs and other wet areas. Keep potted plants on saucers with drainage. Monitor for leaks under appliances and pipes. A dehumidifier helps control humidity levels indoors. Take actions to minimize water penetration into wood.
Monitor and Moderate Indoor Humidity Levels
Fluctuating humidity causes wood floors to continually expand and contract, leading to cracks, cupping and other problems. Ideal indoor humidity for hardwood is 35-55%. Use a hygrometer to track levels. Turn on exhaust fans during cooking and bathing to vent out moisture.
If the air is too dry, use a humidifier. Dehumidifiers help combat damp basements. Work with your HVAC system and dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity all year long. This preserves the structure and fitting of the boards.
Protect Floors from Sun Damage
Just like skin, prolonged sun exposure can damage hardwood and cause fading, discoloration and warping. Close blinds and curtains during intense daylight hours. Move area rugs occasionally so they don’t create uneven fading.
Avoid rubber-backed or opaque rugs that block light. Rearrange furniture seasonally to allow even lighting across the entire floor. Consider applying a UV-protectant coating made specifically for hardwoods. Monitor for any signs of sun damage.
Have Professional Deep Cleanings Performed
While regular light cleaning helps, hardwoods periodically need a deeper professional cleaning. This removes embedded dirt and stains that build up over time. How often you need professional cleanings depends on traffic, kids, pets, etc. Many flooring companies recommend every 1-3 years.
Look for a reputable flooring company that offers professional hardwood cleaning using a specially formulated cleaner and powerful suction. This will brighten up dingy floors. Make sure the process used is safe for your specific flooring finish. A deep clean restores beauty while getting rid of stuck-on grime.
Perform Minor Scratch Repairs
Despite your best efforts, chances are your hardwood floors will incur some minor scratches and dents from pets, moving furniture, active kids, party guests in heels, etc. Thankfully, you can repair minor cosmetic scratches yourself. Lightly sand the area using ultra-fine grit sandpaper.
For stained floors, use a staining marker in the right hue for your floor’s stain color. For unstained pre-finished boards, apply a wood filler that blends into the wood tone. Let dry completely and buff smooth. Touch up markers and fillers allow you to easily repair an occasional scratch.
Consider Periodic Floor Refinishing
After many years of use, wear and tear will necessitate deep refinishing of your hardwood floors. This involves sanding down the top layer of boards and reapplying a protective finish coating. Most hardwoods need refinishing every 10-20 years depending on traffic.
Signs it’s time include extensive surface scratches, worn finish, and faded or uneven appearance. Hire a flooring company to refinish using dust-containment methods. This restores like-new beauty and protection. Budget refinishing costs around $3-5 per sq. ft.
Use the Proper Floor Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products can damage hardwood finishes. Avoid soap- or oil-based cleaners that leave greasy residue attracting dirt. Stay away from vinegar, ammonia, abrasive scrubs or anything acidic. Also skip the supermarket mopping products.
Instead, use a reputable hardwood floor cleaner formulated specifically for the coating on your floors. Or stick to gentle pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaners available from flooring companies and home stores. Follow label directions closely. Check with the flooring installer if unsure what’s safe for your specific floors.
Watch for Signs of Water or Termite Damage
While surface scratches are common, also watch for other more serious signs of damage. Warping, peeling finish, black water stains, mold, gaping between boards, tunneling and sawdust debris indicate water damage or termites. Address immediately to prevent spreading.
Catching moisture issues early allows for easier repairs. Extensive water damage may require replacing sections of flooring. Have a pest control pro inspect for termites which can rapidly destroy wood. Make all needed structural repairs before refinishing for best results.
Use Furniture Pads, Rugs and Runners
Help protect hardwood floors under heavy furniture and in high traffic areas by using furniture pads, area rugs and runners. The pads prevent scratches from shifting furniture. Match rug backing to floor finish.
Use entryway runners to catch dirt in main walkways. Area rugs define seating arrangements while adding color. Just be sure to move them occasionally for even light exposure. Protect floors under rolling chairs with glass floor protectors. Take steps to limit direct contact and abrasion.
Maintain Proper Home Climate All Year Long
Wood is sensitive to temperatures and humidity. Keep climate controlled year-round for best preservation. Ideal indoor humidity for hardwood ranges 35-55%. Invest in a dehumidifier to prevent moisture issues in summer and basements.
During winter months, use a humidifier to combat excessively dry air that can cause gaps. Don’t over-crank the heat which dries out the air. Heating systems with built-in humidifiers help maintain balance. Avoid dramatic temperature swings season to season.
In Conclusion
With regular care and maintenance as outlined above, your hardwood floors can stay beautiful and durable for many years before needing refinishing. Follow these best practices for protecting your investment. Be sure to enlist a professional flooring company for deep cleanings, refinishing, repairs, and inspections. With some diligence, you’ll be enjoying handsome hardwood floors for decades.
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