Hardwood floors are a popular option for many homes – with good reason. They are attractive, durable and easy to clean and maintain. The number one concern for all people who have hardwood floors installed in their homes is taking care of the floors so that they continue to last throughout the years.
Here are some tips to help you protect your hardwood floors.
1. When moving heavy objects, such as shelves, chairs and large pieces of furniture, always protect the floor. To protect the floor, put a small cushion, such as a washcloth, under the abrasive e edge of the piece of furniture that is in contact with the door. If you move the furniture without protection, chances are very high that the furniture will scrape a groove into the floor. The groove will be difficult to repair.
2. Never wash your floor with water. Water will sink into the wood and could potential warp the wood. When cleaning your floor, use a damp cloth or broom to remove all debris.
3. Never vacuum your hardwood floors. Vacuuming is great for removing particles of dust and small pieces of debris, but it also has a tendency to scrape the wood on the floor. When the wood is scraped, it is difficult to repair or replace, causing undo stress to the floor. Use a broom or dust mop to remove any dust or debris from the floor instead.
4. Protect your hardwood floors with carpeting. Carpeting will keep your floors free from everyday wear and tear caused by frequent use. Carpeting is especially in high-traffic areas, such as the foyer, bedroom and hallway. Installing even a small rug that can be washed in your home washer is a good alternative to wearing your floor down to the point where it needs to be refinished.
5. Wax your floors. Waxing your floors regularly helps to keep them sealed and protected from everyday use. The wax will also add a shine and coat of protectant that is not otherwise on the wood. When waxing your floors, you will need to remove all furniture from the rooms being waxed. The whole process of waxing will take several days, but is well worth the wait when the floors come back shining and protected.
6. Protect your floors with hardwood floor oil. Hardwood floor oil, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap, is a wonderful way to protect your floors from water and other stains. Simply apply a coat of the soap to the floor using a damp sponge. Rub the soap into the wood so that it gets nicely absorbed.
7. Do not drop heavy items on your floor. Believe it or not, wood can be dented by heavy items. Therefore, it is recommended that you refrain from dropping heavy items, such as pieces of furniture on your floor. In the event that you have an accident, it can be costly and time consuming to replace single floor boards, so be cautious when working with heavy objects at all times.