Regular
Maintenance:
The
biggest threat to hardwood flooring is dirt and grit that gets ground into
the surface of the finish, causing ugly scratches and a worn finish. If
the floor is abused or left unattended, dirt will become imbedded into the
unprotected surface of the wood, making ugly dark areas within the floor.
On average, homeowners re-coat their wood floors every 15 to 25
years, to make them look brand new again. To make the finish look and last
the longest, it is recommended to sweep up dirt and grit off the
hardwood floor weekly using a swiffer to prevent scratching. Using the wrong cleaner can damage
the finish and cause premature fading.
Prevention is key when it comes to
safeguarding your new hardwood floor. Use doormats at all entrances from
outside to trap dirt before it has a chance to reach hardwood. If you have
pets, especially big dogs that run in the home, make sure nails are
trimmed and accidents are cleaned up immediately. Make sure you apply felt
pad glides to furniture legs. You can find a variety of sizes
and colors to fit your needs at your hardware store. Avoid moving large/heavy
furniture/appliances by dragging them on hardwood flooring.
Spiked/stiletto heeled shoes are also a danger to hardwood flooring; some
can even cause dimples in the surface of the wood.
Never Use:
Furniture Polish, Wax-Based
products, Detergents, Bleach, Polishes, Oil Soaps, Abrasive products to clean hardwood flooring.
Too much water can seep into the seams
of the wood causing delamination of the finish, cupping of the edges of
the boards and discoloration of the wood itself. Spills should be wiped up
right away. Liquid spills left standing on hardwood flooring can seep into wood
through the seams and will result in problems like warping and buckling
boards.
There are specially designed mops which feature reusable cloth covers. These are perfect for picking up dust
around corners of your room and won't harm you new hardwood floors.
When your new hardwood floor is in need of a more thorough cleaning,
it's best to use a dampen a string mop with
water and a splash of vinegar.
|