How to Clean and Maintain Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular types of flooring due to their appearance, durability, and warm atmosphere. However, they are also vulnerable to certain conditions and temperatures, so you need to keep them clean and well maintained. Here are some easy tips for maintaining and cleaning your hardwood floors.

Clean Them Regularly

Hardwood floors need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Like all floors, dust collects on the surface, but with this material, the dust accumulation can actually harm the floors. When dust and dirt accumulate on hardwood floors, they can eventually scratch the top surface of the floors when someone walks over the dirt and spreads it around. This is why you need to make sure to sweep and mop the floors on a regular basis. Be careful when choosing cleaning products, making sure they don't contain ammonia or bleach. You should stick to either natural cleaning products or those that are specifically labeled for hardwood floors. Also be careful not to clean them with anything abrasive, and keep the floors dry after cleaning them.

Work to Avoid Damage

The next thing you want to do when you have hardwood floors is take some essential steps to avoid accidental damage to the floors. For example, to avoid nicks and scratches on the surface of the hardwood, you can set out area rugs. Put the rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways. This reduces damage from heavy foot traffic. Also place rugs under all heavy furniture you place in your home that will be on top of the wood floors. In addition, you want to control the temperature and humidity in the home, since high humidity results in high levels of moisture, which can then lead to mildew and warping of the wood floors.

Refinish Them as Needed

While wood floors will last a long time, they won't last forever. You need to refinish the wood floors eventually, which allows you to improve their appearance and seal them without having to completely replace the floors. Refinishing hardwood floors starts with cleaning them thoroughly, and then sanding them. Sanding is important because it gives you a smooth surface to start with. After sanding, you will then stain the floors and apply a sealant to protect the hardwood surface. Make sure the sealant is completely dry before you step on the floors or put down furniture. If you find the task too overwhelming, consider hiring a professional for floor sanding and staining.