5 Easy Ways to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

Keeping your hardwood floors looking nice doesn't need to be a time consuming and expensive task. That being said, you will need to put in some regular effort to ensure that they last a long time and look good while doing so. Here's how you can help:

1. Prevention is Key

Help your hardwood floors last longer by protecting them from scratches. Make sure all your furniture has felt pads on the bottom so you don’t accidentally scratch your floor when you rearrange the room. Make judicious use of rugs in those areas that get a lot of traffic, such as entryways. Place rugs in front of sinks, too, so they can catch any moisture. Be sure to carefully clean your floor before putting down a new rug to prevent dirt and debris from being trapped underneath, which can cause scratches.

2. Clean Regularly

Use a broom to sweep your hardwood floors at least once a week. Dirt that builds up can scratch rivets in your hardwood floor that can deepen over time. In order to remove the dirt that builds up in between your floor boards, use a vacuum without a spinning brush. Otherwise, the bristles may cause damage to your floor.

3. Use Specialized Cleaners

Heel marks, scuffs, and other imperfections are all part of living in a home with hardwood flooring. The key is to address these issues the right way. Generally speaking, regularly sweeping and vacuuming is more than sufficient in keeping nearly all hardwood floors clean. Avoid using wax-based cleaning solutions, or any products that contain water or bleach, as these can damage your flooring.

Only use cleaners that have been designed specifically for cleaning hardwood floors. Following the directions carefully, clean your floors about once a week. Using a specialized cleaner ensures that you won't accidentally damage your hardwood floors or the finish either.

4. Clean Spills Promptly

Crumbs and spilled liquids can stain and warp your hardwood floors and damage them beyond repair. Be sure to wipe up any and all spills as soon as possible after they occur. Use a damp sponge or cloth to do so, ensuring that you dry the area thoroughly afterward.

5. Refinish

A hardwood floor that is heavily damaged and scratched is difficult to maintain easily. In this case, it is best to have it refinished first before you tackle regular maintenance using the steps above.

UB Hardwoods offers a selection of hardwood flooring as well as services like refinishing. Contact us today to learn more.