How to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Looking Like New

 

Choosing to install new wooden flooring is a great idea. However, it can cost you a fortune so you should be prepared to take care of it as its repairs and re-installation can be very expensive. Yet, penny is worth it as if take proper care of this flooring solution it will serve you for the years to come. In this article, we have collected some tips for keeping up your hardwood floor at its best condition and how to get the maximum use from it. Read on and check out what you should do on a regular basis to enjoy your floor for longer.

• Cleaning – without a shadow of doubt, this is one of the most important aspects of having your floor looking good. The regular cleaning consists of sweeping the floor as often as possible. Don't forget to pay special attention to places like the kitchen where a lot of dirt and dust are accumulated. If you are not a fan of the broom, vacuum every other day – this is one of the best ways to keep filth at bay. A lot of people make a huge mistake and use vinegar for as a cleaning agent but in reality it can easily damage the surface of your hardwood floor. A reputable flooring company advises that homeowners should never use diluted white vinegar or ammonia for cleaning. The acid can make the finish dull. Another helpful tip to keep in mind is to use a damp mop – wet mopping can damage your hardwood floor. You should wring the mop almost dry so it is just slightly damp. You should avoid harsh chemicals especially if the flooring is treated with finishing top coat. The good news is that there is a very convenient recipe for a homemade cleaning solution. Black tea particularly the tannic acid in tea is perfect for creating a beautiful shine for hardwood flooring. Get 3-4 tea bags and some boiling water and make a solution to keep the surface sparkling.

• Maintenance – try to maintain your hardwood flooring as you go. Don't leave small scratches to become bigger. This simply translates into costlier repair works later at some point. Also, wipe spills right away and clean grimes as they happen to avoid making them stubborn. Try cleaning them with a damp cloth and absorb any excessive moisture with a dry towel. If there are any scrapes they can be sanded down and buffed – by doing this you will save the process of redoing the entire floor. Cloth diapers work well for buffing as they are both soft and absorbent. You should re-apply varnish or staining every a couple of years to keep your floor looking at its best. When you have a solid wood floor staining is a great opportunity to change its colour or hue – it will feel like new without the expenses of installing another flooring. Something to have in mind if you don't have a carpeting in rooms with heavy furniture – use furniture protection pads to avoid scraping the floor when moving them. They are affordable and convenient and will save you a lot of money in the long run. Imagine that you decide to change the coffee table that is in the middle of the living room with a new one – the old one would have left some scratches on the floor unless you have used furniture protection pads for the legs of the table.

• Everyday care – there are some things that you should know. For example, the ideal temperature for wood flooring is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius with a 30-50% humidity level. If you keep your thermostat in that range you will decrease the chances of planks buckling and gapping that are a result of drastic changes in the heat and moisture. You are advised to take off your shoes before walking over your wood flooring and wear slippers to prevent any unnecessary dents and scrapes from happening. As we already mentioned, adding carpeting is a smart move. They act like a cosy addition to any home décor. They can keep your floor from discolouration caused by the sunlight. If you are not a fan of carpets you can install blinds that will limit the UV exposure your floor gets.

An interesting fact is that is a hardwood floor is maintained properly they can serve for more than 100 years. If you want this lifetime investment better seek expert help and advice whenever you notice worn areas. With appropriate daily care, you will enjoy the timeless looks of wood for the years to come!