By Lizzie Weakly
Hardwood floors are an investment in your home, and they should be taken care of accordingly. With the right maintenance and cleaning routine, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful for years to come. Here are five tips you can use to care for your hardwood floors.
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
One of the most important steps in caring for your hardwood floors is keeping them free of dirt and debris. A simple broom or vacuum cleaner will do the trick. Be sure to use a soft-bristled broom or brush attachment on your vacuum to avoid scratching the wood. Additionally, make sure that you clean up any spills immediately using a soft cloth.
Clean with Mild Soap and Water
If you need to deep clean your hardwood floors, try using a mild soap diluted in warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the finish on your flooring over time. Once you’ve cleaned with soap and water, dry off any excess liquid with a soft cloth or towel. If there are still spots remaining, use a little bit of vinegar on the spot and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with another damp cloth.
Use Furniture Protectors
Using furniture protectors is an easy way to protect both your flooring and furniture from scratches and dents. Place furniture protectors underneath all legs of heavy furniture such as couches, tables, chairs, etc., so that they don’t scratch or scrape against your floors when moved around. Hardwood floors are particularly vulnerable during times of renovation or construction; if possible, cover them up with plastic sheeting during these projects as well as when painting walls nearby.
Avoid Exposure to Sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause fading on any type of wood surface over time due to ultraviolet radiation contained within the light itself. Whenever possible, try to keep curtains closed over windows that get direct sunlight throughout the day so that fading is minimized. In addition, move area rugs around occasionally so that no one spot gets more exposure than another; this helps even out any potential discoloration due to sunlight exposure over time (and also keeps one side from becoming too worn down).
Refinish Every Few Years
Refinish your hardwood floors every few years (approximately three times per decade) so that their shine stays intact without losing durability from everyday foot traffic wear-and-tear . Because refinishing is somewhat involved process—it requires sanding down existing layers of finish before applying new ones—it’s best left up to professional contractors who know what they’re doing and have the right tools necessary for job completion safely and effectively.
Taking care of hardwood floors may seem like an intimidating task at first, but it doesn't have to be! With regular sweeping/vacuuming combined with occasional deep cleans using mild soap and water solutions (followed by drying!), along with adding furniture protectors and avoiding direct sunlight exposure wherever possible, taking good care of your hardwood flooring becomes much easier over time. Additionally, make sure you're getting them professionally refinished every few years -- this will help maintain their beautiful luster while also preserving their longevity. Following these steps will ensure that your hardwood floors stay looking beautiful for years to come!
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball. Looking to work with a brokerage in Michigan? Weakley recommends contacting The Stockton Team.
