We’ve
all seen those home remodeling shows where they rip up the carpet and
underneath are gorgeous gleaming hardwood floors. While any new homeowner hopes
to be surprised by this sort of beauty, well-maintained hardwood floors
generally require a bit more work than these shows would have you believe. Your
everyday actions can have long-term effects on your flooring, so prevention is
key. Be aware and fight against potential hazards in your home. Here are the
dangers you need to be aware of and how to protect your hardwood floors.
Scratches
Despite
its name, hardwood isn’t as tough as it sounds! Scratches to the surface of
your hardwood floors can permanently mar their appearance, so it’s important to
be vigilant against the sources of scratches. Most offenders are a part of your
everyday routine, so it’s important to be aware of and counteract their
potential for damage.
Protect
Against It
Hardwood
floors can be scratched by any number of items. Furniture, pet claws, shoes,
and even the vacuum cleaner can leave unwanted marks on the surface of your
hardwood floors. To prevent this, implement the following preventive practices
into your daily routine:
- Place
pads under all furniture legs - Use
area rugs in your decor - Keep
pet nails properly manicured - Use
the vacuum only with the beater bar turned off - When
moving furniture, lift rather than sliding or dragging - Do
not wear high heeled shoes (or any shoes) on your hardwood floors - Place
protective mats in areas with high traffic
Water
Hardwood
flooring is made up of individual planks, which means that no matter how well
the flooring is installed, there is space in between each plank. When properly
maintained, these gaps are minimal. But, if the flooring is exposed to excess
moisture, the planks can begin to warp and gap. To prevent this, you’ll need to
actively fight against the collection of water and other moisture on your
floor. Here are a few ways to do so.
Protect
Against It
It’s
impossible to eliminate all exposure to moisture, but whenever possible, try to
keep your floors free from puddling. Wet shoes and pet water bowls should be
kept on protective mats. When cleaning your floors, use a mop with as little
moisture as possible. If there is any residue left behind on the floors, clean
it up with a dry rag. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Doing so will help
prevent warping and staining. Never steam clean your hardwood floors.
Improper
Cleaning
Hardwood
floors, like any other type of flooring, require occasional deep cleaning. When
you decide to use a cleaning product on your hardwood floor, it’s vital that
you choose a solution that is appropriate for hardwood flooring. Improper
cleaning materials or methods can seriously damage the appearance of your
floors.
Protect
Against It
Harsh
chemicals like bleach should never be used on your hardwood flooring. Ammonia,
vinegar, and wax-based cleaners can cause your floor’s finish to become dull or
cloudy, so it’s best to avoid these as well. On top of your regularly scheduled
DIY cleanings, have your floors professionally cleaned and refinished whenever
necessary. Proper maintenance will prevent the need to completely strip, sand,
and refinish your floors.
Your
hardwood floors are an investment, and we’re here to help you protect them.
Braxton’s team of flooring experts can help you clean and maintain your
hardwood floors to keep them looking new for years to come. Contact Braxton Cleaning Solutions to learn more about our
cleaning and preservation process for hardwood flooring.
www.braxtoncleaningsolutions.com
| Northern Kentucky Floor Care / Carpet, Hardwood, and Tile
Original
Blog Source: https://springerfloorcare.com/things-that-can-destroy-hardwood-floors-how-to-protect-against-them/
