Combat Common Hardwood Floor Destroyers
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/