Every season brings new problems for your wood floors. We need to maintain wooden floors to preserve it much more longer.Winter comes with snow, ice, spring brings rain and dirt, summer adds on chlorine and salt water, and fall brings more dirt and leaves. Despite all the upkeep, though, wood floors are simply too stunning to skip.
Here are some tips to maintain wooden floors:
• Use felt pads or sliders
Place felt pads or sliders under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. This is especially important for new floors. Sliding heavy furniture across wood can cause deep grooves.
• Sweep or vacuum regularly
Sweep wooden floors with a broom or dust mop attachment regularly to prevent built-up grit that can scratch the wood. Vacuum more frequently for high-traffic areas.
• Prevent spills immediately
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent damage. Use a damp mop or cloth, not a wet one. Microfibre cloths and mops are excellent for absorbing spills without leaving streaks.
• Mop with wood floor cleaner
Use a damp mop or cloth and a wood floor cleaner or diluted white vinegar solution. Never soak the floors with liquid as this can damage the wood.
• Consider wood floor wax
For high-traffic areas or smooth, polished floors, wood floor wax provides protection against scratches and wear. Re-apply as directed, usually every few months. Wax seals the wood grain.
• Use protective pads
Placing protective pads under the legs of chairs will prevent scratches to floors when chairs are dragged across the surface. Felt pads are best for laminate floors but metal sliders can work for hardwood floors.
• Limit use of rubber-backed mats
Rubber-backed mats hold moisture and chemicals against the floor which can cause damage. Non-slip pads, area rugs with wood or felt backing are better options. Remove boots at the door to avoid excess grit.
• Periodically re-sand and re-finish
For unfinished hardwood floors, light re-sanding and re-application of floor finish provides protection. As the wood wears, additional coats of finish help maintain it. Refinishing also hides minor scratches. Seek professional refinishing for heavily worn floors.
• Refinish/Re-polish
Professional refinishing consists of sanding old finish and applying new coats of stain or paint if needed, followed by multiple coats of floor finish. This fully restores the look but does more damage.
