How to Maintain Wooden Flooring

Many house owners prefer to have hardwood floors at home, for the elegant look and healthy environment. Moreover, these floorings are quite durable and require very simple and inexpensive maintenance. However, homemakers need to have definite ideas of taking care of their wooden flooring, to retain the original grandeur of the hardwood. In this way, they can enhance the longevity of their floors and do not need replacement in many years.

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Cleaning procedure of wooden floor – The smooth surface of a wooden floor can be cleaned daily just by sweeping with a brush having soft bristles. A vacuum cleaner may also be used for eliminating all dust and dirt particles from the floor surface. If needed, the hardwood floor should be gently mopped using a microfiber mop or pad and a floor-cleaning solution.

Clear up all stains immediately – If water or any other liquid accidentally spills on the wooden floor surface, it should be wiped off instantly with a clean and soft cloth to prevent the formation of stains. However, the wet mop should not be used for this purpose, as stains of water may be left behind. A steam mop is also considered unfit here, as the heat of steam can damage the wooden flooring.

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Repairing scratches and dents – Usually, it is advised to attach protector pads to the points of heavy furniture pieces that rest on the floor surface, to avoid scratches. Moreover, no heavyweight object should be dragged over the wooden floor, to prevent damage to the wood planks. It is best to wheel heavy furniture items or simply picked up manually and placed at the desired spots. However, the original look of wooden flooring can be restored by refinishing the surface with a few coatings of polish or lacquer. A light sanding after every 3 – 5 years may be effective in repairing minor scratches and regaining the lost grandeur.

Protective measures to prevent damage – As excess humidity can change the dimensions of wooden planks; the use of a humidifier is effective in lessening the atmospheric moisture content to a great extent. If a person walks with high heels on a wooden floor, the pointed heels may cause deep scratches on this surface. The sharp nails of pet animals may crease dents on wooden floors, for which their nails should be trimmed regularly. The placement of rugs at the entrance ways and carpets in rooms can keep hardwood floors cleaner for a longer time. Any sticky substance should be allowed to harden and then eliminated with a plastic scraper.

All these maintenance measures help homeowners to keep wooden flooring in the best condition for many decades.