How To Care For Your Hardwood Floor
Date Added: December 05, 2007 04:44:53 PM
Hardwood floors are not an install and forget it kind of flooring. If you want them to last you need to maintain them. They are made from organic materials (wood) that decay and degrade over time. Take a stroll through the woods and watch what happens to the fallen trees over time.
Time can take its toll on hardwood floors so you should take some measures to protect them. When properly cared for, hardwood flooring can be beautiful for a long time. Now I will take a few minutes to cover some basic care tips.
First don’t expose your hardwood flooring to excessive sunlight. This means protect them if they are located near large windows by installing shades, blinds or sheer curtains. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can have damaging effects on hardwood flooring over time so protecting them from prolonged exposure to sunlight can extend their life.
If you have furniture placed on hardwoods, be careful with how you place the furniture. Never drag heavy furniture over the surface of hardwoods. This can scratch and damage the surface. Move furniture by lifting and placing it. If it is to heavy or bulky to handle by yourself get help to move it. It only takes one attempt at dragging furniture across hardwoods to scar the surface which will require repair work.
Remember that hardwood surfaces and liquids to not get along. If you spill anything on the surface of hardwoods, wipe it up immediately and completely. Letting spills sit on the floor will cause staining or even cupping in some cases. Neither of these outcomes is good.
Sweeping your hardwood floors regularly will also go a long way to extending their beauty and life. Use equipment that is designed for hardwood surfaces. This means a broom with exploded bristles which will effectively clean the dust up. Using the wrong kind of cleaning equipment can leave more dirt behind than was originally there. Dirt is abrasive and when walked on can eventually dull the finish of hardwoods.
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful option for your floors, but you need to be responsible for its care and cleaning. When properly cared for hardwoods can last and provide a beautiful surface for a very long time.
