Caring for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to homes and businesses. Whether you prefer elegance or traditional styles, hardwood is an excellent choice. In addition to their versatility, wood plank floors improve the visual appeal of a home. Although many property owners believe that wood floors are difficult to care for, there are a few maintenance steps you can take to lengthen the life expectancy and durability of the flooring.

Protective Coatings

The first step begins during installation. Today, most wood flooring, including the high-end monarch plank windsor collection, are already finished with polyurethane. If you have an older home, however, existing flooring may need to be refinished. That coating protects the wood underneath from heavy wear and small amounts of water.

Appropriate Floor Cleaners

The next step is to lightly clean floors with a floor cleaner, specifically designed for hardwoods. This should be done every month or two for the best results. Although it may be tempting to quickly run a mop over the floor, you should begin with a small section of the floor at a time.

Tips for Removing Scuffs

From time to time, there may be scuffs or scratches. Pros have a few tips for handling these accidents. For example, a fuzzy tennis ball buffs out many spots. If there’s heavier residue, a mixture of baking soda and water will do the trick. Be careful with soda, though, because it can be abrasive when applied heavily.

Household Rules

Naturally, a few rules can also keep your floors looking great. Simple rules, such as taking your shoes off while in the house, have long-term benefits. Regularly running a vacuum over the floor will remove a lot of dirt and debris that causes scratches and obvious wear. Finally, get in the habit of cleaning up spills as soon as they happen. Warping from liquids and stains from juices, etc. are serious concerns when it comes to hardwoods.

Eventually, hardwood floors will look aged. When this happens, it’s time to consider refinishing or replacing the floor. Use the steps and tips provided here to postpone dulling and wear as long as possible.