Hardwood Floor Maintenance

The best form of hardwood floor maintenance is protection – protection against scratches, dust and dirt, spills, and products that are inappropriate for use on your hardwood floor.  Maintaining your floor is very easy just by following these simple tips.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance1. Protect It From Harm

Placing throw rugs in front of sinks, the refrigerator, and any doors leading outside can go a long way to keeping your floors smooth and scratch-free.  High traffic areas are also ideal for protective rugs.  Furniture, especially dining room chairs and other pieces that are moved around frequently, should have felt pads on the bottom of the legs to prevent scratching as well.   

2. Keep It Clean

To help keep your hardwood floors looking their best and give them longer life, go over them regularly with a dust mop or vacuum wand with a bristle head attached.  The simple act of walking over sand and grit that has been allowed to remain on your floor can cause scratches in your floors.  Wiping up spills as soon as they occur, not giving them time to set, also goes a long way to keeping your floor like new.  If the mess on the floor requires more than just a quick dry mop or vacuum, use a sponge mop with a mild cleaner diluted with water, making sure to wring out the excess water to avoid puddling on the floor. 

3. Don’t Use The Wrong Thing

Using products on your hardwood floor that don’t belong there can actually make maintaining your floor more difficult.  Products that shouldn’t be used on hardwood floors include

  • Oil soap
  • Paste wax
  • Solvent-based cleaners
  • Pine-based cleaners
  • Vinegar
  • Ammonia

Maintaining the look and feel of your hardwood floor doesn’t have to be a burden. Remember the three steps for better hardwood floor maintenance and your floors will look as good as the first day they were installed.     


 

California State Contractors Lic. # 602002 Class, C-15