Hardwood Flooring – Routine Care and Maintenance Guide

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Hardwood floors add warmth, elegance, and timeless beauty to any home. To ensure your hardwood floors retain luster and charm for years to come, it’s essential to implement a routine care and maintenance plan. Proper maintenance not only enhances the appearance of your hardwood floors but also extends their lifespan. Here’s your ultimate guide to ongoing upkeep for your hardwood floors:

1. Regular Cleaning Routine:

• Vacuum, sweep, or dust mop your floor at least once a week, or more frequently if needed.
• Use a vacuum head with a brush or felt and a wand attachment. Avoid vacuums with beater bars or hard heads.
• For the best maintenance, consider investing in a hardwood floor-specific swivel-head mop with a terry cloth cover to eliminate fine particles of grit and dirt that can act like sandpaper on hardwood floors.

2. Immediate Spill Cleanup:

• Spills and tracked in dirt should be wiped up immediately to prevent stains and damage
• For spot cleaning, apply a no-wax wood floor cleaner onto a clean cloth and rub it onto the spot.

3. Periodic Deep Cleaning:

• Thoroughly clean the floor with a no-wax wood floor cleaner and a swivel head mop with a terry cloth cover as necessary.
• Avoid allowing the excess cleaner to remain on the floor’s surface, as it may damage the wood fibers.

4. Prevention Measures:

• To best ensure upkeep in your hardwood floors, use interior and exterior doormats at all entrances to collect dirt and moisture and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor.
• Place area rugs in high-traffic areas and in front of kitchen sinks. Avoid rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings to prevent moisture entrapment.

5. Avoid Eater Damage:

• Never clean or wet mop with water, as it may permanently damage the floor.

6. Avoid Harmful Products:

• Avoid using products such as ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials like vinegar, as they can damage the floor’s finish.

7. Prevent Scratches:

• Keep animal nails trimmed to minimize scratches.
• Avoid walking on wood floors with spike or stiletto heels, and use furniture leg protector pads under all furniture.

8. Heavy Object Movement:

• Do not roll or slide heavy objects directly on the floor. Use protective coverings and “walk” heavy items across the floor to prevent surface compression scratches.

9. Maintain Relative Humidity:

• Keep the relative humidity in your home between 35% and 55% to prevent warping and damage to the wood.

10. Sunlight Protection:

• Protect your floor from direct sunlight by using curtains with UV-resistant film on large glass doors and windows.
• Move area rugs occasionally to prevent uneven discoloration.

Maintaining the beauty and integrity of hardwood floors requires diligence and proper care. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can enjoy the timeless appeal of your hardwood floors for years to come. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your cleaning supplies, and let’s keep those hardwood floors looking pristine.

Our knowledgeable and educated staff is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Please call us today for a free quote: Ph# 406.642.7120 or click here to submit an inquiry online. We look forward to working with you on your next project!

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