As anyone who’s ever had a
hardwood floor in the home will no doubt agree, keeping it looking good can be a constant battle. And when they often cost a great deal to put in, it’s a battle you have to put everything into. Here’s some good advice on how to look after you hardwood floor so that it lasts as long as possible:
Cleaning
Avoid using wet mops on the floor as they will over time take off the finish. Instead, try sweeping with a soft broom or a special dust mop. If you want to hoover the floor then be sure to use an attachment suitable for hardwood floors so you don’t pick up any unsightly scratches.
Spills
If left undealt with, spills of any type of liquid, even plain water, can stain your floor, so if you notice one then clean it up straightaway. Use a soft cloth, either dry or just slightly damp and ensure you get it all up.
Footwear
This may sound like stating the obvious, but some types of footwear can be seriously bad news for hardwood flooring – think high heels and studded sportswear. Make a point of removing them at the front door.
Furniture
Heavy furniture can dent or scratch your floor, so use pads made of felt underneath the legs to prevent that, and be careful when moving furniture around. Remember if you use rubber pads these can discolour the flooring. It’s a good idea also to place rugs near external doors in case any loose stones get into the house, as these can also scratch the floor.
Treatments
Depending on the type of hardwood floor you have, different treatment products are suitable, from surface finishes to wax or acrylic finishes. It’s always best to learn from the company that sold you the flooring which treatment you ought to be using, and if the floor was put in before you moved in, then establish the type of wood you have and go from there. Using the wrong type of treatment can at best make it ineffective, at worst damage the floor.
