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Wood Floor Maintenance Guide
Maintaining the beauty of your wood floors requires proper care and preventive maintenance. Here are essential steps to keep your hardwood floors looking elegant and well-preserved:
Preventive Maintenance
- Use Protective Mats
- Place walk-off mats at exterior doors to prevent sand and grit from damaging the floor. Consider using a rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch spills and splashes.
- Furniture Floor Protectors
- Install proper protectors on furniture legs to prevent scratching and make movement smooth. Regularly clean the protectors to remove embedded grit.
- Regular Vacuuming
- Use a soft-bristle brush attachment for effective cleaning. Avoid household dust treatments containing oils as they can harm the floor. Sweep the floor as needed.
- Avoid Wet Mopping
- Excessive water can cause wood to expand and potentially damage the flooring. Remember that finishes protect the stain and face of the wood; they are not bonding or waterproofing products.
- High-Heeled Shoe Care
- Heels that have lost their protective cap, thus exposing the fastening nail, will exert over 8,000 pounds per square inch of pressure on a floor. That’s high enough to damage any type of floor covering.
Cleaning Your Floors
- Avoid Harsh Products
- Refrain from using furniture dusting products, oil soaps, or other harsh cleaning products.
- Restrict Cleaning for the First Month
- Do not use water or any cleaning substances during the first month on your floor.
- Prompt Spill Cleanup
- Wipe up spills immediately using a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent staining or damage.
- Refrain from Waxing
- Finished floors should never be waxed, as it may hinder recoating in the future.
- Document Products Used
- Keep a record of the products used to finish and clean your wood floors for future reference.
By following these maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you can protect and preserve your hardwood floors for years to come. Invest in the beauty of your floors with proper care and maintenance.