Hardwood Flooring Maintenance and Care

Hardwood floors are a timeless investment that add beauty and value to your home, but they need a little love to keep them looking their best. From solid to engineered to prefinished hardwood, each type has its own unique care requirements. Whether you’re dealing with oak, maple, or something more exotic, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your floors in top shape. Let’s dive into some practical tips and tricks for maintaining your hardwood floors so they stay beautiful for years to come!

General Maintenance Guidelines

Daily Care

• Sweeping: A quick sweep goes a long way. Use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop daily to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches.

• Vacuuming: For a deeper clean, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-brush attachment. This helps you reach those sneaky gaps between planks where dust likes to hide.

• Avoid Water: Hardwood floors and water are not friends. Spills should be wiped up immediately, and wet mops or steam cleaners should be avoided at all costs—excess moisture can warp your beautiful floors.

Weekly Care

• Damp Mopping: Once a week, give your floors a more thorough clean with a slightly damp (not wet!) microfiber mop. Pair it with a pH-neutral cleaner that’s specifically formulated for wood floors. Remember, less is more when it comes to water!

• Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your floors for any signs of wear, scratches, or damage. Catching these early means you can fix them before they become bigger problems.

Seasonal Care

• Humidity Control: Hardwood floors are like Goldilocks—they like things “just right.” Keep indoor humidity levels between 35-55% to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting.

• Furniture Protection: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching. This small step can save you from a lot of heartache down the line!

General Care Tips

Your hardwood floors are more than just a surface to walk on—they’re a statement piece in your home. Here are some easy ways to keep them looking their best:

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum your hardwood floors regularly using a hard surface attachment to remove dust and prevent scratches. A word of caution: Avoid vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head, including some robotic vacuums. These can damage the finish over time.

• Cleaning Products: Thanks to regular vacuuming or sweeping, the need for additional cleaning products is minimal. When you do use a cleaner, opt for a hardwood-specific, non-oil-based cleaner. And remember: apply the cleaner to a mop or hand towel—never pour it directly onto the floor!

• Avoid Harmful Cleaners: Say no to floor cleaners containing wax or acrylic polish. These can cause permanent damage and leave your floor looking dull.

• Spill Management: Accidents happen, but when they do, be quick to wipe up spills. This prevents moisture damage and keeps your floor looking fresh.

• Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats outside and inside entrances to catch dirt and sand before they reach your floors. But avoid rubber or dense mat backings that can trap moisture.

• Kitchen Protection: In high-traffic areas like the kitchen, consider placing area rugs or mats near sinks, dishwashers, and workstations to protect against spills and stains.

• Furniture Protection: Regularly check and clean the felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches from built-up dirt.

• Rolling Chairs: For rolling chairs, opt for ones with soft polyurethane or rubber casters. Use protective mats under these chairs and keep the casters clean to avoid scratching.

• Heavy Objects: When moving heavy furniture or appliances, protect your floors by placing items on a reversed mat and sliding them smoothly. For larger items, lay down ¼” plywood.

• Be Cautious with Shoes: Watch out for pointed objects like spiked heels or sports shoes. These can scratch or even dent the floor’s finish.

• Maintain Humidity Levels: During the heating season, keep the relative humidity between 30-50% to prevent the wood from drying out or swelling. This is especially important in winter when indoor air tends to be drier.

• Sunlight Exposure: Like any good diva, hardwood floors can be sensitive to sunlight. Protect them from direct sunlight and intense artificial lighting to minimize discoloration. Moving furniture and rugs occasionally can help reduce color contrasts.

• Pet Care: Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to avoid scratching the floor. Also, wipe their paws when they come in from outside to prevent dirt from being tracked in.

Things to Avoid

• Never pour cleaner or any liquid directly onto the floor. This can seep into the wood and cause swelling or warping.

• Avoid using wet mops that leave excess water on the hardwood. This can cause the wood to swell and potentially warp.

• Do not use wax, oil-based detergents, or household cleaning agents on your floors unless specified. They can dull the finish or create a slippery surface.

• Avoid steam cleaners on your hardwood flooring. The high heat and moisture can cause significant damage.

Floor Repair

Even with the best care, life happens, and your floor may get a scratch or two. Here’s how to handle it:

• Light Scratches: These are usually just on the surface and can be easily fixed with a staining touch-up pen that matches your floor’s color.

• Deeper Scratches: For more significant scratches, use colored putty or stain, level it with a putty knife, and wipe off the excess.

• Deep Scratches or Gouges: If the damage is extensive, plank replacement might be necessary. It’s a good idea to keep some spare planks on hand for such situations.

Maintaining hardwood floors is not just about cleaning; it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your home looking its best. By following these care and maintenance tips, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors for years to come. And remember, when in doubt, call in the pros at Reddy’s Hardwood Flooring for expert advice and service!