These tips will help you keep your hardwood floors looking great
If they’re kept in good shape, hardwood floors instantly add value to any home. They’re also more aesthetically pleasing, even if you aren’t planning on selling your place any time soon. However, on the flip side of things, if you don’t put the time and care into maintaining your hardwood floors, they can quickly become an eyesore.
Taking care of hardwood floors doesn’t have to take up all of your time. If you’re consistent about cleaning them and protecting them, a little bit of work can go a long way.
Keep Your Hardwood Floors Clean
When it comes to keeping your hardwood floors looking their best, you of course want to keep them clean. If water or any other type of liquid or sticky substance spills onto your floor, wipe it up immediately to help prevent any long term damage to your floors, such as staining or warping. Additionally, even if you aren’t regularly spilling things on your floor, you should still be giving them a solid sweep once or twice a week to keep them looking nice. Microfiber mops are a great option, but you’ll want to beware of using any products that have additives, such as acrylic wax, which can actually end up creating a residue buildup on your floors rather than cleaning them.
Use a Hardwood Floor Cleaner
While dusting and sweeping are essential tasks for keeping a hardwood floor clean, using a hardwood floor cleaner is another way that you can add an extra-deep clean to your flooring. Hardwood floor cleaners shouldn’t be used more frequently than once a month, and you’ll want to be sure to use one that won’t lead to a residue buildup or damage the floor’s coloring. When trying out a new floor cleaner, always test a small area of the floor before applying the product to your entire home.
Implement a No-Shoes Policy in Your Home
It’s important to tread lightly on hardwood floors, so setting up a no-shoes rule in your home is a fantastic way to help keep your flooring from being the recipient of scuffs, scratches, and excess dirt. By only walking on your hardwood floors with bare feet, you’ll be able to keep them looking their best for years.
Cover Your Hardwood Floors with Rugs
If going shoeless isn’t a possibility in your home, or if you simply don’t want to go through the hassle of taking your shoes off every time you go in and out of your house, then investing in some rugs is an alternative solution that will help keep your floors protected. Throw down rugs on the highest-traffic areas of your home to add an extra layer of coverage to spaces like hallways, entryways, and living rooms.
Don’t Let Furniture Scratch Your Floors
Along with shoes, furniture can cause some lasting damage to hardwood floors. Never drag furniture across hardwood floors, as that can cause scraping. Additionally, when you place furniture down onto hardwood floors, it’s a good idea to use furniture pads beneath the piece’s feet to protect your floor both while the furniture is stationary, and when it is moved.
Consider Waxing Your Hardwood Floors
There can be a lot of benefits to waxing your hardwood floors, including increased stain resistance and prolonged floor life. In addition, a properly executed floor waxing can boost the floor’s aesthetic appearance, as well as minimize scratches, dings, and scuffs by fading the damage.
Maintain a Cool Temperature Environment
Hardwood floors do best when kept within 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye on the humidity level, as too much humidity can cause warping and gapping. Installing a thermostat can help you regulate your home’s temperature year-round. While you don’t need to worry about brief fluctuations in temperature, long-term heat or humidity will be a problem.
The Final Say
There are a number of ways that you can protect your hardwood floors, and depending on your lifestyle and availability, you’ll have to come up with a plan that works for you. Whether it’s sweeping twice a week and throwing down some rugs or doing a deep clean and having it professionally waxed, caring for your hardwood floors is the best way to keep them looking their best no matter how old they are.
Resources— Real Simple, Bob Vila, House Beautiful
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