Part of ensuring your hardwood floors remain as beautiful as the day they were first installed is constant vigilance.
Part of ensuring your hardwood floors remain as beautiful as the day they were first installed is constant vigilance. That constant attention should take the form of regular maintenance; but all the same, that maintenance should be done as carefully as possible. Here are some of our favorite tips for how to take care of your hardwood floors the right way.
Make Sure Your Hardwood Floors Are Clean
First things first, you should make sure that your hardwood floors are kept clean as often as possible. If you have pets, clean up after them (especially since cat litter can sink into the wood and degrade it). Sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming all work, especially to keep dust, dirt, and even sand off of your floors. Your kids and pets might track in a lot of the outside world, so these tasks might just have to be an everyday ordeal.
Be sure to use the setting that is intended for bare floors, though. If you use what is known as a beater bar, you might end up doing even more damage to your hardwood floors by accident. Although these basic measures help, keep in mind that it’s for the best if you keep to a weekly cleaning schedule when it comes to wiping your floor down with a damp mop or cloth; this method ensures any residual dirt is captured. Occasionally, you should also use a cleaning fluid specifically formulated for use on hardwood floors. Don’t use soapy water or wet mops on your hardwood floors; there’s a difference between damp and mop. Know that difference.
Immediately Address Spills
Even though hardwood floors are highly resistant to spill damage, you should still address spills as soon as they happen. Any liquid left to linger on a hardwood floor can cause damage or leave behind permanent staining. A clean, soft cloth is your best bet for doing this cleanup, as it won’t scratch your floors in the process. Sometimes, though, the spill might be tougher to lift than simple water or soda spills. What should you do if paint, oil, ink, or lipstick spilled on your hardwood floors? Try using acetone-based nail polish remover on a soft cloth. That should remove the stain, so once you have done this, get another clean cloth that you have dampened with water to clean up any residual traces of the stain.
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? You Can Trust John K Eareckson & Co.!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come. From a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.