Wood floors are a sought after commodity for both homeowners and designers. This flooring material is durable, long lasting and it increases the value of your home. Aesthetically pleasing, wood floors come in many different styles and shades making it easy to match to multiple design themes. Upkeep is relatively simple, but it is necessary in order to keep the flooring from losing its glossy sheen.
Proper Cleaning
The key to keeping your floors looking new is to avoid using an excessive amount of liquid. Instead, opt for dry dusting, sweeping and vacuuming your floors regularly. If spills occur, clean up using a dry rag to soak up the majority of the liquid before using a damp cloth to wipe away any stickiness.
Save yourself from unnecessary labor by using area rugs and entryway rugs to assist in grabbing any extra dust and dirt that may be carried in on shoes or from kids and pets. Rugs will also cut down on dander and pet hair.
Protection
Although wood floors are extremely durable, they do experience wear and tear from items like furniture and certain types of shoes. To avoid scratching the surface, put specialized floor pads on the legs and chairs of all furniture. These pads keep the furniture from scratching the floor if it gets bumped or pushed.
It’s also necessary to avoid any shoes that that have a point, like stilettos, certain types of boots and metal-bottomed cleats. These types of footwear can scratch and scuff the floor, sometimes damaging it beyond repair. A good rule of thumb: if it makes a clicking sound when you walk, take them off at the door.
Time to Refinish
If your floors start looking dull, try a cleaner designed for your particular type of wood flooring. It’s important that the cleaner is made for your flooring type to avoid any permanent damage.
If the cleaner is unsuccessful in adding any shine back into your floors, then contact a local NWFA certified professional for an assessment. They will be able to tell you if there is any damage or if the floors simply need to be refinished.