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How to Maintain Your Hardwood

Mar 6, 2018 | 8:36 AM

Regular maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristle broom, and vacuuming with a soft floor attachment if your wood floor includes a beveled edge that could collect debris. Oil soaps should not be used to clean the floors. Excessive grit and foot traffic may affect appearance. A properly finished and maintained wood floor does not accumulate hidden soil or odorous compounds. You also should clean your floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by a wood flooring professional. The best suggestion is to use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products such as Armstrong Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner. 

Immediately Clean Up Spills

Inevitably, accidents will happen and you’ll find yourself starting to panic. Well, stop panicing and start cleaning! The longer a spill stays on your hardwood floor, the more it will soak into the wood and cause lasting damage.

To clean up a spill on hardwood flooring, use a dry cloth. Avoid using pressure as you soak up the spill; this will only rub it deeper into the wood. Instead, allow the cloth to absorb the spilled liquid. Rinse your cloth frequently, and wring out excess moisture before returning to the spill. Once the spilled liquid has been sopped up, use another dry, clean cloth to thoroughly dry the area. If a sticky residue lingers, use a damp mop to clean it off, and follow up with another dry, clean cloth. The key is to take the spill off the floor and get it dry as soon as possible.

Tips:

  • Do NOT use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
  • DO use throw rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt and other debris from being tracked onto your wood floors. This will prevent scratching.
  • DO NOT wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
  • DO wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
  • DO put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Replace these often as dirt and debris can become imbedded on the pad and act like sand paper on the flooring surface.
  • AVOID walking on your wood floors with cleats, sports shoes and high heels. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.
  • DO NOT slide heavy furniture on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture completely to prevent scratches.
  • DO use a humidifier throughout the winter months to minimize gaps or cracks.