How to Maintain Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are luxurious, adaptable, and durable, which explains why they’re a popular choice for many modern homes. When properly cared for, hardwood floors can last many lifetimes. Don’t wait until it’s too late to keep your hardwoods looking their best. With some light maintenance, your hardwoods will impress your guests for years to come.
- Sweep. Grit and hardwood floors don’t get along. Sweep at least once a week with a machine washable, microfiber pad to remove dust and dirt before it can scratch your floor’s finish.
- Don’t use oil-based soaps or abrasive cleansers. Non-toxic floor cleaners leave your hardwood floors sparkling without leaving a greasy residue. Oily, abrasive cleaners will dull your floor’s appearance. The popular DIY cleaning solution of vinegar and water will also dull your floors. Keep these away from your hardwoods.
- Use area rugs. In high-traffic areas, area rugs will help collect grit and protect your floor from the constant use. Place area rugs in entryways, hallways, and other heavily-trafficked areas. Click here to read our post on area rug tips. Use natural rubber rug underlayments with the waffle pattern so the rugs don’t slip when stepped on.
- Polish. Keep your floors looking shiny by polishing them every 2-3 months, or less if you don’t have a lot of traffic in and out of your home.
- Refinish. Every 5 years, your hardwoods could use a good sanding and refinishing.