How to love your floors through the years
Your floors have spent countless hours with you pacing the night to get a fussy baby to sleep. Potty training a puppy. Having your husband slide around in his socks on a Sunday morning to play hide and seek. You replace your sofa when you get tired of it but your floors are with you for all the stages of life. Take care of your hardwood floors. They involve regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques to ensure their longevity and beauty. Here are some essential tips for caring for beloved hardwood floors:
DAILY CARE
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Avoid vacuums with beater bars as they can scratch the wood.
Clean Spills Promptly: Immediately wipe up spills with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
WEEKLY CARE
Damp Mopping: Use a well-wrung mop dampened with a hardwood floor cleaner specifically formulated for your type of finish. Avoid using excessive water, as standing water can damage wood floors.
Microfiber Cleaning: Microfiber mops or cloths are gentle and effective for cleaning hardwood floors without leaving streaks or residue.
MONTHLY CARE
Deep Cleaning: Periodically deep clean your hardwood floors using a wood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. This helps remove dirt buildup and restores shine.
Polishing (if applicable): If your hardwood floors have a glossy finish, consider applying a hardwood floor polish to renew the shine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
* If you have a housekeeper, make sure you are on the same page with all the cleaning products the both of you use so there are no issues!
GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS
Use Furniture Protectors: Place felt pads or furniture glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches and gouges when moving them.
Trim Pet Nails: 80% of us Americans have pets! Keep your pets' nails trimmed to minimize scratches on the hardwood floors.
Avoid High Heels and Sharp Objects: Encourage family members and guests to remove high-heeled shoes and avoid walking on hardwood floors with sharp or damaging objects. This is one of the reasons why having ‘house shoes’ and outside shoes’ is done in all the rest of the world!
Use Rugs and Mats: Place rugs or mats at entryways and high-traffic areas to trap dirt and moisture, reducing wear on the hardwood floors. You know we are going to want to put as many rugs down as you let us!
ADDITIONAL TIPS:Restorative wood polish does wonders, doesn’t it!
Maintain Humidity Levels: Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Use a humidifier in dry seasons and a dehumidifier in humid conditions to keep moisture levels stable.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your hardwood floors for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or gaps between boards. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
By following these care tips, you can preserve the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors for years to come. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for specific recommendations tailored to your type of hardwood flooring and finish.
We HAD to share this picture of Ben Suer who owns Diamond Wood Floors and is our favorite flooring company. He is always down for a new idea or a simple classic install. We love Ben and his team! If he’s going to be on his hands and knees making you the perfect floor you best take care of it!! Click HERE to see his work!
XOXO-
Brit
