8 Tips For Protecting And Maintaining Your Hardwood Floors
You have invested money, and maybe some sweat equity, into your brand new floors so it makes sense that you would want to keep them looking shiny and new for as long as possible.
Never had hardwoods before? New to home ownership? Thinking carpet was probably an easier choice already? Fear no more! With these 8 simple tips, and some consistency, you can keep your floors looking just as great as they day you, or someone else, installed them.
#1 Speaking of Consistency
The best way to take care of your new purchase is to make it a daily habit to sweep or vacuum them. A quick trip around with a broom to take away the daily build up prevents larger build-ups of dust, dirt, pet hair and dander. Regular cleaning of your floors can make a very large difference over time.
#2 Clean Up Spills
Accidents, and life, happen. And that’s ok, but if there is a spill on your floor clean it up right away. This will prevent any moisture from the spill from leaking in between the boards of your gorgeous new floor and will stop any warping or separating of the planks.
#3 Purchase an Area Rug . . . or two
You just got new floors, and you want to show them off, but if you want to make them last, it is highly recommended to purchase a couple of area rugs and put them in areas of high traffic and where outside debris is most likely to come indoors. Areas such as entranceways are very likely to have small stones and dirt travel in on shoes and can cause scratches in the surface of your floors. Our living rooms are where we tend to spend a lot of time – watching tv, chatting with family, playing with the kids – and furniture can be moved or shifted during every day living. If items like a couch or coffee table are over an area rug and they shift, it is less likely there will be scratches or damage to your floor.
#4 Don’t Mop
Yes, that’s right: don’t mop those beautiful brand new floors you have. Mopping, and general cleaning products, can actually dull the finish of your floors. Instead, if you appreciate a deeper clean there are products designed to specifically clean hardwood floors, and you should find the one that is right for your finish. There are three main kinds of finishes: surface finishes, wax and acrylic impregnated. If you are not sure which type you purchased you can contact the manufacturer to find out what is recommend for your finish.