Maintaining your Hardwood Floors
Posted by Lyndsey Walker on Mon, Nov 03, 2008 @ 09:56 AM
In maintaining your hardwood floors, it is important to give them the attention they require. If neglected long enough, the finish can wear away, and the dirt and moisture from everyday life can damage the wood. Here are some tips for keeping your floors looking like new.
- Make sure you clean up any mess, spills or debris, right away.
- Use a rug to cover your heavier traffic areas.
- Sweep or vacuum every 2-3 days to keep unwanted dust and dirt from settling.
- If mopping, make sure you use a product that is recommended for cleaning hardwood floors. Never use a product that may damage the wood.
Running this simple test is an easy way to determine whether your floor needs refinishing. Simply take a teaspoon of water and pour it over your heavier traffic areas. If the water beads almost immediately, then the finish is still in good shape. However, if the water seeps into the wood and darkens the area, this is a good indication your floors need to be refinished.
Unlike paint, stain tends to lighten when it dries, so make sure you test the finish in a small area not often seen, such as a closet. Stain varies from light to dark and each individual shade has its own affect. Therefore, ensure you follow the proper safety measures, should you choose to refinish the floor yourself.
However, if your flooring is severely damaged and may need more than just refinishing, it may be time to call in a professional. There are many different areas of wood repair, and it is important to recognize the problem beforehand. Repairing split or cracked wood is entirely different than repairing buckling or warping floors, so if you choose to do the work yourself, make sure you have the proper tools and knowledge. In addition, always make sure you adhere to any safety steps, which are required.