Maintaining Your Hardwood Floor

Maintaining your hardwood floor can get out of hand, if you do not give it the attention it requires. If neglected long enough, the finish can wear away and the dirt and moisture from everyday life can get into, and damage the wood. Here are some tips for keeping those floors looking like new.

• Make sure you clean up any mess, spill 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, which is recommended for use on hardwood floors. Never use a cleaning product that may damage the wood.

An easy way to tell if your floor needs finished is by running a simple test. 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. If however, the water seeps into the wood and darkens the area, it is a good indication you need to refinish.

Unlike paint, stain tends to lighten when it dries, so make sure you test the finish you want in a small area, which is not often seen, such as a closet. Stain coloring varies from light to medium, and dark to a custom color and each has its own affect. Ensure you follow the proper safety measures, should you chose to refinish the floor yourself.

If your flooring is looking a little more like it needs more than refinishing, it may be time to call in a professional. There are many different areas of wood repair, and it is important to recognize what is the problem. Repairing split or cracked wood is different from repairing buckling or warping, so if you chose to do the work yourself, and then make sure you have the proper tools and knowledge. In addition, always make sure you adhere to any safety steps, which are required.