When you say hardwood floor maintenance, it is so broad that you cannot think of exact details regarding hardwood floor maintenance. Hardwood floor care sounds easier though. But, actually, hardwood floor care is the same as hardwood floor maintenance. If you would take good care of your hardwood floor, then you are maintaining your hardwood floor as well. The issue is that you should be aware of the right care for your hardwood floor.
Among all the various flooring materials accessible for residential or commercial use, hardwood flooring is the easiest to maintain. Maintaining your hardwood floor also means keeping the hardwood floor to last almost forever. So if you are looking for effective hardwood floor care, read the following hardwood floor do’s and don’ts for you to be guided.
Do’s:
- You must buy the right cleaning supplies for your hardwood floor. Check if the product is safe for hardwood floors before buying one.
- You can vacuum your hardwood floor all the time.
- You must keep your hardwood floor away from dust, gravel and any particles that will create dirt.
- You can use a wet cloth or sponge for cleaning food and beverage residue left in your hardwood floor.
- You can dry mop your hardwood floor to pick up after meals; this is applicable if hardwood flooring is used in your kitchen.
- You must place an area rug in front of your sinks and dishwashers to protect your hardwood floor from water.
- You can only apply a thin coat of paste wax in your hardwood floor.
- You can use commercial touch-up kits to repair scratches on your hardwood floor.
- You must think of screening your hardwood floors regularly; it could be done every year or every other year. This means that refinishing your hardwood floor is only necessary once your hardwood floor is abused. Seeking for professional or expert help regarding this process is a must.
Don’ts:
- Do not use water when cleaning your hardwood floor, since water is the number one enemy of anything made of hardwood.
- Do not use soap, wax or remover when mopping your hardwood floor. Sometimes, there are soap residue left in your hardwood floor, which is responsible for the discoloration of your hardwood floor. Once the discoloration occurs, the beauty of your hardwood floor will be ruined.
- Do not use waxes specifically “self-polishing waxes,” not unless the product details states that it can be safely used for your hardwood floors. Bear in mind that waxes contain water.
- Do not over-wax your hardwood floors. You can wax only those areas that need waxing but not the entire hardwood floor. Not the entire area is being walked on or passed on by anyway.
- Do not apply pre-finished products to your hardwood floors. Beware that these pre-fabricated products are often waxed at the factory.
- Do not apply wax when your hardwood floor has already been applied with urethane or varnish. Once you put wax over urethane or varnish, you will find it hard to re-coat it the next time.
- Do not use ammonia-based cleaners when cleaning your hardwood floor.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder on your hardwood floor.
- Do not play with sharp objects such as knife, bolo and other harmful utensils that would scrape your hardwood floor.
Maintaining your hardwood floor can be very easy for you with the help of the right cleaning tools, right knowledge and passion. Moreover, love your hardwood floor if you want your hardwood floor to love you back.