Spring is in the air. Birds are singing, the temperatures are getting warmer, and many homeowners are ready to make a fresh start after being cooped up all winter. As you find the inspiration to tackle some spring cleaning, here are some helpful hints to maintain your wood floors like a pro this season and beyond.
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recommends sweeping or using a soft microfiber (or similar) dust mop on wood floors on a daily basis, and then using a vacuum on the bare floor setting once a week or as necessary. When dirt and debris are tracked onto a wood floor, it can be drug across the flooring surface, which can damage the existing finishes. Cleaning your wood floor regularly will remove the potential for this debris to be drug across the floor, resulting in finish wear or scratches.
Every month, use a cleaning product made specifically for the finish on the floor, which is something your flooring professional can provide or recommend to you.
Steer clear of using wet mops or steam mops, which will damage the finish and the wood over long periods of time. In addition, don’t use vinyl or tile cleaning products on wood floors. Polishes, waxes, and restorers can cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
Individual maintenance schedules will vary depending on use, wear and tear, and lifestyle, but here are some additional tips for keeping your floors beautiful:
- Clean any spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Use throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching the floor.
- Put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
- Avoid walking on your wood floors with sports cleats and high heels.
- When moving heavy furniture, pick it up instead of sliding it across the floor.
Remember, proper maintenance is essential to keep wood floors looking beautiful and performing well for the lifetime of the floor. It will enhance the performance of the floor, will prolong the lifetime of the floor, will promote long-term sustainability of raw materials, and ultimately, will protect your investment.
