If you love your new hardwood floor, there is a good chance you want to do everything in your power to keep it clean and pristine for as long as possible. Unfortunately, spills or foot traffic can easily damage this type of flooring. It is also vulnerable to dents and scratches caused by furniture or heavy objects.
Therefore, to protect your hardwood flooring, you should learn what you can do to ensure its longevity.
Lay Down Mats and Runners
An easy way to treat your hardwood floor is to use mats and runners when entering the house. This will keep your floors clean from tracking in dirt or other excess matter. You can place these next to the door for easy use when you come in. It’s also a good idea to have guests do the same thing so that they don’t track any dirt or grime into your home on their shoes.
An office chair mat is a common sight in any office environment and for good reason. Mats act as both a safety measure to reduce the risk of injury and an effective way to protect your hardwood floors from damage.
Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Several cleaning products can be utilized on hardwood floors to help protect them from damage. These include a solution made especially for hardwood floors and surfaces and other cleaners. You can find this cleaning product at any home improvement store or grocery store near you. Always read the labels on any new product before you try it out on your flooring. Stick with gentle cleaning agents for your wood floors for the best results.
You can use a steam cleaner to clean your hardwood floors made from solid hardwoods, but be careful when choosing a steam cleaner. Some steam cleaners use chemicals and cleaners that could damage the finish of your floors.
Use Furniture Protectors on Legs
An effective way to protect hardwood floors from accidental damage is using furniture feet on desk chairs, ottomans, and other furniture with legs. These products are designed to cover the hardwood flooring in case something gets set on top of them, thus preventing scratches and other types of wear that may result in a devaluation of the floors.
General-purpose protectors are an excellent place to start, but you can also get specific protectors to protect wood legs, such as wood table feet, file cabinets, and office chairs. These little contraptions can offer a buffer between the floor and other furniture and also help to prevent scratches on your floors.
Clean Up Spills Right Away
If you can easily remove the spill, do so quickly. Otherwise, blot what you can with a damp rag or sponge, but be sure to blot up as much liquid as possible. Blotting only won’t work if a lot of liquid is added to the stain or spill. You can use the cleanup products if the spill can be cleaned up with a damp rag.
First of all, keep spills from happening. When you’ll notice a spot that got wet and needs cleaning up, clean it right away with soap and water. Use towels to dry the area until it is scorched.
Next, use a clean towel to wipe up any excess left on the floor by the spill, then use an old rag or paper towel to wipe off any wood flooring.
Wax Your Floor
After a few months of hardwood floor care and maintenance, waxing becomes necessary to protect the finish of your floors. Use safe hardwood floor wax on wood floors for the best results.
Apply wood floor wax to wood floors every few months to prevent drying and cracking on your hardwood floors. The wax also helps create a barrier that prevents spills from soaking into your flooring and causing damage.
Conclusion
Now with these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your hardwood floors are protected from damage. Remember that protecting your hardwood flooring can help extend its life for many years.