Hardwood Floor Care
- General Do's and Don'ts
Here are some general do's and don'ts to help keep your hardwood floor looking like new:
Enemy
Number 1: Water
Regardless
of its finish your floor will quickly lose its luster if exposed to water. More serious damage is also possible, including
warping and other problems.
Do: Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft,
dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working your way toward the center.
Do: Check with the manufacturer to find out if your steam cleaner is appropriate for use on your
wood floor. Some models are designed for use on hardwood floors. Others are not. Remember that water is wood's No. 1 enemy.
If the finish is worn or scratched, steam could seep into your wood floors, eventually causing damage.
Don't: Let water stand on your floor, or use wet cloths for clean up.
Don't: Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.
Banish Dirt, Dust and
Grit from Hardwood Floors
Dirt, dust and grit can also damage your hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and grit can dull its finish
and cause scratches that can only be repaired by refinishing the floor.
Do: Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a good broom that features exploded tips to trap dust and dirt, not simply spread
it around. Dust mops can also be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.
Do: Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.
Don't: Use an upright vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dents in your floor's finish.
Don't: Use any dust treatment unless it is approved by your floor's manufacturer. The wrong
treatment can make your floor dull and cause problems the next time you refinish.
Do: Use doormats at the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly.
Area Rugs
Do: Use area rugs or small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to
occur.
Don't: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to
determine if they will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can react with certain floor finishes, discoloring
or causing the finish to become dull.
Don't: Let even damp
throw or scatter rugs sit on the floor. Check the rugs frequently and make sure damp rugs are removed.
