The Importance of Care for the Longevity of Wood Floors

Wood floors have a reputation for being durable and easy to clean, and this is not unfounded. However, wood flooring does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Floors do not have to be deep cleaned and conditioned frequently, but they should be cared for on a regular schedule to prevent dirt and damage from compounding. Follow these steps to make sure your wood floor has a long and beautiful life.

Frequent Cleaning

Cleaning tasks for hardwood floors can be divided into simple cleaning jobs that should be done frequently - once a week or so - and more labor intensive tasks that can be done only once or twice a year. Frequent tasks include mopping up spills and stains, and removing accumulated dirt. Spills should be wiped up quickly, using a soft cloth and a little soap or water. When removing dirt, it’s better to vacuum than sweep since vacuuming picks up dirt from between the boards in addition to just on top of them.

Less Frequent Cleaning

Once a year or so, it is a good idea to give wood floors a deeper cleaning to remove accumulated oil and grime. Use a cleaning product specially designed for cleaning wood floors. Dilute it in a bucket of water according to the instructions on the bottle and apply it with a mop. You can remove deep stains that have penetrated the wood grain by rubbing them gently with steel wool. After cleaning, apply a coating of floor wax to protect the wood.

Regular Maintenance

Depending on the weather in your location and the type of wood your floor is made from, you may need to regularly condition your floor to keep it from being damaged by expanding and contracting. Floor conditioners and sealants are commercially available in most hardware stores. Make sure you purchase one that does not contain dye. Apply liquid sealant directly to the floor and spread it with a mop so that it completely coats the floorboards.

Products to Avoid

Do not use any harsh or abrasive cleansers on hardwood floors. This includes acidic cleaners like vinegar, and alkaline cleansers like bleach. When cleaning, don’t let water-based cleaners sit on the floor for any length of time. Wipe or mop them up immediately after applying them to avoid water damage.

Preventing Scratches and Scuffs

Place soft rugs or runners on the floor in high-traffic locations like entryways and halls. Don’t place metal table or chair legs directly on the floor; instead, cushion them with plastic or felt caps. Avoid walking on hardwood floors in high heels or other shoes with hard soles.

Special Instructions for Soft Wood

Softwood floors can be cleaned in much the same way as hardwood floors; however, it is worth noting that vinegar is safe to use on most softwoods and provides the added benefit of deodorizing a floor that may have picked up odors. Softwood also tends to be even more sensitive to moisture, so be sure to mop up any wet spills quickly.

Whatever type of wood you choose for your hardwood flooring, regular maintenance will ensure that it continues to look beautiful for years to come.

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