When it comes to interior decorating, hardwood floors are truly timeless, adding warmth and beauty to any indoor space.
As new homes are built in Ventura County, and many older homes are remodeling, homeowners are choosing hardwood flooring more than ever. But while hardwood is durable and long-lasting, it is susceptible to damage from moisture, scratching, and certain residues. To keep your hardwood floors looking like new, specialized care and maintenance is required, and Kelly Cleaning has developed a proven technique for preserving the beauty and integrity of your hardwood floors.
Here are a few examples of how we care for and preserve hardwood floors.
Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean
As with any flooring, the first step in caring for hardwood floors is to clean them regularly. Dirt and other debris can damage hardwood floors over time; if left to build up, they’ll grind into the finish like sandpaper, leaving scratches and dulling the finish. Regular vacuuming or dry mopping is effective for cleaning, but if using a vacuum, clean off the wheels before each use, and ensure the rotating brush is turned off to avoid scratching the floor. You can also opt to use a vacuum designed specifically for hardwood.
A common mistake when wet cleaning hardwood floors is to use improper cleaning products. Vinegar, for example, is a popular natural option – but unfortunately, it’s too acidic and will eat away at the finish on your hardwood floors. The same can be said for high-heat steam cleaning, which not only breaks down the finish, but leaves excess water that swells and damages the floor.
Protecting Hardwood Floors
When it comes to scratches and gouges on hardwood flooring, heavy furniture is a common culprit. Luckily, this is damage that’s easy to avoid. When moving furniture, lift it rather than dragging. Make sure felt protectors are on the bottom of all furniture legs, and place rugs under furniture that gets moved often, like dining chairs. Rugs are also helpful for heavily trafficked areas, as they help protect your flooring from uneven wear and tear. Another easy way to avoid damage is by not wearing shoes indoors and keeping pets’ nails trimmed.
Finally, polishing your hardwood floors every 2-4 months is recommended to preserve and extend their lifespan. This is something that you can have done professionally, but you can also do it yourself – just be sure to buy the right equipment and clean the floor thoroughly first.
Closing Thoughts
Hardwood floors are an investment, and like any investment, you’ll want to make sure they’re taken care of properly to ensure a long lifespan. By following the above tips to care for your hardwood floors, they can provide beauty in your home for decades.
With over 40 years’ experience in commercial cleaning, Kelly Cleaning has environmentally-friendly solutions for all your cleaning needs. For more information on our specialty cleaning services, click here to request a quote.
