Hardwood floors are a highly sought-after feature in homes today, offering timeless beauty and value. Whether you’re a new homeowner on the hunt for that perfect mix of hardwood and tile or an existing homeowner looking to invest in hardwood floors, maintaining them properly is crucial to protect your investment.
Once your hardwood floors are installed, the real work begins. With so many cleaning products and tools available, it can be overwhelming to know how to care for your floors correctly. Trusting the wrong product can lead to expensive damage. To help, here are 8 expert-backed tips for keeping your hardwood floors looking their best.
Dos and Don’ts of Hardwood Floor Maintenance
Do:
- Use Cleaners That Won’t Leave a Residue
Choose hardwood floor cleaners specifically designed to leave no film or residue. This will help maintain the floor’s shine and prevent buildup. - Buff Out Scuffs and Heel Marks
Use a soft, light cloth to gently rub away occasional scuffs and marks from shoes. This can prevent damage from becoming permanent. - Spot Clean Sticky Areas with a Damp Cloth
For sticky spots, a lightly damp towel or sponge is all you need to wipe them away. Be cautious not to use too much water. - Use Minimal Moisture
Always use as little water as possible when cleaning hardwood floors. Excess moisture can seep into the wood, causing warping or cracking. - Clean Spills Immediately
Promptly wipe up spills to prevent stains or moisture damage. Liquid left on wood for too long can cause irreversible damage. - Schedule Professional Floor Maintenance
Hiring a professional floor cleaning service will keep your hardwood floors in top condition. Professional cleaners use specialized products and equipment that go beyond surface cleaning, removing embedded dirt and grime.
Don’t:
- Don’t Use Wax on Urethane Finishes
Wax can dull the finish of urethane-sealed floors. Avoid using wax-based products to maintain your floor’s shine and durability. - Don’t Use Ammonia or Oil-Based Cleaners
Ammonia will dull your hardwood floors almost immediately. Oil soaps can make future recoating difficult and cause buildup. Stick with hardwood-specific cleaning solutions. - Don’t Use Excessive Water
Water is hardwood’s enemy. Avoid wet mops or soaking sponges, as the excess moisture can seep into cracks and joints, causing the wood to warp, crack, or lose its integrity.
Additional Tips for Pet Owners
If you have pets, consider placing rugs in areas where they spend the most time, such as under their food and water bowls or near pet doors. This helps protect your floors from spills or accidents. If a spill happens, clean it up immediately to prevent damage.
Why Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning Matters
Professional hardwood floor care goes beyond what you can achieve with DIY methods. Technicians trained in floor care can clean deep into the wood, removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants that settle over time. The longer these contaminants remain in the floor, the more damage they can do.
Professional equipment also reaches into corners and tight spaces that are difficult to clean with household tools. If your floors look dull, a professional service may be able to restore their shine without the need for a full refinishing.
Keep Your Floors Looking Beautiful
Maintaining your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a regular cleaning routine and addressing spills and scuffs immediately, you can keep your floors looking great for years. In addition to your routine, hiring a professional cleaning service, such as Made New Again, will help preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, extending their life and ensuring they stay in excellent condition.
Contact Made New Again today to schedule a professional cleaning and give your hardwood floors the care they deserve!