Floor Care Handbook: Expert Advice
Welcome to HQ Flooring’s Floor Care Guide. Proper floor care ensures the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors.
Regular Maintenance
Taking care of your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how to incorporate regular maintenance into your routine to keep your floors looking their best.
Sweeping, Dusting, and Vacuuming
Regularly removing dirt, dust, and debris from your hardwood floors is essential for maintaining their beauty and longevity. Implement these practices into your routine:
- Sweeping and Dusting: Regularly sweep or dust your hardwood floors to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber mop for this task. Sweeping or dusting should be done at least once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas. This simple step prevents dirt from accumulating and causing scratches.
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor setting to effectively remove fine particles, dust, and pet hair. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner’s beater bar is turned off, as it can scratch the wood surface. Regular vacuuming, combined with sweeping and dusting, keeps your floors free of abrasive materials that can wear down the finish over time.
- Mopping: Periodically mop your hardwood floors using a hardwood floor cleaner such as Bona Wood Cleaner. Avoid using vinegar, Murphy oil, or other products that may leave residues. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the hardwood floor cleaner, and use a damp—not soaking wet—mop to clean the surface. Excess water can damage hardwood, so wring out the mop thoroughly.
Preventing Damage
Use Area Rugs and Mats
Placing area rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, especially near entryways and in front of kitchen sinks, can significantly reduce wear and tear. These rugs and mats act as a barrier, collecting dirt, moisture, and debris before they can reach your hardwood floors. Make sure these mats have non-slip backings to prevent accidents.
Furniture Pads
Attach felt or rubber pads to the legs of furniture that comes into direct contact with your hardwood floors. These pads help distribute the weight of heavy furniture and prevent scratches, dents, and gouges. Check and replace these pads regularly to ensure they’re still effective.
Avoid High Heels and Sharp Objects
Discourage walking on hardwood floors with high heels, sports cleats, or shoes with sharp objects embedded in the soles. These can cause significant damage, including scratches and dents. Consider having a designated area for removing shoes near entry points.
Trim Pet Nails
Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching the hardwood surface. Place rugs or mats in areas your pets frequent to minimize wear.
Control Humidity
Maintain proper humidity levels in your home, ideally between 35% and 55%. Extreme humidity variations can cause wood to expand and contract, leading to gaps, warping, or cupping. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed, especially during dry or humid seasons.
Promptly Clean Spills
Accidental spills can happen. When they do, it’s essential to clean them up promptly to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and causing damage. Use a soft, dry cloth or paper towel to blot up the spill.
Sunlight Protection
Over time, exposure to direct sunlight can cause your hardwood floors to fade and lose their original luster. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-resistant window films to protect your floors from prolonged sun exposure.
Regular Maintenance
Lastly, sticking to a regular maintenance routine, including sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, and occasional professional cleaning and refinishing, will help preserve your hardwood floors’ beauty and structural integrity.
Seasonal Care
Humidity Control:
Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels between 35% and 55% during the summer and winter. High humidity can cause wood to swell, while low humidity can lead to contraction, developing gaps. Use a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed to achieve and maintain the optimal humidity range.
Salt and snow removal:
During the winter, protect your floors from the corrosive effects of road salt and moisture brought in with snow. Use entryway mats and promptly clean up any salt that comes into contact with your floors.
Have more questions?
Contact us!
If you have more questions or are ready to breathe new life into your hardwood floors, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Hq Flooring and Renovations, LLC.
Email: hello@highqualityflooring.com
Phone: 914-498-1628 | 914-240-9479
