Caring for Your Hardwood Floors
With the right care, your new hardwood floors will remain beautiful and perform like new for many years. By establishing a routine and addressing spills quickly, your floors will last for a long time. Learn more about how to care for your hardwood with our care and maintenance guide.
Preventative Maintenance
Start by investing in doormats and placing them at entryways to your home. Ask visitors to remove outdoor shoes before walking across your floors. It’s important to minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto your flooring, as it can wear down your floors faster. Here are some other simple preventative maintenance tips:
- Use furniture pads on the bottom of your furniture to prevent scratches or dents.
- Protect your hardwood floors from excessive sunlight, which can cause the wood to fade or change color over time. Use window treatments such as blinds or curtains to control the amount of sunlight that enters the room.
- Trim your pet's nails regularly to avoid scratches.
Routine care
Sweep your floors regularly to remove dirt and dust. How often you sweep depends on how much foot traffic your room receives. You can also dry mop or damp mop your flooring. Be careful not to let water pool or stand on your floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can cause damage to the wood, and make sure any product you use is manufacturer approved. Have your hardwood floors professionally cleaned and refinished every few years to maintain their appearance and performance. No matter how careful you are, some scratches will happen. To fix minor scratches on hardwood, use a wood filler stick or touch-up marker that matches the color of your hardwood floors, and apply it to the affected area until it is filled in. For deeper scratches or more serious damages, sand and refinish the affected area.
Dealing with spills & stains
No matter how careful you are, there is likely to be an occassional spill. It's important to address spills immediately to prevent staining. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth until you've removed all the liquid. If it's a solid spill, sweep it immediately. If you have an area that persists, you can use a manufacturer-approved solution on the area.
