Hardwood flooring adds beauty, elegance and value to any home. Whether you made the investment yourself to install hardwoods in your home, or a previous owner did… it is important to keep up with maintaining your wood floors. Your efforts will not only allow you to enjoy the look and feel of your hardwood floors now, but will also contribute to the value of your home if you go to sell down the road.
Not quite sure how to properly care for your hardwood floors? No worries. Our team put together our Top 7 Tips to help you keep your hardwood floors both protected and polished, and lasting for years to come.
Top Tips for Your Hardwood Floors
First things first, know what type of hardwood you have and its finish, so that you know right away if you need to avoid any specific treatments, along with finding the best products to use on it. For example, some wood floors can’t be sanded, while others simply require specific finish types. A little research can go a long way.
When it comes to hardwood flooring in general, here are the seven basic ways to keep your floors looking good for years to come, no matter what type of hardwood or finish you have:
- Use furniture pads and felt protectors under furniture legs – minimize sliding
We recommend using furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent denting and scratching on your floors, and felt protectors on lighter furniture that tends to move often, such as dining chairs. Replace as needed.
If you need to move heavy furniture, do not slide. Sliding furniture could be the “easy” way to move your furniture, but doing so risks lasting scratches, scuffs and other marks on your beautiful flooring. Use moving pads, dolly’s or simply lift the furniture – it will go a long way in protecting your hardwood.
- Try to keep humidity level consistent throughout the year
This may mean adding a humidifier to your HVAC system to add extra humidity in the wintertime. In the summer, your air conditioner will work as a dehumidifier, but if you don’t run it, consider purchasing a separate dehumidifier. Adding this to your hardwood floor maintenance plan will increase the life of your hardwood flooring.
- Don’t allow water or other elements to get into the hardwood
Even if your flooring is coated, water can create damage over time to your flooring, so wipe up water, or any spills for that matter, immediately. We also recommend making sure you have mats in place at any doors leading to outside. This will help to avoid tracking water in from snowy and rainy days, along with salt from ice prevention in Winter. Salt will do a number on your flooring.
- Sweep your floor daily and vacuum weekly
Doing small and simple cleaning maintenance regularly will help save you from larger, heavier and more costly maintenance in the long run. Getting in a routine, will also allow you to inspect your floors on a regular basis – in case you have a leak or area where water, or other elements are affecting your flooring.
- Pick up a professional floor cleaner for a monthly deep clean
Depending on your hardwood and finish, there are products that work great for different flooring types. Make sure to read labels on products, or ask a hardwood flooring professional what they recommend for your particular hardwood and finish.
- Follow the guidelines for refinishing your floor, typically every three-to-five years
Refinishing your floors will feel like you have brand new hardwood floors again! This is also your chance to change the staining if you want to change things up. We recommend dustless sanding during this process to reduce mess in your home.
- Use rugs and rug pads
Area rugs and rug pads will help protect your hardwood floors from not only furniture, but day-to-day wear and tear – especially in high traffic areas, such as entry ways, kitchen, hallways and restrooms. They also act as a second barrier for spills and tracking in different elements from outside.
Following these 7 tips is important in getting the most out of your hardwood flooring lifespan and investment. The final tip: Enjoy your floors!
Where To Turn for Quality Floor Installation Services
Hardwood flooring is an excellent investment for your home. If you’re ready to replace your outdated flooring or refinish a worn-out hardwood floor, turn to a local team of professionals.
Request an estimate from our team at The Hardwood Giant to enjoy affordable, long-lasting flooring in the Carolinas. We’re proud to serve Charlotte, Fort Mill and the surrounding area with a stunning selection of solid hardwood, composite and other timeless flooring options. Call us at (704) 251-7279 today!