Wood floors have been a common choice for centuries, and their popularity does not seem to be waning. They are a preferred option for many homes because they are timeless, elegant, and beautiful which means they can enhance any space. Wooden floors can also increase your home’s value, but only if they are taken care of properly. There are some things you need to do every day to care for them properly, and there are some you only need to do after a while. Here are some tips for caring for your wood floor.
Protect It from Dents and Scratches
Your wood floor will get scratches and dents over time, but there are a few things you can do to stop this from happening. First, ensure no one walks on your wooden floors with their shoes on.
Outdoor footwear carries grit and dirt into the home, and these can scratch the floor. Everyone should leave their shoes on the porch, and you could even have a shoe rack or door mat for this purpose. You can also provide indoor shoes for those who do not feel comfortable walking barefoot around the house.
Second, you want to protect your floor from the furniture and heavy objects. Instead of dragging them along the floor, lift all heavy objects when moving them. Ensure you use the proper technique and get help to avoid injury.
Use furniture pads to prevent the furniture from scratching your floor. You should add these to the legs of your tables, sofas, chairs, and other pieces. These act as a barrier between the furniture and the floor, and they are relatively cheap.
Dusting and Mopping
You should sweep and mop your wood floor every day to avoid the accumulation of dust. Consider using a dust mop with a microfiber pad as the best, easiest, and most effective way of dusting the floor. These types of mops clean much better than brooms. Sweeping with a broom can also be an undesirable option in homes that have a lot of dust as it can kick it up, leading to additional issues.
Mopping is especially useful in the wet months when people are more likely to track mud, dirt, and snow into the home. The easiest way to go about this is to use a mop and bucket. You can also use wet pads with different products specifically made for wood floors. Concentrate on areas with higher traffic for the best results.
You can also use a vacuuming robot for this, and you can find several options that are great for wood floors. You should vacuum the house once a week, and you can set a schedule on your vacuum robot to do it at a specific time every week.
Repairs and Restoration
Your wood floor will need some repairs after a few years. This is because no matter how well you take care of the floor, normal wear will still happen, and this necessitates repair. It is best to get in touch with a professional to do the floor repair for you. Wood floor repair takes skill, and you should not attempt it in case you make things worse.
Once the professional is done with the repairs, you should ask them to stain and refinish the floor. Refinishing revitalizes the wood’s beauty, making the floor look as good as new. You can also request that they apply a new stain, and professionals will ensure the new stain matches closely to the one that was there before. The stain will protect the floor so it can last for years or even decades.
Clean Spills Immediately
You should always use a slightly damp or dry cloth to wipe any spills on a wooden floor. Avoid using steam or wet mops as they can damage the floor over time unless you intend on drying the floor with a dry cloth or pad immediately after.
Keep Humidity Levels Consistent
Some types of wood are very sensitive to changes in moisture levels, whether on their surface or in the air. Higher moisture levels lead to gapping, splitting, and cupping when the floor uses wide boards. Keep the humidity between 30% and 50% and the temperature between 60- and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
A wooden floor can last you a very long time, and it will look great for years if you take care of it properly. Fortunately, doing so is relatively easy as most of it entails keeping the floor clean.
