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Caring for Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are considered the best type of flooring any home can possess. Not only does it exude beauty and elegance, it is likewise durable enough to last for generations if cared for well. Some hardwood floors from old homes have even lasted long enough to be reinstalled as reclaimed wood at the present time. With these qualities, it is no wonder that many homeowners are not deterred by the high price tag that comes with it. Any hardwood floor is worth every penny.

Taking care of hardwood floor is not as easy as it may seem. It is necessary to determine what type of finish coats the floor. Different types will need to be recoated properly and there are types of cleaners that could damage the wood rather than care for it.

Cleaning Hardwood Floor

Cleaning hardwood floors is relatively easy. Dirt and grit can scratch the finish of hardwood and make the bare wood vulnerable to damage. As such, it is important to vacuum at least once a week or more depending on the level of traffic. Then use a damp mop to wipe the floor. Damp means that the mop was soaked in clean water and squeezed until all excess liquid is drained. Using a wet mop can cause the protective coating to deteriorate and worse, water to seep into the wood where scuffs or scratches have already stripped the upper coating. After cleaning with a mop, buff the area with a dry cloth to ensure that the floor is completely dry.

To avoid scratches, place fabric gliders under furniture legs. When moving furniture, place a cloth underneath to protect the hardwood floor. It would also be a good idea to place an area rug at entrances to catch dirt and grit from people entering the house. Area rugs are also good for the kitchen where water might drip on the floor, such as the area around the sink or the refrigerator.

Removing Stains from Hardwood Floor

Newer floors have a surface finish such as polyurethane which also acts as protective coating for the wood. Hardwood floors with surface finish are usually smooth and glossy. To prevent stains, make sure spills are cleaned immediately. However, for accidental stains, wash the spot with baking soda and warm water. Buff dry after the stain has been cleaned.

On the other hand, older floors are usually protected by wax finish or oil. These types of floors are not resistant to water and spills should be cleaned even faster than surface finished hardwood floors. Stains on wax finished floors by a citrus solvent before buffing dry.

Maintaining Hardwood Floor Finish

Hardwood floors need to be recoated every 5-10 years depending on the condition. Note, however, that kitchen floors need more frequent recoating every 2-4 years. To ensure that surface finish recoating adheres properly, it is advisable to resand the wood floors to remove all contaminants used to clean and protect the floor. This is especially true for wax finished floors. As such, it is best to inquire from the manufacturer what type of finish was used to protect the floor.