Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring has become the norm in most home construction today because of its rich character and elegance. The choices and styles of hardwood floors seem to be unlimited. At one time oak was the only choice in hardwood flooring but today we can choose from a dozen different types of wood, both solid wood and laminated wood. Hardwood floors are easy to maintain and will last for years with periodic maintenance but they must be protected from destructive elements such as water, dirt, grime, and heavy foot traffic to maintain their natural beauty and insure longevity.

Protecting your hardwood flooring is as important as cleaning them properly. Area carpets and runners should be used in high traffic areas such as entryways and halls to protect the floor finish. Heavy foot traffic and grime will quickly destroy most floor finishes. Spillage of water must be removed immediately to prevent water marks and stains. Most hardwood flooring turns dark or black as a result of water and other liquid spillage and is troublesome to remove.

When choosing area carpets and runners insure that the color and style compliment the room and furnishings as well as provide floor protection. Place them where there is water splashes or spillage such as in front of bathroom and kitchen sinks. Avoid rubber-backed carpets and mats as they can damage wood floors. Area carpets and runners must be vacuumed or shaken often to remove dirt and grime.

Hardwood floors are usually finished with water based polyurethane varnish or an acrylic finish. If the finish is an oil base finish it also has a final coat of wax. Hardwood floors may be left natural with only a polyurethane varnish finish or stained prior to applying the polyurethane varnish. In either case the finish is hard and durable and will last for many years before refinishing is necessary, if ever.

Cleaning hardwood floors:

1. Sweep or vacuum floors often, once or twice a week. Use a soft bristle broom for sweeping to avoid scratching.
2. Remove all traces of water or liquid spillage immediately with a soft towel and dry thoroughly.
3. Shake out and vacuum area rugs and runners so dirt doesn't filter down through the weave and scratch the wood floor underneath.
4. Although polyurethane wood floors are not usually waxed, a dulled or scratched area may be treated by applying a coat of liquid or paste wax and buffed. Spot refinishing may be necessary.

Wood floor tips:

1. Do not wear heavy shoes or high heels on hardwood floors that may cause dents.
2. Never drag furniture or other objects across wood floors. Use gliding furniture pads underneath furniture legs to aid moving across the floor.
3. Install floor mats or area carpets at each entrance from outside so you don't track in dirt from the bottoms of shoes.
4. Be careful when using furniture wax or sprays. If the overspray dries on the wood floor it will become extremely slippery.
5.  Follow manufacturer recommendations to treat flooring scratches and dents. If the finish is damaged by water, it may be difficult to repair.
6. Remove stains and water marks by light sanding and reapply finish and wax.
7. Do not use oil soaps, ammonia cleaners, alkaline products, or abrasive cleaners on wood floors.
8. If the floor is severely damaged by water, stains, or scratches consider refinishing the entire floor. If the floor is a laminated wood floor use extreme care to prevent damaging the top layer.