Hardwood Floors are a popular choice among households worldwide, particularly in the West.
Their rustic beauty and earthy feel truly adds to the warmth and comfort of a home. Hardwood flooring can increase the worth of your real estate, and they are quite durable if properly maintained.
Hardwood regulates temperature, looks stunning, and is very child/pet friendly.
Many people assume that natural wood is high maintenance; it sure does cost more than other types of flooring material, but it is a worthwhile investment.
You can keep your hardwood floors looking as good as new for decades by applying these simple and inexpensive practices:
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Damage Prevention
To preserve your hardwood flooring for as long as possible, you can start by taking measures for damage control.
You shall place doormats or rugs at interior and exterior doors of the house. This way everyone can brush off their wet or dirty feet/shoes before stepping foot on the bare floor.
If there is a water/liquid spill, clean it up immediately to avoid staining or spoil. Stagnant water is bad for wooden floors, so try to keep them dry at all times.
If you have pets in the house, keep their nails trimmed or declaw them to prevent scratch marks. Save your floors from contact with any sharp objects such as knives and pencil heels.
Regular Cleaning
A weekly dry mop or vacuum cleaning is enough to keep your hardwood floors dust-free.
If you have a lot of traffic, children, and pets in the house, dusting 2-3 times per week may become necessary.
Remember to never use a rough or abrasive surface to wipe your floors.
You may use a soft-bristled broom, a mop made from fine fibers, a dusting cloth, or vacuum cleaner with brush attached; vacuum cleaners with beater bar attachment can damage hardwood.
Removal of deposited Grime and Grease
Regular vacuuming/dry mopping will remove dust and lint particles, but it is ineffective against grime and grease that accumulates over time.
You can find various wood cleaning solutions in the market for removing stubborn residue; do not buy solvents meant for vinyl, linoleum, or tiled floors.
Dilute the solution with water as per the instructions on the container and dip your mop in it; wring the mop so it is damp rather than soaked.
After mopping the floor with cleaner solution once, rinse the mop and repeat the process with plain water.
This ensures that excess chemicals are removed from the hardwood surface. You can also use organic cleaners if you are worried about the safety of your children or pets.
One part vinegar with ten parts lukewarm water is an ideal mild solution. You can then use dry towels to wipe off excess moisture or turn on the ceiling fan to accelerate the drying process.
Getting Rid of Light and Dark spots
Light or dark spots on your hardwood floors diminish its aesthetic value. Most tough stains can be eliminated by scrubbing the surface with floor wax using a firm sponge or soft steel wool.
Oil stains can be removed by rubbing the area with a washcloth that is soaked and wringed in a solution of dishwashing detergent.
If the dark spots sustain, apply a coat of diluted bleach or vinegar, and let it stand for an hour before wiping it off.
To eliminate white spots, you can mop the decolorized area with tea. Boil some water, add two teabags, and allow to cool.
Drench a soft washcloth in the tea, wring it, and apply to the affected portion. Another technique to cover up light/fade markings is by using a crayon that matches the original color of the wood.
Rub the crayon over the white spots and blow dry; then brush with a soft dry cloth to finish.
