Hardwood floors are a wonderful investment for your home. At Commercial Floor Services inc (CFS) we know that quality flooring is a guaranteed way to add not only value but warmth to your home. However, taking proper care of hardwood floors is essential if you want them to last a lifetime. Certain cleaning protocols should be followed to prevent damage to your floor’s surface. The good news is that caring for your wood flooring doesn’t require a lot of pricey tools or cleaners, just a little time, care and a good hardwood cleaner. Below is our list of 5 tips to care for your hardwood flooring to ensure they maintain their beauty and value. 

First Dry Then Wet

This is the first rule of hardwood floor care: dry first, wet second. Daily life can leave a layer of dirt, dust, and pet dander on your floor. Use a microfiber mop, or a Swiffer to eliminate the debris with minimal effort, this is called dry cleaning or dry tacking. This step needs to be done first to prevent dragging grit across the floors as you mop. To put it simply, if you don’t dry tack first is essentially like dragging sandpaper across the floor 

Prevent Scratches

There are a few simple precautions you can take to minimize scratches to wood floors. For furniture you move often such as dining chairs, add felt protectors to the bottom of the legs. This helps to pick up debris and protect the floors from scratching. A win, win. Be sure to replace them as needed since they do wear down over time. For larger areas that see higher traffic invest in good rugs. They serve double duty by protecting your floors and beautifying a room. You may also want to consider a “leave your shoes at the door” policy to prevent blemishes and scratches. 

Use the Right Cleaner

Cleaning your hardwood floors monthly is one of the best ways to keep them pristine. But always read the label before you settle on a product. Different cleaners are formulated for different surfaces. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to prevent damaging your floors, check out woodfloors.org. There you’ll find expert advice to help you choose the best product for floors that have different finishes (polyurethane, oil, or wax).

Mop Up Spills Immediately

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, spills happen. But when they do, the important thing is to clean them up promptly. Never let a spill soak down into the floorboards. It can cause rising and warping if the wood absorbs the liquid. Water is especially damaging, but any liquid can cause issues.

Put a Polish On It

Every three to five years get your floors deep cleaned and add a fresh coat of finish. Typically hardwood flooring is treated with a polyurethane surface but oil and wax are also an option, make sure you know what your floors finish. You’ll need to use the same finish throughout the life of your floor. 

Enjoy For Years to Come

Maintaining the pristine beauty of your home’s hardwood floors doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep these simple tips in mind, and your home’s flooring will last for decades. If you have any questions about maintaining your wood floors or are considering new flooring in your home or business contact CFS today. From hardwood to tile, carpet to epoxy we have your floor covered!