Tips for cleaning your hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are great for giving your home or business a more rustic and classic feel. They can be difficult to keep clean and scratch free. Experts say you should restore them once every ten years or so. There are a few things you can do before you refinish your hardwood floor.

Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your hardwood floors:

Clean regularly. This is pretty basic but also very important. If dirt and dust particles are left on hardwood for too long, they can leave marks and scratches. Vacuuming at least weekly is recommended. If you use any cleaning products, check the labels to make sure they are made specifically for cleaning hardwood floors.

Be selective with brushes. Use only soft nylon brushes or vacuum cleaner accessories.

Clean up spills immediately. Any spilled liquid should be wiped up immediately with a dry cloth. If there is still a mark, try a damp cloth, but be sure to wipe it dry immediately. If that doesn’t work, try an ammonia-free window cleaner. Some materials, like furniture polish and hairspray, are especially bad for floors.

Do not wax ‘Nuff said.

Use mats. If there are areas that get a lot of traffic, lay down a rug or mat to absorb dirt. You can also place them in areas where you eat, prepare food, or anywhere else that might spill. You can also place them under any furniture with pointy feet that could scratch the floor. Get an extra large rug to place inside or outside (or both) of the front door.

Do not wet yourself. Just like a mogwai, it’s bad to leave water on hardwood floors. Look for places where water can enter. Close the windows when it rains. Put something under potted plants. And also clean up any spills immediately.

Avoid bright light. Also like a mogwai, too much exposure to sunlight is not good. If you notice that there is a window that gives excessive exposure, close the blinds or curtains for some time.

Over time, your floor will eventually accumulate scuffs and scratches, and you should seek the help of professionals for refinishing and other restoration services. By following these simple cleaning tips, you will prolong the life and shine of your beautiful floors.