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Here are some general
do's and don'ts to help keep your hardwood floor looking like new:
Enemy Number 1: Water
Regardless of its
finish your floor will quickly lose its luster if exposed to water.
More serious damage is also possible, including warping and other
problems.
DO: Wipe up any spills
immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the
spill and working your way toward the center.
DO: Check with the
manufacturer to find out if your steam cleaner is appropriate for
use on your wood floor. Some models are designed for use on hardwood
floors. Others are not. Remember that water is wood’s No. 1 enemy.
If the finish is worn or scratched, steam could seep into your wood
floors, eventually causing damage.
DON'T: Let water stand
on your floor, or use wet cloths for clean up.
DON'T: Do not mop
sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.
Banish Dirt, Dust and
Grit
Dirt, dust and grit
can also damage your hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and grit
can dull its finish and cause scratches that can only be repaired by
refinishing the floor.
DO: Sweep your floors
regularly. Invest in a good broom that features exploded tips to
trap dust and dirt, not simply spread it around. Dust mops can also
be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.
DO: Vacuum frequently,
using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.
DON'T: Use an upright
vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dents in your floor's
finish.
DON'T: Use any dust
treatment unless it is approved by your floor's manufacturer. The
wrong treatment can make your floor dull and cause problems the next
time you refinish.
DO: Use doormats at
the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them
regularly.
Area Rugs
DO: Use area rugs or
small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like
kitchens where spills are likely to occur.
DON'T: Use throw rugs
with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they
will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can
react with certain floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish
to become dull.
DON'T: Let even damp
throw or scatter rugs sit on the floor. Check the rugs frequently
and make sure damp rugs are removed.
DO: Move your area
carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance
in the floor's finish.
Sunlight
The ultraviolet
radiation in sunlight can cause discoloration over time.
The ultraviolet rays
that can burn and age our skin will affect any organic material,
including wood. That’s why the finest art collections are kept in
rooms without windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will change
the color of virtually any wood floor, regardless of the stain or
finish. Some woods lighten when exposed to sunlight. Others, like
cherry and oak, tend to darken. The newest water-based urethane
finishes seem to slow color changes more effectively than oil-based
urethane finishes, which tend to turn the brownish-yellow color of
amber. Some finishes feature sunscreens to help block the
penetration of ultraviolet rays, extending the time it will take the
wood to change.
DO: Protect your floors by using sheer drapes, curtains, or blinds
to limit sunlight.
Furniture
DO: Place glides made
of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent
scratches. Clean the glides regularly to ensure that dust and grit
do not become imbedded.
DO: Use barrel-type
casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.
DO: Use non-marking
rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.
DO: Lift furniture
when moving it to avoid scratches in the floor's surface.
Shoes
DO: Make sure there
are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could
scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Check shoes with
soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or
gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Be aware that high
heels can dent a hardwood floor.
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