Hardwood floors can make a charming addition to any home, but the trick is to take proper care of them to ensure that they stay attractive for many years to come. It will require some effort on your part to help maintain their strength and their beauty. Learn all about proper hardwood floor cleaning with these useful tips.

Basic Care 

Basic care of hardwood floors includes regular vacuuming or sweeping. This is important because dirt and debris will build up and start to scratch the surface of the wood if it is not removed in a timely manner. Make sure that you always use a broom or a vacuum attachment that has soft bristles. Any type of rough or abrasive cleaning tools can wreak havoc on the surface of the wood. Daily dust-mopping is a great way to keep your hardwood floors clean. 

Cleaning Solutions

Be wary of the type of cleaning solutions that you are using. Oily soaps, vinegar, and any type of tile cleaning products are not good. They can eat away at the finish of the wood. Although it might be tempting at times, never use water or steam cleaners to clean your hardwood floors. Excessive water may cause damage that is hard to reverse. 

Preventing Damage

Other than using the wrong types of cleaning supplies, there are many other things that you could inadvertently do to damage your hardwood floors. You need to wipe up spills immediately so you don't risk a permanent stain from occurring. If you have pets, it is imperative that you keep their nails trimmed and their paws clean. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature because the wrong levels of humidity can cause wood shrinkage. Using a humidifier during heating season can help to prevent this from happening. Purchase protective padding for underneath your furniture. Use floor mats, especially in high-traffic areas.  

With the proper tools, schedule, and dedication, you can preserve your hardwood floors to make them last for a lifetime. Please contact us today for more info!