Hardwood floors can be a pricey investment for the home, that is why they need to be maintained and cleaned properly. Below are some tips and ways one can take care of hardwood floors to maintain their look and quality.
Good Housekeeping says that to maintain the quality of hardwood floors, it is important to take your shoes off upon entering the home. This simple act can help eliminate all the tracked-in dirt which can destroy the wood's floor finish.
Dirt and grit can damage the floors and over time can leave behind scratches which can destroy the quality of the floor. That is why it is also important to vacuum more often. Vacuuming can help remove the dirt and fine debris from the crack of wood floors. The best equipment to use is the canister vacuum to avoid scratching the floor.
Whenever there are spills, it is important to tend to it immediately. If liquid is left to dry on the floor, it can make the finish of the hardwood dull, and it can also attract additional dirt. It is best to use an absorbent cloth to blot the spills immediately; follow this up with a damp paper towel to remove any residue before buffing it dry. To remove scuffs, apply a small amount of baking soda to a wet cloth and gently rub the mark until it goes away.
Real Simple also provided some tips on cleaning hardwood floors. The site suggested that it is best to invest on furniture pads to make moving easier and prevent wood floors from getting scuffed. They also suggested mopping the floors with water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid when cleaning the floor. If the floors are lacquered or shellacked, water should not be used as it can stain the wood and can cause buckling. To remove the soapy reside after mopping, buff the floor with a cloth to also make it shine.
