One of the most crucial (and underappreciated) aspects of any home? The floorboards. Hardwood flooring, whether modern or rustic, bring warmth and character to any area. And as long as you take proper care of them, they’ll continue to enhance the beauty of your home for a long time. However, a few blunders might limit the life of your floors.
Forgetting to Sweep
Sweeping and vacuuming hardwood floors isn’t only a good cleaning tip, but it can also lengthen the life of your floors. Dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles can scratch and dull the finish of wood floors once they’re underfoot. Tidying up often, though, will keep them from causing lasting damage.
Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachments
Vacuuming is an important chore for keeping dust and dirt off of your wood floors and out of tiny cracks and crevices—but use the right attachments. The beater bar on your vacuum can gouge wood floors; instead, use the hardwood brush attachment.
Mopping
Water is a wood floor’s worst enemy. Moisture can penetrate the wood’s fibers causing boards to swell, cup, warp, and separate. If your hardwood floors need a deep clean, use a barely damp mop or cloth and then dry the floor immediately and completely with a towel.
Letting Spills Wait
Dried and caked-on spills can take a lot of force to remove if left to sit. Avoid that trouble (and possible damage) by wiping spills up immediately with a soft, clean cloth. If you need to use a spot of water to lift the spill, be sure to dry the floor thoroughly with a clean towel.
Wearing High Heels
No one would ever take a tiny hammer to their floors, but walking on wood with high heels can do similar damage. The force of walking in these sharp shoes can easily ding and scratch wood floors, so check them at the door. You can minimize the risk of scratches from other damaging items by placing floor protectors under table and chair legs and keeping the dog’s claws clipped and trimmed.
Not Having an Entry Mat
A good entry mat is the first line of defense against dirt, gravel, and other outdoor elements that can mar a wood floor. Not only will a mat help keep your floors cleaner, but it will serve as a good landing spot for guest and family shoes.
Using Oil Based Cleaners
Just because a cleaning product claims to be safe for floors, doesn’t mean it’s right for yours. Oil-based cleaners, polishes, or wax can dull the finish on your hardwood floors, aging them before their time. Avoid those, and check with your floor’s manufacturer for a cleaner that is safe to use.