In order to ensure the overall condition, longevity, and esthetics, it can be a bit overwhelming to take it all in for people who have never been exposed to hardwood floors providing the regular care, maintenance, and preventative applications. There are some primary basics you should know and we at Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like to relate them for you today when you are first charged with choosing and caring for solid hardwood flooring.
Unfinished or Prefinished Hardwood Floor Installation
Manufactured to be thicker and more durable is solid hardwood floor. If you are looking for new installation, solid hardwood floors can be unfinished, or factory finished. A more optimal option for those wanting to implement custom designs whereas the unfinished wood requires the sanding and finishing following the installation. There is a process and walking on the hardwood floor is not recommended until it completed from installation, to sanding, to finishing, so keep in mind that after the hardwood floor is installed. With the durability and longevity, it offers it is well worth the investment, solid hardwood flooring is more costly than the other alternatives.
How Do You Maintain Hardwood Floors?
1) By either sweeping with a soft bristled broom, a dust mop, or a vacuum that features a “bare floor” or “hardwood floor” setting, remove any surface dust and debris. In order to keep the dust and dirt from scuffing the floors as you are walking, this should be done daily. The finish deteriorates and causes scratches and scuffs in the wood from the dirt on the floors, combined with everyday walking creates friction.
2) During those hours ensure the windows are covered with UV film, blinds, or curtains if direct sunlight hits the hardwood flooring. The surface dries out and the color fades when the sun shines directly on the wood.
3) In an effort to offer the hardwood floor more protection from potential particulates that can contribute to blemishes or damage, area rugs and runners are ideal for entry points and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.
How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Damage
1) As they can track in dirt and mud, your pet’s nails can easily scratch the floor, and just like us. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their paws cleaned to minimize the negative impact.
2) Humidity levels should be kept between 35% and 55 to avoid shrinkage. Use humidifiers to maintain the humidity balance.
3) Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth immediately to wipe up spills. Water damage or warping occurs when water is left on the surface since it can seep into the gaps.
4) With abrasive shoes like high heel shoes, and spike shoes, avoid walking on the wood floors.
5) If stains or spots occur, use plain water and immediately dry up the water residue, but avoid using water or cleaners to clean the floor.
6) For your hardwood floor, only use cleaning aids and treatments that are specifically formulated.
7) Steel wool pads, scouring pads, or anything containing metal and do not use abrasive cleaning tools.
8) Keep in mind it requires similar maintenance but have specific needs since engineered wood and laminated wood differ than solid hardwood floors.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Refinishing & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas & Chula Vista, California
Contact Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning and let our experts install or restore your hardwood floors to their shine and vibrancy if your hardwood floor is in need of a professional’s helping hand.
