For homeowners first introduced to hardwood floor variations in their home, basic care and maintenance can be a bit overwhelming. You need to care and maintain the floors in order to protect the overall condition, longevity, and aesthetics. Some primary basics of keeping your wood floors in pristine condition is what we at Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like to discuss today.

Solid Hardwood Floors

Designed to be thicker and more durable, solid hardwood floor are often installed in homes and businesses. Solid hardwood floors can be unfinished, or factory finished if you decide for new installation. Factory finishes minimize the install work since it comes pre-sanded and finished. Unfinished wood requires the sanding and finishing following the installation, but it is more optimal option for those wanting to implement custom designs. Keep in mind that after the hardwood floor is installed, there is a process and walking on the hardwood floor is not recommended until it completed from installation, to sanding, to finishing, however. Solid hardwood flooring is more costly than the other alternatives it offers it is well worth the investment with the durability and longevity.

Hardwood Floors Require Maintenance

1) During any hours of direct sunlight that hits the hardwood flooring, ensure the windows are covered with blinds, UV film, or curtains. When the sun shines directly on the wood, the wood dries out and fades the color.
2) In an effort to offer the hardwood floor more protection, area rugs and runners are ideal for entry points and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic from potential particulates that can contribute to blemishes or damage.
3) Clear away the surface dust and debris with a soft bristled broom, a dust mop, or a vacuum that features a “bare floor” or “hardwood floor” setting. This should be done daily to keep the dust and dirt off the surface to avoid scuffing the floors as you are walking. Combined with everyday walking creates, deteriorating the finish and causes scratches and scuffs in the wood, dirt the floors.

How Do You Protect Hardwood Floors from Damage?

1) Engineered wood and laminated wood differ than solid hardwood floors, which requires similar maintenance but have specific needs.
2) Your pet’s nails can easily scratch the floor, just like the tracked in dirt and mud. To minimize the negative impact, keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their paws cleaned.
3) Between 35% and 55% is where humidity levels should be kept maintaining wood floors and avoid shrinkage. To help maintain the humidity balance, humidifiers can help.
4) While walking on the wood floors, avoid wearing abrasive shoes like high heel shoes, and spike shoes.
5) If stains or spots occur, use plain water and immediately dry up the water residue and avoid using cleaners to clean the floor, unless it is formulated specifically for wood floors.
6) Only use cleaning aids and treatments specifically formulated for your hardwood floor as mentioned.
7) Avoid using steel wool pads, scouring pads, or anything containing metal and other abrasive cleaning tools.
8) Immediately wipe up spills with clean, dry microfiber cloth. Water damage or warping can seep into the gaps from leaving water on the surface.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning, Refinishing, Installation & More in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas & Chula Vista, California

Call Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning and let our certified professionals take care of the cleaning and sanitizing when your wood floors require a deep clean.