Here’s a look at Hardwood Floor Care. This article covers prevention, cleaning, and what products to use. There are some things to keep in mind before you begin to care for your hardwood floors. Hopefully this information will help you keep your floors in pristine condition for years to come. After all, you’ve worked hard to purchase these beautiful floors! Read on for more tips and tricks!
Prevention
Water and wood coexist for centuries, but homeowners in the Treasure Valley must be diligent in preventing water damage to hardwood floors. While it may seem easy to avoid, multiple processes are required to prevent costly water damage. Heavy furniture, especially those with wheels, should be kept off the hardwood floor with a pad. Heavy furniture should always be moved slowly, and entrance mats should be used to prevent stones from grinding into the flooring, causing micro-divots that collect moisture.
Excessive water on a hardwood floor can cause warping and discoloration. Water can damage the wood, so preventing it can save you a great deal of money. Water damage can occur in many ways, from a puddle or a leaky pipe to wet shoes. To prevent this problem, you should remove wet shoes before putting them on the floor. If possible, you can put a rug under dog bowls to prevent water from entering the room.
Major causes of water damage to hardwood floors are flooding and plumbing leaks. Before installing hardwood flooring, check all pipes for leaks. If necessary, shut off water to prevent damage. If you notice a problem, hire a plumber or leak repair specialist to fix it. If your flooring has a significant water leak, it’s best to avoid using it, and instead, make repairs to the problem area. If you don’t do so, you may face more expensive repair costs in the future.
Another major cause of damage to hardwood floors is direct natural light. You can mitigate this by ensuring that windows are UV-shielded or shading the area. In addition, installing skylights in the room can provide natural lighting to the area without damaging the floors. And if you have a guest room that is frequently visited, you can ask them to leave. That way, the damage can be minimized and your hardwood floor can look better.
Another cause of damage to hardwood floors is the removal of heavy furniture. Moving furniture without a protective pad can cause scratches and gouges in the wood. Also, avoiding high heels is a big factor in preventing damage. Pets also track in substances that scratch the floors. Therefore, you should trim their nails regularly. Then, make sure to vacuum and sweep the floors regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris. In addition, you can also use mats near the doors to help people remove their shoes from the floors.
Water damage can be avoided by taking action as soon as possible. Once the water has dried up, it can be cleaned using a dehumidifier or fans. If there is a substantial amount of water on the floor, you may need to use a shop vac or other equipment. Taking prompt action and drying your floor is essential to protecting your investment. Soaking rugs can lead to irreparable damage to hardwood floors. Remember, if you need help repairing or replacing your hardwood floors or fixtures, you can always count on the experts at Global Painting to get the job done right–the first time.
Cleaning
If you have a hardwood floor, you’ve probably heard that water is bad for hardwood floors. Water can eat through the finish and stain it. If you don’t mop water off of your hardwood floor immediately, it can dull its finish. Close the windows before it rains or put trays under potted plants to catch the water. Once the water has drained, wipe it up with a clean towel or cloth.
Dirty hardwood floors are difficult to clean. Dirt can be accumulated by daily activity and cleaning products. Even pets can make hardwood floors dirty. Luckily, there are some easy ways to prevent this. Place plastic mats around furniture and use felt pads to protect heavy objects from scratching. And never forget to clean your hardwood floor when it’s dirty, or you’ll have to spend hours cleaning it again. Here are some tips for keeping your floors looking new for years to come:
Don’t use ammonia to clean your hardwood floor. Ammonia is a strong, pungent chemical and should never be used on a hardwood floor. It damages the finish and dissolves the lignin in wood. Instead, use Zep Commercial Hardwood and Laminate, a heavy-duty cleaner for your wood floors. This cleaner is safe for baseboards, cabinet doors, and crown molding. If you have a stained hardwood floor, use a wood floor cleaner that’s pH neutral. It’s also safe for vinyl and linoleum.
Another important tip for cleaning hardwood floors is to avoid using acidic or caustic cleaners. These may dull the finish of the floor. Instead, use soap and water, which are both non-abrasive and won’t create streaks. Avoid using furniture spray or straight ammonia, because these products can dull the finish of the floor. Also, never use abrasive cleaners, as they will leave a residue on the floor and prevent the finish from adhering to it properly.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful hardwood floor for years. With some care, it can look great and last for years. By following these steps, you can protect your wood floor by preventing the formation of scratches. Proper door mat maintenance is vital, so make sure you put one on the outside and inside of your door. Also, place felt pads on table legs and chairs. Metal protectors, like those made of rubber, can scratch or wear patches on the wood floor.
If your floor is heavily soiled, you can try a penetrating cleaning method without sanding it. To do this, you’ll need to remove the old wax coat and reapply a fresh one. In case you want to remove the remaining soil, you can apply mineral spirits in stages. You may need to use stronger cleaning products to break up the soil. If you want to keep your hardwood floor looking its best, it’s worth investing in a quality wood cleaning solution or a company to handle it for you. At Global Painting, we have over 40 years of experience cleaning and treating hardwood floors to keep them looking their best. Contact us today for your free quote on hardwood repair, upkeep, or replacement.
Products to use
There are several different types of cleaning products for hardwood floors. Some are specifically formulated to be used on hardwood floors, so you can use them right on your floors. Other cleaning solutions need to be diluted. For those who don’t have the time to mix up their own solutions, you can purchase products with a concentration level that you can control. In the case of spray bottles, you can get one that features a fine mist of cleaning solution, making them ideal for smaller areas of the floor.
For a more natural solution, you can try a citrus-based hardwood floor cleaner. It will not leave any soapy residue or streaks. To use it, simply shake the bottle well and spray it on the floor. Once the floor is clean, wipe it down with a microfiber mop. Use this cleaner only once a week for the best results. The product is also safe for linoleum, vinyl, and tile.
While many people use lemon juice to clean their floors, this acidic substance will damage the finish on your floors and cause them to look dull. Ammonia will also damage the lignin in the wood, which is responsible for its strength. Therefore, you should use a milder cleaner that does not contain ammonia. A good choice is the Zep Commercial Hardwood and Laminate cleaning solution. It can also be used on baseboards, cabinet doors, and crown molding.
When choosing products to use for hardwood floor care, choose those that are safe for the wood’s finish. If you’re concerned about the abrasive quality of the cleaning products, you can go for the Dr. Bronner’s natural cleaning products. These products contain essential oils that will prevent scratching your floor. However, if you’re worried about the chemicals that are causing the scratches, you can use natural products such as lemon or orange juice.
The Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a natural water-based formula that has a pleasant almond scent. It is packaged in a 100% recycled plastic bottle and comes with ergonomic spray nozzles. The cleaner works well on both wood and ceramic. The almond scent makes it inviting and will help to neutralize the odor. These products are also available in refill bottles. They come in handy when cleaning hardwood floors. So, which is the best cleaning product for your floors?
Murphy’s Wood Cleaner is a natural wood cleaner with 98 percent natural ingredients. Murphy’s is an old-fashioned cleaner that’s been used on hardwood floors for more than 100 years. It doesn’t contain bleach or ammonia and is suitable for linoleum and ceramic. Just make sure you use a non-abrasive cleaning solution for hardwood floors. The vinegar cleaner is also a good choice for cleaning pet hair.
If you’re struggling to get your hardwood looking its best, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Global Painting, we know what hardwood needs to shine. Contact us here today or call us at (208) 395-0100 for your free quote!