The importance of a Routine
While this is obvious, it is worth mentioning that hardwood floors' beauty and longevity depend on regular maintenance.
Establishing a regular cleaning routine is the first step. To prevent scratches or damage to the finish on your floor, sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
When the home design permits, be sure to use runners and/or doormats to capture particles when entering the home or in high-traffic areas. Above all, any area rugs or doormats placed on top of hardwood should NOT have a petroleum based backing because it will off-gas and discolor the hardwood. In addition, because there are many types of finishes, it is imperative to check with the manufacturer or your professional store about the recommended cleaning products to use on your hardwood floor. As an added value, Castle Flooring will always walk through the project with you, discuss maintenance, and provide you with a complimentary cleaning kit.
Scratches and Minor Repairs
A touch-up marker or crayon that matches the color of the floor is an effective way to repair minor scratches. Once you have filled in the scratch with the marker or crayon, wipe any excess away with a soft cloth. It works best on shallow scratches that do not penetrate deeply into the wood.
Tibet Almond Stick scratch remover is a good option for repairing minor scratches. Apply a small amount of cleaner directly onto the scratch and gently rub it in circular motions. This will help to blend and minimize the scratch appearance.
In the case of deeper scratches, it may be necessary to sand down the affected area before applying a matching stain or finish. Professional flooring specialists or those with woodworking experience should attempt this.
Homeowners can restore floor scratches to an acceptable appearance by following these tips. And if necessary, planks can be replaced as needed by a flooring professional.
Taking Care Of Hardwood Professionally
There are instances when professional help is needed to repair worn and damaged hardwood. In some cases, water-damaged floors may be restored. It will require a professional to take moisture readings and evaluate the site.
If a floor's polyurethane top finish is dull, a screening technique will be necessary. This process will require the work area's contents to be removed. A hardwood professional can then abrade the clear coat and then apply a fresh coat afterward.
In situations with deep gouges and worn finishes, if the top wear layer of the hardwood is dry and at least 1/8" thick, the professional will, most likely, decide to do a more aggressive sand and finish. With this technique, the stain color can be changed. Every project is unique and the time to complete the work will vary. However, in most cases, it is not possible to live in the home during the project, and always allow a minimum of 48 hours after completion before placing the furniture back into the room(s).
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
It can be confusing to know what a "deep clean" means since it is used in lots of cleaning products and services. The goal of regular cleaning is to maintain a visible level of cleanliness. In this type of cleaning, dirt, and grime are removed from the surface.
The deeper cleaning, however, goes beyond the surface level and focuses on loosening and removing dirt buildup in areas that are not usually cleaned during a regular cleaning. Typically, deep cleaning is done every six to nine months and resets something's cleanliness to its original state. This may involve a special product recommended by the manufacturer or a professional steam cleaning of the hardwood's surface.
By deep cleaning wood floors, you remove dirt and grime that regular cleaning may leave behind. As wood floors age, dirt, dust, and allergens can get into their seams and crevices. Deep cleaning has many benefits beyond better cleaning:
*Healthier home: By removing harmful particles that wear down the floor's finish, deep cleaning protects the topcoat. This improves the air quality and makes the home healthier.
*Maintenance savings: Proactive maintenance and deep cleaning can save you money in the long run. Because dirt, dust, and particles abrade a floor's finish, deep cleaning can help prolong the time needed for sanding and refinishing.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
If you are temporarily out of the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner, look for a cleaner that is pH-neutral or is specifically formulated for wood surfaces. These cleaners are milder and less likely to discolor or cause warping. Avoid using ammonia-based or acidic cleaners as they can be too abrasive and leave behind residue.
In addition to avoiding harsh chemicals, it’s imperative to protect your hardwood floors from excessive exposure to sunlight. This is done by using curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours. This prevents fading and discoloration. And it is always a good idea to rearrange the furniture once a year.
Preventative Care Measures
For your hardwood floors to maintain their beauty and longevity, preventative care is essential. To ensure your floors remain in top condition for years, take proactive measures to protect them.
Hardwood floors require consistent humidity levels to stay protected. Variations in humidity can cause the wood to expand or contract, resulting in gaps or warping. Using a humidifier during dry months and a dehumidifier during humid months can help regulate humidity levels. Also, an excellent investment is a thermostat that gauges humidity levels.
To prevent scratches, use furniture pads under heavy objects and avoid dragging furniture across the floor. If minor scratches occur, homeowners should be prepared to repair them using touch-up kits or wood fillers that match their floors.
Lastly, preventative care measures can help maintain hardwood floors. This includes placing doormats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture. It also includes using area rugs in high-traffic areas and keeping pets’ nails trimmed to prevent scratching.
With this knowledge and expertise in hardwood maintenance, homeowners can confidently care for their floors and enjoy their timeless elegance for years to come. But if you are ever in doubt, give Castle Flooring a call and we can walk you through it.