To protect your hardwood floors from scratches, it’s best to avoid mopping and cleaning them. You can use area rugs to protect them and apply a basic coating, which can prevent scuff marks. You can also consider applying a protective finish to protect them from stains. To learn more about proper care for your hardwood floors, read our guide to protect them.
Avoiding cleaning or mopping hardwood floors
Hardwood floors take a beating from daily use and are prone to scuffs, spills, and mishaps. However, by taking smart preventive measures, you can minimize the amount of time spent cleaning your floors. For example, placing a door mat or an area rug in high-traffic areas can minimize the amount of dirt tracked in by guests. Additionally, placing floor protectors underneath furniture and other items will help prevent scratches and discoloration of the wood surface.
Ideally, you should only damp mop hardwood floors a few times a year. This is because too much water can break down the sealant that protects wood floors. Excess water can also cause wood floors to buckle. If you must mop, use a microfiber mop that is lightly dampened and clean along the grain of the wood. After cleaning, be sure to allow the wood to dry completely before walking on it. If you live in an area with hard water, you should use distilled water instead of tap water because the mineral content in hard water can dull the finish of hardwood floors.
Using area rugs
Using area rugs on your hardwood floors can be a great way to add warmth to the room, provide a soft surface underfoot and protect the wood flooring from scratches. When selecting a rug, make sure that it is stain resistant and made of the same material on both the front and back. Additionally, flipping your rug periodically can prolong its life.
Using area rugs on hardwood floors will also help protect them from moisture and dirt. However, it is crucial to clean the hardwood floors properly before you lay your area rugs. Trapped dirt and oil can cause staining and damage. Using a good cleaning solution will help prevent damage and keep your floors looking as good as new.
Protecting hardwood floors from scratches
Protecting hardwood floors from scratches is an important aspect of maintaining a beautiful and functional home. A scratch can ruin a floor’s beauty, but there are many ways to prevent scratches. One way is to use felt pads under the furniture legs. It is also a good idea to keep a pad in place when moving furniture from one place to another. Also, make sure that you sweep or mop the floor thoroughly to remove dirt.
Another way to protect hardwood floors from scratches is to keep shoes off the floors. High heels and outdoor shoes are notorious for scratching floors. Additionally, shoes can pick up small pebbles on their soles. Water can also cause hardwood floors to become swollen and damaged. In addition, unsealed raw wood can decay if it becomes wet.
Using Basic Coatings
Using Basic Coatings for hardwood floor maintenance is an excellent way to keep your floors looking great. These products are ideal for everyday cleaning, as well as the occasional deep clean. They are available for both hardwood and laminate floors. They are made with quality ingredients and formulated to provide superior wood flooring solutions.
Basic Coatings floor finishes are eco-friendly and promote a healthier indoor environment. They help protect hardwood floors from moisture and help prevent stains from penetrating wood. This is especially important for exotic woods, which have natural oils that can hinder the adhesion of a finish to the wood.
Avoiding water spills on hardwood floors
Avoiding water spills on hardwood floors can be tricky, but it’s possible to minimize the damage and save your floors. By following a few simple steps, you can reduce the chances of permanent damage. Before you start cleaning up spills, turn off any water sources and dry out your floors. Water damage can result from burst pipes, leaky faucets, and even weak spots in the roof. To minimize the amount of water that hits your floors, remove soaked furniture and rugs. If possible, place plastic between the wet items and the floor to prevent damage.
When cleaning water spills, use a high-quality cleaning solution. Never use too much water when cleaning wood floors. You can use a damp cloth to wipe up spills, but always be sure to thoroughly dry the floor after cleaning. Keeping doormats near doors is also a great way to protect hardwood floors. These inexpensive mats can be placed in front of exterior doors and keep water from damaging your floors. Keeping wet shoes and umbrellas off the floor is also important.
Maintaining proper humidity levels on hardwood floors
It’s important to maintain proper humidity levels on hardwood floors to protect the finish and prevent fading. Using a hydrometer or humidistat will help you determine the right humidity level. The ideal level is between 35 percent and 55 percent. If the humidity levels in your home are too high, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to lower them. The correct humidity level can also help you preserve your floor’s warranty.
Wood flooring is naturally moist. This moisture allows the wood to expand and contract, but it’s not enough to cause cracking or shrinking. If you’re concerned about the condition of your wood floor, you should combine heating and a humidifier.