How You Can Prevent Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
Scratches, dings, dents, and discoloration can all damage your hardwood floors. What can you do to keep that surface beautiful and prevent damage to your hardwood floors? Read on to find out.
Regular Cleaning
Sweeping your floors once a day is an excellent way to extend the floor’s lifespan. Believe it or not, food crumbs can damage hardwood floors, as they contain significant amounts of moisture and can lead to mold and mildew. Depending on the crumbs, they may also cause scratches on the floor.
In addition to sweeping, you should invest in the right cleaning products for your floor. Some cleaning methods are harmful to your floors, like diluted vinegar, soap-based cleaners, and steam-cleaning. Instead, opt for a good broom or dust mop designed specifically for wood floors. Look for cleaners that are safe for hardwood and leave no residue.
Furniture Pads
Furniture pads are a must on couches or chairs that rest directly on hardwood floors. Getting into the habit of lifting furniture when you need to move it is good, but you can’t rely on that all the time. Be careful with nail-on furniture pads, as the nail itself can damage the floor. Adhesive pads aren’t the most secure, but they’re affordable and simple to use.
Maintain Proper Humidity
Humidity levels that are too high or too low can also damage your floors. Keeping your house between 30 and 50 percent humidity could prove tricky depending on where you live, as humidity tends to drop in the winter and increase in the summer. Consider investing in a humidifier for colder months and a dehumidifier for the hot seasons.
Scratch Removal
Sometimes, your floors will still get scratched, no matter how much work you put in. Luckily, there are some simple ways to get scratches out of engineered hardwood. You can buss out some light scratches, while you might consider a wax repair kit for deeper gouges.
Now that you know how you can prevent damage to your hardwood floors, protect those beautiful surfaces and live a scratch-free lifestyle.
