One of the most common questions we get from customers is how to care for their hardwood floors. Whether you’re looking at engineered or the more traditional solid variety, hardwood planks are a stylish addition to any home (learn more about selecting which type of hardwood works best for you here). Understandably, with the effort that goes into choosing the right brand, fit, and grain for your home, people want to make sure they’re equipped to take care of their new investment long term. Here are Ashley Fine Floors top tips for maintaining your hardwood floors!
Know what your finish is and clean accordingly
This is one of the first elements you’ll want to take into consideration before you clean. While all types of planks share common aspects, your finish can have a significant impact on what kinds of cleaning materials you should and shouldn’t use. Most new models have a polyurethane, urethane, or polyacrylic coating. These types of finishes are water and stain resistant, making them a little more durable, as well as water/stain resistant. If you have a shellac, lacquer, or varnish finish, however, you’ll need to exercise more caution to avoid eroding your finish or causing damage. Always do your homework ahead of time to avoid and unfortunate mishaps!
Be prepared to do a light clean often
Hardwood floors are easy to keep spotless, but a big part of maintaining the quality of your planks is consistent upkeep. Doing a gentle sweep with a microfibre mop will pick up dirt before it accumulates and saves you time in the long run. It’s also a good idea to do a once over with your vacuum (using a flooring friendly attachment) and quick mop weekly if you have the time.
Deep cleaning
Despite your best efforts, it’s inevitable that you’re going to have to do a more involved “cleanse” every once in a while. If you’ve kept on top of overall dirt and grimed build up, this should be easy, but there’s still a few pointers you’ll want to bear in mind. First and foremost, avoid any harsh chemicals or cleaning utensils that may damage your planks by eating through your finish or scratching the surface. Ideally, using a warm, lightly moistened microfiber cloth should help, but if you find that you need to use a cleaning agent, be sure to dilute the solution first. Spot clean any problem areas or stains, and always make sure you do your best wipe off any excess moisture to avoid the potential for warping or mould growth.
Hardwood floors are one of the number one ways to add value to your home. By following these tips, you should be able to keep them looking their best for the future. To learn more about these or other types of flooring, give us a call today!