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Do’s and Don’ts of Hardwood Care

Feb 16, 2016

Hardwood is a popular flooring choice these days due to its durability and classic beauty. But it’s also a big investment, so you would probably want to get your money’s worth. You should consider how to take good care of your hardwood, so that it lasts for years to come. Luckily, hardwood floor cleaning is one of our specialties at Kent Clean. Let our Maryland floor cleaning experts offer you a few hardwood care tips to help you prolong the life of your flooring.

Hardwood Cleaning and Care Do’s

Do Use Manufacturer’s Recommendations

If you’ve just purchased new hardwood flooring, you know where it came from, what it’s made of and who produced this. Use this information! Most flooring manufacturers offer basic installation and care tips for each specific brand of hardwood they sell. Of course, if you moved into a home with hardwood floors, you may not know where this wood came from. In this case, follow our tips below!

Do Clean Up Messes Right Away

Hardwood is not very forgiving when it comes to liquids. If you let a spill sit on your floor for a few hours or longer, the liquid will find its way between the boards. This may lead to rot, as well as become difficult to clean up later. Whether it’s tea, wine, water or soup, grab a soft cloth or a paper towel and absorb as much liquid as fast as you can. Be especially fast with pet urine stains, as they are known to discolor certain types of hardwood due to their acidity.

Do Protect Hardwood From Dents

It may be called hardwood, but it’s not as hard as it looks. In fact, certain species of wood dent very easily from something as simple as shoes with high heels. Avoid dropping heavy objects on hardwood floors and put protective pads under furniture legs. If you have dogs, especially big ones, keep their nails trimmed to minimize the scratches.

Do Sweep or Vacuum Your Hardwood Regularly

Both people and pets bring plenty of sand and dirt on their feet and paws inside the house. Sand creates friction when walked on and can slowly wear down the protective layer on your hardwood floors. By vacuuming or sweeping regularly, you help minimize the surface damage and help your hardwood stay shiny longer.

Hardwood Cleaning and Care Don’ts

Don’t Use Unapproved Cleaners

Using the wrong cleaner on your floor can not only damage your hardwood, but also void its warranty. Consult with manufacturer’s recommendations to find the best cleaning solution for your type of hardwood and finish. For urethane-finished hardwood that is popular these days manufacturers often recommend spray cleaners. If you are hiring a Maryland hardwood cleaning company to revive your older, dingy-looking floors, be sure to ask which cleaning solutions they use.

Don’t Mop Hardwood With a Wet Mop

Remember that hardwood and water don’t get along. Don’t mop hardwood floor with a bucket and a mop like you would tile or vinyl. It’s better not to use water on hardwood, even if you wring your mop thoroughly. Steam cleaning may be safe, depending on the type of hardwood and finish you have. If you are not sure what kind of floor you’ve got, talk to a professional like our hardwood cleaning experts at Kent Clean.

Give us a call today or contact us online with any questions or to request an estimate on hardwood cleaning.

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