Many homeowners love the warmth and elegance of hardwood floors and want to do everything they can to preserve their appearance. Wood surfaces require maintenance than laminate, floor tile, and carpeting, but they will last for many years with proper care. The following tips will help you make the most of your investment and leave your floors looking as good as new.

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

1. Sweep Daily

Use a microfiber mop to sweep or dust the floors every day. Microfiber pads use static cling to attract dirt and dust particles; this method prevents surface scratching because you aren’t pushing debris around with an abrasive broom. Sweeping the floors on a daily basis takes a little extra time, but this task helps hardwood look its best.

2. Vacuum Weekly

Once a week, use a vacuum to pick up debris the microfiber mop left behind. Many vacuum cleaners come with soft brush attachments that prevent scratches and narrow nozzles that help you reach under furniture, into corners, and along baseboards where dust can hide. 

3. Mop as Needed

Although some people worry about getting their hardwood floors wet, they can be mopped with a specially formulated cleaning product. These products remove stubborn dirt without damaging the finish. You can use a damp sponge to clean minor spills quickly. Apply light pressure to avoid scratching the floor or saturating it with water. To clean larger messes, use a mop with a soft fabric head and a cleanser made for use on wood.

4. Add Protection 

Foot traffic, toys, and debris can damage hardwood. Place rugs and mats in high traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and the kitchen to prevent scuffs and scratches. Adding felt pads to the legs of heavy furniture will also protect the wood finish from scrapes, especially if you need to move the items.

Maintaining your hardwood floors takes effort, but the beautiful results are worth the investment. Contact the professionals at Parker Floor Covering in Hamilton, OH, to find the right products for your home and lifestyle. From carpet and hardwood to tile and laminate flooring, they have everything you need for a customized design scheme. Call (513) 863-6767 or visit them online to learn more about their services.