Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition to most homes, and it is also relatively easy to care for. However, some maintenance is still required to keep it in good condition. The guide below will teach you how and when to care for your floor so that it stays looking great for decades to come.

Sweeping, Vacuuming, & Mopping

Everyday dust and dirt tracked onto hardwood flooring can result in scratches as it is repeatedly walked over and ground into the material. The good news is that this type of damage can often be avoided by taking a few minutes each day to sweep. Ideally, use a soft-bristle brush or a microfiber dust mop to avoid accidentally causing harm while cleaning.

Although sweeping is fine for clearing out surface dirt, it can’t remove the detritus that falls between the cracks and crevices of hardwood. At least once a week, use a vacuum without a beater or rotating brush to clear out this harmful debris. 

Also, to remove any stuck-on dirt, you should mop with a pH-neutral cleaning solution and the microfiber mop every two to four weeks. Just be sure to avoid applying water or cleaner directly to the hardwood, as it could cause staining or moisture problems.

Recoating & Refinishing

Over time, the coating on your hardwood flooring will begin to wear. Typically, you’ll notice it first in areas that receive the most foot traffic, like around the front door. These areas should be recoated every one to five years to prevent the finish from fully wearing away. However, recoating can also be done to change the color of the finish or retexture it.

A full refinish is not often recommend because the sanding can strip away unique patterns and textures in the hardwood, but this material usually requires it every couple of decades or so. By this point, scratches, discoloration, and dullness might be prominent in the wood, and refinishing will help to restore it.

If the floors in your home have begun to look outdated or worn, contact the home remodeling contractors at NorthWest Granite & Flooring about installing new hardwood flooring. These professional installers have over 60 years of flooring design experience working and providing fast and reliable services to the Oak Harbor, WA, area. Stop by their showroom or call them at (360) 675-4978 with any questions about their products. You can also visit their website to learn more about their other services.