Hardwood flooring can add elegant warmth to any room. However, while it is not as prone to staining as carpet, the boards still require careful cleaning to continue looking their best. Follow the maintenance guide below for the best results.

How to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

1. Sweep 

Sweep your floors several times a week. Removing dirt, dust, and other debris promptly makes it less likely to get ground into your floors, filling up the crevices or scratching the surface of the boards. Use an angled, soft-bristled broom. Sweep along the grain rather than against or across it. Avoid high-powered vacuums with carpet beaters that can scrape the finish. Use a hand vac or robot vacuum, instead.

2. Mop

For sticky food spills or dried mud, bring out the microfiber mop. Spray a solution of hardwood flooring cleaner onto the affected area. Mop with the grain, being sure to remove as much moisture as possible. Respond as quickly as possible to spills, because liquids can tarnish and leave stains.

3. Remove Stains

To remove a stain that has set into your hardwood flooring, rub it gently with a piece of fine steel wool. Take care to use small strokes and press with your finger to minimize the amount of surface area affected. If the stains are greasy, pre-treat the area with a small amount of dish soap to start breaking down the oils. If rubbing does not help, apply a small amount of bleach or vinegar and let it stay there for a half-hour before wiping it off.

If you're in the market for hardwood flooring for your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms, contact CD Flooring, a residential and commercial flooring service in Kerrville, TX. They are fully licensed and have spent years developing trusted relationships with clients in and around Kerr County. They specialize in hardwood, laminate, stone, and tile floors and backsplashes. Visit their website to reach out to them online or call (830) 257-3350 to arrange a consultation.