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With proper care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. However, this material can be more prone to damage, so you must be careful. To increase the longevity of your flooring, and enhance its natural beauty, follow these essential tips.

How to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

1. Pad the Furniture

Although hardwood is relatively durable, its surface is prone to nicks and scrapes. By attaching felt pads to the legs of your furniture, you can avoid scratching the floor when sliding chairs or tables across the room. It’s also best to place rugs and runners in high-traffic areas, especially if you have pets with long nails.

2. Keep the Floors Dry

hardwood floorSince it’s porous, hardwood absorbs water quickly. To prevent excessive moisture from warping the panels, wipe up spills immediately and keep wet shoes out of your home. Additionally, if your HVAC system has a whole-house humidifier, don’t let the humidity level exceed 50%.

3. Stick to a Cleaning Regimen

Using a microfiber mop, dust your floors daily to keep dirt and other debris from settling between the floorboards or accumulating in the grain. Although sweeping is also an option, a microfiber pad will pick up more dust and pet hair while being gentler on the surface of the wood. Once a week, vacuum the floor with a soft-bristled attachment after dusting. Finally, once a month, apply a hardwood-safe cleaning formula with a flat mop and a microfiber head.

4. Refinish the Wood Periodically

Over the years, hardwood floors inevitably lose their luster. To restore their natural beauty, you can sand off the top layer and apply a fresh coat of staining. On average, hardwood should be refinished every seven to 10 years. Since engineered hardwood is about three quarters of an inch thick, it can be refinished between four and six times before it needs replacing.

 

If you want to upgrade the flooring throughout your home with hardwood, turn to Thayer Decorating Center. A family-owned and -operated business, this flooring contractor has been serving residential and commercial clients across south central Missouri and Hardy, Cherokee Village, and Ash Flat, AR, for nearly four decades. With a vast selection of materials and finishes to choose from, they’re sure to have the perfect hardwood floors for your property. To learn more about all the services their highly trained team provides, visit their website. To request a free estimate, call (417) 264-7773.

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