If proper installation is performed, wood flooring can last for more than a lifetime, potentially even for generations, but keeping the finish intact is crucial to ensure that the floor gets all the protection needed over years of usage. A lot of damages occur not due to the aging process but due to daily wear and tear of the finishing layer formed in the course of time. Therefore, understanding how to look after wooden floors properly is critical in deciding whether the floor will need full restoration or repair in 5 or 20 years.
At MGX Hardwood Care, we really would prefer the clients to avoid having to get the flooring refinished than getting it done in our workshop.
Understand What You’re Protecting: The Finish, Not the Wood
Most hard-wood floors in the last decades of years have been finished with a polyurethane finish, that is a clear and firm protective coating on the surface of wood. Almost all activities in daily maintenance that people perform have to do with the protection of this finish rather than the wood itself. Once the layer wears away, the wood underneath gets unprotected and is susceptible to moisture and scratching and staining.
This difference is very important because it changes the way of how the maintenance is taken: it is important not to think of keeping the wood clean but rather to keep its outer coating safe for longer.
Safe Cleaners for Polyurethane Floors
One of the main causes of damage to hardwood finishes is the use of incorrect cleaning agents. It is very important to use safe cleaning products for polyurethane floors since a lot of cleaning agents commonly used in households are actually detrimental to the finish over time.
Here are some specific tips to keep in mind:
- Do not use cleaning agents made with vinegar. While it is very popular natural cleaning solution, the acidity of vinegar may cause the progressive fading of polyurethane finish after using it repeatedly.
- Avoid the use of oil soaps and wax-based products. The specified cleaning agents are designed for the use on old floors, so they may leave dull haze on the finish’s surface.
- Do not overuse water when cleaning. Polyurethane is water resistant but not waterproof, which means that if there is standing water or a wet mop being used too much, it may seep into the gaps between the boards thus causing warping of the material.
- It is recommended to use a hardwood cleaner produced by the manufacturer and to clean floors with a mop that has been squeezed enough, thus avoiding soaking it with water.
How to Prevent Hardwood Scratches
Scratches are a very evident indication of hardwood damage; however they can be avoided with some simple practices. Scratches can be avoided by eliminating sources causing the most harm:
Furniture
Put felt pads on the bottom of every chair, couch, and table leg and make sure that they fit well since they wear off over time and need to be changed. When moving furniture always carry it and avoid dragging which may leave a deep scar.
Pet claws
Regular cutting of the claws of dogs and cats deserves much attention as it may help reduce minor scratches over time.
Grit and debris from outside
Particles of sand and dust which come to our homes from outside can scratch the wood as well. Two simple solutions to this issue would be mats at the entrances as well as getting used to taking off shoes in dirty areas.
Rugs in the areas of heavy traffic
Having rugs in the corridors and before the sinks help to protect the finish of the wood where it is aged the most.
Daily and Weekly Wood Floor Maintenance Tips
In addition to preventing damage, several habits can enhance the life of your finish. The tips for maintaining wooden floors outlined below include the following necessities for optimal care:
- Sweep or dry-mop every day in busy places in order to pick up dirt and dust before it is forced into the finish.
- Vacuum every week and use appropriate attachments for hardwoods (the beater bar should be left out, as it may harm the finish).
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially water, as standing water is one of the quickest means to ruin a polyurethane finish.
- Keep the humidity inside at the same level of 35-55% as the humidity changes may result in gaps and cupping.
- Change the furniture layout from time to time, since the area that is walked on regularly wears out faster overall.
Why Daily Habits Matter More Than Occasional Deep Cleaning
While it may be hard to resist believing that periodic cleaning carried out by professionals will take care of hardwood floors, in reality, daily care and caution take care of the majority of the work in between those times. Floors that are regularly swept, protected with felt pads and doormats, and maintained with proper cleaning products will need help much less than floors that get occasional help by means of the efforts of professionals who remove dirt and grime from the flooring.
Although professional cleaning is still necessary to remove dirt and restore shine that cannot be achieved by regular care and maintenance, it will make sense if used along with daily upkeep and care. You may think about maintenance as a process that constantly protects flooring, while professional cleaning is an occasional stop-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to mop hardwood surfaces with a steam mop?
In general, it is not advisable to use steam mops on hardwood floors due to their ability to cause damage to wood finishes, like polyurethane, caused by moisture and heat.
How frequently should hardwood floors be cleaned professionally if cleaned regularly?
Hardwood floors need cleaning professionally every 12 months or more despite daily cleaning efforts at home.
Can you repair scratched or damaged hardwood floors without refinishing them?
Superficial scratches can be repaired fairly easily using the screen and recoating method, but deep scratches will require sanding and refinishing.
Protect Your Investment Between Professional Visits
Good cleaning practices make hardwood floors durable, however, without the assistance of specialists, it will be hard to keep up the floors. The experts of MGX Hardwood Care know how to care for flooring correctly.
