For people who have never been exposed to hardwood floors providing the regular care, maintenance, and preventative applications to ensure the overall condition, longevity and aesthetics, it can be a bit overwhelming to take it all in. When you are first charged with caring for solid hardwood flooring, there are some primary basics you should know and we at Green Co Carpet Cleaning would like to relate them for you today.

Hardwood Flooring Installation

Solid hardwood floor is manufactured to be thicker and more durable. Solid hardwood floors can be unfinished or factory finished if you are looking for new installation. Factory finishes minimize the install work as it comes pre-sanded and finished. Whereas the unfinished wood requires the sanding and finishing following the installation; a more optimal option for those wanting to implement custom designs. However, keep in mind that after the hardwood floor is installed, there is a process and walking on the hardwood floor is not recommended until it completed from installation, to sanding, to finishing. Solid hardwood flooring is more costly than the other alternatives, but is with the durability and longevity it offers it is well worth the investment.

Hardwood Floor Care & Maintenance

– Clear away the surface dust and debris by either sweeping with a soft bristled broom, a dust mop, or a vacuum that features a “bare floor” or “hardwood floor” setting. This should be done daily to keep the dust and dirt from scuffing the floors as you are walking. Dirt on the floors, combined with everyday walking creates friction which deteriorates the finish and causes scratches and scuffs in the wood.
– If direct sunlight hits the hardwood flooring, during those hours ensure the windows are covered with UV film, blinds, or curtains. When the sun shines directly on the wood, it dries it out and fades the color.
– Area rugs and runners are ideal for entry points and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic in an effort to offer the hardwood floor more protection from potential particulates that can contribute to blemishes or damage.

Tips to Protect Hardwood Floor Damage from Furniture & Other Scratches

– Your pet’s nails can easily scratch the floor, and just like us, they can track in dirt and mud.
To minimize the negative impact, keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their paws cleaned.
– Humidifiers can maintain the humidity balance, which is important to avoid shrinkage; humidity levels should be kept between 35% and 55%.
– Immediately wipe up spills with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Leaving water on the surface can seep into the gaps and cause water damage or warping.
– Avoid walking on the wood floors with abrasive shoes like high heel shoes, and spike shoes.
– Avoid using water or cleaners to clean the floor, if stains or spots occur, use plain water and immediately dry up the water residue.
– Only use cleaning aids and treatments that are specifically formulated for your hardwood floor.
– Do not use abrasive cleaning tools like scouring pads, steel wool pads, or anything containing metal.
– Engineered wood and laminated wood differ than solid hardwood floors and require similar maintenance but have specific needs.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Cleaning & Refinishing in Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Woodland Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

If your hardwood floor is in need of a professional’s helping hand, contact Green Co Air Duct Cleaning and let our experts restore your hardwood floor to their shine and vibrancy.