Let’s face it, as elegant as they are, hardwood floors take some effort to maintain. Each season brings new issues with it, and thus, different ways to maintain these floors. There is an abundance of snow and ice in winters, salty and chlorinated water in the summers, rain, and dirt during the spring monsoons, and dust and leaves during fall.

But all the effort put into maintaining these magnificent floors is well worth the stunning foundation they provide for any interior design theme.

Based on NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) guidelines, here are three ways to care for your hardwood floors to make sure they last you a long time.

Immediately Clean Up Any Accidental Spills

Spills happen, especially if you live in a house with a lot of children. But the key to minimizing the damage is to clean up the spillage as soon as possible. Make sure you use a dry or damp cloth to wipe off the stain instead of using steam mops or brooms because they might cause micro-abrasions on the surface of the wood.

Since wood shrinks or swells when exposed to different levels of moistures, it is imperative to make sure the humidity levels are maintained. This will reduce the chances of cupping, gapping, or splitting.

Look Out For Scratches—Make Sure You Use Furniture Pads

Scratches are usually caused when the sharp edges of your furniture are dragged across the floor when you’re changing the setting of the room. To avoid these scratches, place furniture pads underneath the legs of your tables and sofas.

Other ways to avoid scratches include taking your shoes before stepping on the floor and adding entry mats.

Regular Cleaning Will Get Rid Of Any Damaging Particles

Water, dirt, and dust can settle in the spaces between the wood panels and boards, breeding microorganisms like mold that can, over time, grow and cause damage to your floors, furniture, and even walls.

Regular cleaning will make sure you get rid of these particles and prevent damage. If you spot moldy patches on your floors or walls, it may be time to call in the professionals.

If you live in Freeport, ME, don’t hesitate to call our team. We specialize in mold remediation, among other cleaning services. To book a cleaning session, contact us here.