A hardwood floor can be a beautiful feature in your home that can last for decades when properly cared for. Hardwood flooring has distinct benefits when compared to other flooring types, but it does need regular care and maintenance. For homes that have recently undergone a hardwood floor installation or for those homeowners that want to know more about the care of their existing hardwood floors, keep reading. We have compiled some handy tips and practices that will help to get you started.

Check the Humidity Level Inside Your Home

Dry air brought on by colder temperatures can result in the contraction or warping of your hardwood floor. A hydrometer is a handy tool that can be purchased in most hardware or department stores around the country. In the fall, you can keep your eye on the humidity levels in your home, which should range between 35-50%. When the humidity level becomes too low, it’s a good idea to make use of a humidifier to raise the humidity. This maintenance tip is great to help you prevent wear and tear or damage to your floor during the fall.

Regular Sweeping Works Wonders

Consistent cleaning of the floor is vital for its longevity. Clean messes or spills as soon as possible. It’s not only liquid spills that can cause stains but also other types of messes. Spilling course substances like sugar or salt, for instance, can scratch the floors if left unattended. With time this or other substances can gradually be ground into the wood, which can cause scratching or damage to the wood layer below the surface. It’s always best to deal with spills as soon as they happen. Regular sweeping is key to preventing damage and avoiding a hardwood floor repair job, which can be time consuming and costly.

Vacuuming Your Hardwood Floor

A thorough vacuuming of your hardwood floor should be done at least once a week. This is an important part of hardwood floor maintenance and can easily be included in your weekly cleaning routine. Vacuuming is effective in lifting dirt particles that may have stayed behind during sweeping. This cleaning process will go a long way in preventing harm from being done to your floor.

Making Use of Furniture Pads

This is an easy way of preventing damage to your floor. For those homeowners that have not yet invested in these handy protectors, now is a good time to start. Buy a whole bunch of them, enough for all your home furniture. Chairs left unprotected are a leading cause of hardwood floor scratching, so start protecting your floor with furniture pads.

A Hardwood Floor Refinishing Project Will Extend the Life of Your Floor

A wood floor refinishing project is not necessarily an annual requirement to keep your floors in tip top shape. It is, however, recommended to have this done every three to five years, depending on the wear and tear your floor sees over time. You can preserve the wood’s aesthetic value and lower the likelihood of scratches by applying a fresh coat of wood finish. In addition to this, it will also help protect your floor from stains resulting from spills. If you are planning your fall floor maintenance, start by analyzing the amount of traffic your floor has to contend with inside the home. For instance, for homes with large families or homeowners that frequently entertain, you may want to schedule a new coat in three-year intervals. Homes with only one or two people that see minimal foot traffic, schedule a fresh coat every five years.

Count on Professional Flooring Contractors for Your Hardwood Floor Needs

Peter Flooring can install a brand-new hardwood floor or take care of all your hardwood flooring maintenance requirements. Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more about all our hardwood flooring products and services.