The season for trimming the tree and decking the halls has arrived, and all this activity can give your floors a beating--particularly if they're hardwoods. Before the holidays leave their indelible mark, consider these helpful tips for maintaining your wood floor surfaces.
An Ounce of Prevention
When cared for properly, hardwood flooring can provide a lifetime of beauty and value. The following suggestions will enable
you to prolong these benefits even during the most hectic time of the year.
- If you must move furniture or other heavy items to make room for a Christmas tree and decorations, remember to lift objects completely. Dragging furniture is a sure way to scratch wood floors. Felt or plastic pads placed under table and chair legs are another method of preventing damage.
- Don't wait until all the trimmings are in place before cleaning your floors. Dirt and sand act as abrasives. A good rule is to clean before and after decorating to prevent scratches, dents, and dulling. Use a broom with fine, exploded ends or a vacuum with a special bare floor attachment.
- Check the labels on your floor cleaners. Products that consist of oil soaps aren't beneficial to hardwoods because they can cause buildup that will dull the surface. To avoid this, use neutral pH cleaners specifically made for that purpose. Many professionals recommend a capful of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of warm water to serve as a cleaner. (Tip: Be sure to determine what type of finish is on your hardwood floors because cleaners can react differently with wax and polyurethane finishes. To test, run your fingernail along the surface of the floor. Wax will feel soft and often build up under the nail.)
- Two of the most common unfriendly elements to hardwood surfaces are sunlight and standing water. To prevent the sun's UV rays from fading your floors, keep curtains and blinds closed whenever possible. Likewise, water left standing can cause damage. Spills should be wiped up immediately.
- Generally, a floor will let you know when it's time to refinish. The finish can last for 3 to 10 years, depending on traffic volume. Look for the telling signs of uneven wear, dull spots, or rough patches.
For more information consult the Hardwood Information Center at 1-800-373-WOOD (9663), or visit www.hardwoodinfo.com.
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