4 Things Your Hardwood Floor Would Tell You If It Could Talk
Posted on: 2 July 2014
Hardwood flooring is a durable option that looks incredible. According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, some people don't treat their floors like they should, which can cause problems. Here are four things that your hardwood floor would probably tell you if it could talk.
1: "Please wipe up that water right away."
Water is your hardwood flooring's worst enemy. Over time, it can erode away the protective varnish of your flooring, and allow liquid to penetrate its planks. Not only will this result in discolored spots, but it could also cause damage bad enough that the planks need to be replaced.
Damage stemming from water is common in kitchens or bathrooms where hardwood flooring is present. Water damage can also occur near entryways where rain or snow can be tracked in from the outside.
In order to keep your flooring in good condition, always wipe up water or spilled liquids as soon as possible. The longer you wait to take care of the problem, the worse it is for your flooring. Install mats near entryways, in order to soak up water before it has a chance to collect on your hardwood.
2: "Trim your pet's nails, and watch out for sharp objects."
You might not realize it, but your pet might be severely damaging your hardwood. Untrimmed nails can mean big time scratches on the surface of your expensive flooring, which can be difficult to repair. Kitchen chairs or other furniture pieces can also cause scratches if they are constantly moved across the floor.
Make sure to always install felt sticker pads to the underside of furniture, and always keep your pet's nails trimmed. Not only will this help to keep your floors looking great for many years to come, but it also might help to reduce the noise level in your house.
3: "Don't use wax-based cleaners."
When it comes time to clean their flooring, many people use a one-size-fits-all cleaning approach throughout their entire home. Unfortunately, that wax-based cleaner that does wonders for your bathroom linoleum might cause real problems for your living room hardwood. When wax-based cleaners are used, they can leave a film on the surface of your flooring, which can change color, look terrible, and be difficult to remove.
To keep your hardwood floors clean and beautiful, wipe them clean with a dust mop whenever they become dirty. Clean up spills with a slightly damp washcloth, and dry the flooring afterwards. If you choose to vacuum your hardwood, turn off the beater bar, which can damage your flooring. When you feel the need to mop your house, make sure to use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood, and follow the instructions to the letter.
4: "With a little refinishing, things can look brand new!"
Oftentimes, when a homeowner realizes that they have damaged hardwood, their first instinct is to cover it up or replace it altogether. They figure that once the damage is done, there isn't a lot that they could do in order to improve it. Fortunately, one of the great things about hardwood is that you can revive it with the help of a professional contractor, like National Carpet Mill Outlet.
Because hardwood flooring planks are often ¾ of an inch thick, they can be refinished approximately 5-7 times over the course of their lifetime. When floors are refinished, professionals use a special sanding tool that strips off the varnish, and removes small wood imperfections like scratches and dings. After floors are sanded, they are vacuumed and then re-stained and varnished.
Refinished flooring looks incredible, and it saves money on flooring replacement. By understanding the needs of your hardwood flooring, you can keep it looking beautiful and pristine.
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