When it comes to choosing what material they want to use for their floors, many homeowners go with wood. This comes as no surprise, since wood boasts a beautiful and timeless aesthetic that complements pretty much any type of interior design. It’s also quite durable and easy to maintain. However, there are some things that you’ll want to do in order to ensure that the wood keeps its gorgeous appearance over time. The following are a few tips to help you maintain your wood floor and prevent possible damage:
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Choose the proper finish – There are a lot of finishes available for your wood flooring, including softwood finishes, such as sealers and stains, and hardwood finishes, which include polyurethane wood finish and wax. The proper finish will help your wood floor keep its color and sheen.
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Sweep regularly – Don’t let dust and dirt collect on your wood floors. The buildup of dust and dirt can end up scratching the surface of the wood.
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Don’t use water to clean – Using water to clean wood floors is a mistake many people make. Water can cause damage to wood over the long term, resulting in potential warping of boards. Always clean up water spills immediately.
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Avoid household cleaning products – Don’t use bleach or ammonia to clean your wood floors, as these products will damage the finish. Only use cleaning products that are specifically designed for wood.
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Use entry mats – To prevent damage near your entrance and exits, place entry mats on the floor.
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Use area rugs – You may want to put down an area rug or two in the places that experience the heaviest foot traffic around your home, such as parts of the living room and the hallways.
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Use felt pads – Furniture tends to shift as it’s used. To avoid your furniture scratching up your wood when this happens, place felt pads underneath the feet of tables and chairs.
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Use blinds or curtains – Exposure to sunlight over a long period of time will bleach parts of your wood floors, causing unattractive, discolored splotches.
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Take off your shoes – If possible, have all residents and guests remove their shoes before walking on your wood floors.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your wood floors remain as beautiful as ever.
