How to care for wood flooring

Two of the biggest advantages of wood flooring are that  it’s naturally durable and easy to take care of.  Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting that shows every little speck of mud, wood floors stay looking new for years, with just a little maintenance.

It doesn’t take much to keep your floors looking their best.  Following these simple steps will ensure their beauty lasts for years to come.

* Since water can be very damaging to wood flooring, keep it away from your floors as much as possible.  Using doormats in front of exterior doors and throw rugs inside will absorb the water from wet shoes.  It will also keep out pebbles, dirt, and sand that could mar your floors.

*  Use area rugs in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and wipe up any spills quickly.  Check to make sure your potted plants don’t leak, and never use a wet mop on wood floors.

*  Shake out your doormats often.  And vacuum your area rugs thoroughly.  If you use the beater bar on your vacuum for your rugs, don’t use it on your wood flooring.

* Never move furniture by sliding it across the floor.  Pick items up and carry them.  And put fabric or soft plastic glides under the feet of your furniture to prevent scratches and dents.

* Direct sunlight will fade wood floors, so use area rugs to protect them, and keep curtains closed when it’s bright out.

* Be careful what kinds of shoes you wear on your wood floors.  High heels, cleats, and other athletic shoes are all very hard on hardwood floors.  Dogs that weight over 50 pounds can really scratch up a floor quickly.  So if you have dogs, use lots of rugs.

* Make sure your home isn’t too moist, which may result in warping of the boards, or too dry, which could cause the wood to crack.  Invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier if moisture is a problem.

* Use only products that are especially designed for wood flooring.  Your manufacturer probably recommends one.   Don’t use ammonia, oil-based soaps, which can dull the finish, or polishes that can make your floors slick.

* You can remove most dirt, grit, and grime with a good cotton dust mop or soft-bristled broom.  A Swiffer or micro fiber mop will help collect any pet hair.  Or you can spray a mop with a dust-attracting mist.

* If you have scuff marks, rub them in a circular motion with the floor cleaner recommended by your manufacturer.

Doing these simple things will help to keep your wood floors looking good for years.

Read about the different types of hardwood floors at http://woodflooringguide.net/three-types-of-wood-flooring-and-how-to-choose-between-them.  Or find even more advice at http://woodflooringguide.net.