Your hardwood floors are one of the most stunning features in your home, but they require special maintenance to stay looking their best. That means avoiding some common errors that could slowly deteriorate them and cause them to appear worn before their time.
1. Pet Nails and Claws
Pets can be an amazing addition to your life, but it’s essential to remember that their nails can cause scratches and dents in hardwood floors over time. Regularly trimming your pet’s nails will prevent this damage from wreaking havoc on your floors.
2. High Heels
Wearing high heels around the house, particularly stilettos, is never a good idea. Avoid walking on your floors in heels and always use felt pads under furniture legs if possible for protection.
3. Area Rugs and Mats with Rubber Backing
Rug pads that have either rubber or vinyl backing are not the best choice for hardwood floors as these materials may interact with certain floor finishes, leading to discoloration or dullness. Instead, opt for a combination of felt and rubber pads from Ultimate Mats will safeguard your hardwood floors in case you experience slips or falls.
4. Sunlight
Summer sun can quickly fade your hardwood floors, so to reduce direct exposure you should do your best to reduce direct sunlight exposure each day. On bright days, close blinds and draperies to block out as much UV rays as possible.
5. Water
Moisture is the enemy of hardwood floors, eating away at wood’s fibers if left unchecked. Excess moisture can lead to board swells, cupping and warping if left unchecked.
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6. Ammonia
Cleaning products containing ammonia can do irreparable harm to your hardwood floors over time, dissolving lignin in the wood and causing its urethane finish to yellow and distort over time. 6. Hydroxyethoxylates
Hydrogen peroxides can also corrode hardwood surfaces when they come into contact with ammonia, giving rise to yellowing and distortion over time.
7. Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that can remove stains and dirt from hardwood floors, but too much acidic content can deteriorate them over time. Particularly, too much vinegar will eat away at your hardwood’s finish, leaving it dull over time.
8. Oil Soap
Cleaners that contain oils can be an effective way to lift grime and dirt off floors, but they may trap dust particles and attract soil over time, making it harder to restore dull or faded finishes.
9. Store-Bought Cleaning Products
Your favorite store-bought cleaner may work wonders elsewhere in your house, but never use it on hardwood floors as it can eat away at their urethane finish and stain them. 9. How Do Store-Built Products Compare to Professional Grade?
Store-bought products may work better for other parts of the home, but professional grade should never be used on hardwood flooring as this can eat away at its urethane finish and leave behind streaks or marks.
10. White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective and mild cleaner that can help remove stubborn stains on hardwood floors. However, it should only be used sparingly and in small amounts – not like ammonia or other strong chemicals.
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