If you have decided to upgrade your home to hardwood floors, fantastic! You can't go wrong with the timeless look that hardwood floors offer. However, some regular cleaning and care will help protect your investment. Here are three easy ways to help you prevent scratches, keep dirt away and keep your hardwood floors looking new.
1. Vacuum without a beater bar
Some vacuums contain beater bars that are designed to pick up hair and other fine particles that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up. While the beater bar may work great on carpet, but on hardwood floors, it can contribute to small scratches as you drag the vacuum back and forth. It is best to use a soft-bristled floor-brush attachment that often comes with the vacuum and be sure to clean the attachment after each use. If you prefer sweeping instead of vacuuming, be sure that the broom is also soft-bristled. Alternatively, you can also use microfiber cloths to pick up dirt without scratching the floors.
2. Put down protective rugs and mats
Mats are a great way to trap most dirt and debris before reaching the hardwood floor. For this to be effective, proper placement of mats is key. It is best to place one exterior mat outside your front door. This encourages visitors and family members to wipe their feet before coming in. Next, place an interior mat in the entryway inside the house. This would trap additional dirt before making its way into other areas of the house.
Rugs large enough to fill almost an entire room are also great to protect your hardwood floors from everyday wear and tear. Area rugs not only make the room cozier, but they can come in many design patterns to suit your taste. But before making your purchase, be sure to check if the rug is suitable for hardwood floors. Some rugs are rubber-backed that can leave residues on the surface of hardwood floors that can ruin the top layer of the floor's finish. A separate rug backing or underlayment can help with ventilation and avoiding moisture and debris getting trapped.
It is best to shake out mats and vacuum rugs regularly to prevent debris build-up.
3. Use felt protectors under legs of furniture
Furniture, especially chairs are prone to dragging. Over time, this creates scratches and dents on the hardwood floor. Adhesive felt protectors can be stuck under furniture's legs that provide additional padding to help reduce scuffs. However, felt protectors can get dirty quickly, and debris embedded in the felt can also scratch the floor. It is best to replace the felt protectors regularly.
Regular maintenance of your hardwood floors is key...
Hardwood floors add value to your home, and by taking care of them, they will last much longer. Regular vacuuming without a beater bar, utilizing mats, and using felt protectors on furniture are some of the simple things you can do to keep hardwood floors pristine.