This site is best viewed using Mozilla Firefox browser.

Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2011-12-27 11:50:20

Cleaning hardwood floors

A: In order to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, it is important to clean and maintain it properly. First, know what type of wood you have and weather it is finished or unfinished. Knowing the manufacturer also helps as they may have their own specific care instructions you should follow. Next, put preventive measures in place, such as floor mats at entrances and runners in high traffic areas. Be sure to use ones made for wood floors and to clean them by vacuuming or shaking frequently. Dust and debris can get through rugs and cause damage when walked on. Dust your floors frequently with a high quality dust mop and vacuum with the soft bristle attachment. Dust on the floor acts like sandpaper, and can cause damage over time. For removing light dirt, try a slightly damp mop using water and a mild cleanser advised by the manufacturer. A simple cleaning secret is using a little baby shampoo or mild dish soap in water to help break up the dirt and grease without damaging the finish. •Use only cleaners that will not leave a residue •Use professional cleaner to remove tough stains •Do not use ammonia •Do not use wax on a urethane finish •Clean sticky spots with damp sponge •Try hardening grease spots or gum with a bag of frozen vegetables band scrape away with plastic spatula •Clean spills immediately •Use window treatments to limit and keep sun exposure even over the entire floor •Do not walk in high heals across the floor •Take care when moving heavy objects across the floor Over time, all hardwood floors will likely need screening and recoating. Screening is the process where you grind down the polyurethane finish and apply a fresh coat. This will make the floors look like new and give you many years enjoyment.