For homeowners first introduced to hardwood floor variations in their home, the basic care and maintenance can be a bit overwhelming. However, you need to know the basic care and maintenance of floors to protect the aesthetics, overall condition and longevity. In an effort to preserve your hardwood floors, we at D&M Carpet Cleaning would like to share a few basics of the hardwood floor care and maintenance.

Difference Between Unfinished and Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood floor is engineered to be thicker and more durable. There are a couple of options of solid hardwood floors. They can be unfinished or factory finished where the installation work can be minimized as it comes pre-sanded and pre-finished. In contrast, following the installation, unfinished wood requires sanding and finishing, which is an ideal option for those wanting to implement custom designs. Keep in mind that after the hardwood floor is installed, the sanding and finishing is a process and walking on the hardwood floor is not recommended until completed from installation, to sanding, to finishing. Being well worth the investment due to durability and longevity, solid hardwood flooring is more costly than other alternatives.

Routine Hardwood Floor Maintenance Suggestions

1) To help offer the hardwood floor more protection, area rugs and runners are helpful for entry points and areas where there is a lot of foot traffic so they can potentially catch particulates that contribute to blemishes or damage.
2) Remove the surface dust and debris with the use of a dust mop, soft bristled broom, or a vacuum that features a “bare floor” or “hardwood floor” setting. To keep the dust and dirt off the surface daily in order to avoid scuffing the floors as you are walking. With everyday walking creates friction combined dirt the floors, the finish deteriorates, leading to scratches and scuffs in the wood.
3) During any hours of direct sunlight that hits the hardwood flooring, you need to ensure the windows are covered with UV film, blinds, or curtains. When the sun shines directly on the wood, the color fades and the wood dries out.

How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Scratches & Damage from Cleaning

– Only cleaning aids and treatments that are designed and formulated for your hardwood floor.
– Abrasive cleaning tools need to be avoided, such as scouring pads, steel wool pads, or anything containing metal.
– Keep in mind that engineered wood and laminated wood differ than solid hardwood floors, though there are similarities.
– Much like the dirt and mud that gets tracked in, the floor can be easily scratched by your pet’s nails. Minimize this negative impact by maintaining your pet’s nails with trimming and their paws cleaned
– To avoid shrinkage, humidity levels should be kept between 35% and 55% to maintain wood floors; with humidifiers, the humidity can be balanced.
– Promptly wipe up spills using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. From leaving water on the surface, it can cause water damage or warping can seep into the gaps.
– Restrict walking on the wood floors with high heel shoes, and spike shoes or any other abrasive shoes.
– Should any stains or spots occur and avoid using water or cleaners to clean the floor, use plain water and immediately dry up the water residue.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning & More in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Duluth, Stone Mountain, Covington, Conyers, Loganville & Atlanta Georgia

Call D&M Carpet Cleaning when your wood floors require a deep cleaning. Our experts will ensure they are well cleaned and sanitized.