Natural and elegant-looking, most homeowners and architects prefer hardwood flooring. However, due to its organic elements, hardwood floors require a much specific cleaning procedure. Below are five cleaning habits to prevent when doing so:
Using the Wrong Rug Pad
Rug pads make all the difference for hardwood floors, and using the wrong one can dull your floor’s shine and even cause discoloration. Avoid using rubber-backed mats or rubber mesh pads and opt for a combination of felt and rubber pads to protect your flooring.
Regularly Practicing Wet-Cleaning
Also known as green cleansing, wet cleaning entails a powerful vacuum that wet mops a floor quickly. Though convenient, the process damages hardwood floors by over cleaning it. If your flooring hardly gets foot traffic, then spot-cleaning or regular vacuuming is ideal.
Drenching the Floor with Cleansers
When it comes to cleaning, cleansers can make your floor shine and squeak, but too much of it can destroy its natural look. According to Sunshine Hardwood Flooring, a company that specializes in hardwood floor refinishing in Meridian, ID, today’s wood flooring finishes are much more resistant to water, but drenching them with cleaning solutions turn them dull and creaky. When using cleansers, tackle small areas one at a time by using a damp cloth and drying their surfaces immediately.
Using High Levels of Steam Cleaners
When using steam cleaners, exercise caution as its moist can worn out your flooring’s finish. Make sure to use the lightest level of steam and keep it moving around the surface and not stationary in just one spot.
Vacuuming with a Rotating Brush
Because of its sharp and thick edges, a vacuum’s rotating brush can be abrasive to wood floors. Prevent this from happening by turning off the brush roll or using a floor brush attachment. When doing so, make sure to brush swiftly as dust and dirt particles can scratch your floor when they sit for too long.
Maintain the elegance and finish of hardwood floors by practicing cleaning procedures that let its shine stand out. Do it the natural way and with extreme caution.
