8 Hardwood Mistakes You’re Probably Making…
If there is one thing homeowners take pride in, it's having hardwood floors. The natural beauty, elegance, and class is second to none and can really take your home to a whole new level.
There is only one problem. Not every homeowner knows how to take care of hardwood properly. While most homeowners think they are doing the right things to maintain the natural beauty of their hardwood, they are making a handful of mistakes on a daily basis that are slowly damaging the appearance of their floor.
A well maintained hardwood floor looks fabulous, but a ruined, scuffed up, and faded hardwood floor is very unattractive. Hopefully you're not making these mistakes, but if you are, we hope this post can save thousands of hardwood floors just like yours.
1. Don't Use Office Chairs With Hard Casters
If you're going to use an office chair on your hardwood floors, please make sure they supported by rubber casters. Unless you are using an area rug or mat to protect your floor, hard casters should never come in contact with your hardwood as they can easily scratch your floors.
2. Don't Wear High Heels or Cleats
Any shoe with a heel or solid edges will most likely scuff your hardwood floors. Not only that, if you are wearing outdoor shoes, there is a good chance you will be tracking moisture and dirt onto your hardwood. Any long term exposure to moisture and you run the risk of damaging your hardwood.
3. Don't Leave Your Area Rugs in One Spot
Something you should know is that hardwood flooring will naturally fade over time from foot traffic and sunlight exposure. If your hardwood is covered with an area rug for too long and you decide to move it one day, you will most likely have two different shades of hardwood due to the natural fading.
4. Trim Your Pets Nails
Just like any other sharp object, pet's nails are the perfect tool for destroying hardwood floors. It's imperative that you take the time to trim your pet's claws consistently or you're going to have a scratched up floor in no time.
5. Don't Use Vinegar to Clean Your Floor
Yes, vinegar is a great option for cleaning many different things, but hardwood is not one of them. Vinegar is very acidic and can wear away the chemical adhesive that seals the hardwood planks. Over time this will leave your hardwood with a dull look. It is best to use a PH-neutral cleaner instead.
6. Don't Use Wet Mops
As mentioned earlier, moisture does not settle well with hardwood. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause warping, so it is best to avoid cleaning your floors with a regular mop and use a steam mop instead.
7. Don't Go Too Long Without Refinishing
Every 10-15 years, hardwood floors should be refinished. If you don't refinish on a regular basis, any damage will go directly to the floor boards instead of the protective finish.
8. Don't Leave Your Furniture Unprotected
Every piece of furniture on your hardwood should have sticky pads to protect your floor. It's an easy thing to do and it's a sure fire way to protect your hardwood from getting nicks, scuffs, and scratches.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when taking care of your hardwood. Hopefully you haven't been a victim to these mistakes, but if you have, we hope this article has helped you make the corrective actions so you can maintain your beautiful hardwood floor for years to come.
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