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According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), hardwood floors are low maintenance, beautiful and can last for years with the right care. Here are NWFA's tips for keeping wood floors looking their best.
Finishes differ from floor to floor. Follow the manufacturer's directions for maintenance, which includes using the products sold or recommended by the
manufacturer. Wood floors may be finished with urethane, impregnated with acrylic or other finishes. Rustic flooring may have a penetrating-type oil finish.
With any type of hardwood floor, there are basic steps to maintain its beauty and durability:
- Sweep wood at least once a week with a soft bristle broom or vacuum to remove surface dust and dirt.
- Never wet-mop wood floors due to the damage and discoloration that standing water can cause. Wipe up all spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel.
- Place doormats at all entrances to capture harmful dirt before it reaches the hardwood floor. For kitchen wood floors, place an area rug in front of the sink to catch water.
- Never wax a wood floor with a urethane finish.
- Buff waxed floors to restore shine, but avoid over-waxing. Light-traffic areas, such as underneath furniture should be waxed every other cleaning.
- Place floor protector pads, soft felt, or some other protective material on the bottoms of all furniture legs or fixture contact points. Floor protectors should be cleaned and replaced periodically.
- When moving heavy furniture, protect floors by slipping a piece of cloth under the legs.
Photos Courtesy of NWFA.
Hardwood Floors — Easy Tips for Cleaning: Created on November 10th, 2004. Last Modified on January 21st, 2014
