Maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors requires regular care and attention. At Alpine Flooring & Design, we understand the importance of keeping your floors in top condition. Our showroom in Newtown Square, PA, offers a wide range of flooring products, including hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and waterproof flooring. Here’s our comprehensive checklist for cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors.
Use dirt-trapping mats
Place dirt-trapping mats at all exterior doors to prevent grit, salt, chemicals, sand, moisture, and other debris from being tracked into your home. Use breathable mats inside doorways for added protection.
Protect your floors from furniture
Attach felt pads to the feet of chairs and tables to prevent scuffing. Regularly clean these protectors to remove embedded grit and replace worn pads. Periodically check for pads that may have fallen off.
Move furniture carefully
When moving heavy furniture and appliances, carry them instead of dragging. If the furniture is too heavy, use furniture sliders and check for potential damage as you move to avoid scratching the hardwood floor.
Use area rugs in high-traffic areas
Consider placing area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to protect your floors. Allow newly refinished hardwood floors to cure for seven days before placing rugs back down.
Avoid high heels on hardwood
Walking on hardwood floors in high heels can cause dents due to the concentrated pressure. A 125-pound woman in high heels can exert an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch.
Promptly clean spills
Wipe up spills immediately using a soft, dry cloth or paper towel. For sticky spills, use a slightly moistened cloth, then wipe dry with another cloth.
Avoid wax or oil residues
Do not use products that leave a wax or oil residue on the wood, as they can make refinishing difficult.
Skip floor polishes
Avoid using floor polishes like Orange Glo, Rejuvenate, or Bona Floor Polish. These products apply a thin coating of acrylic urethane that can create an uneven, blotchy residue. If you’ve applied a polish by mistake, contact Alpine Flooring & Design for professional removal.
Use appropriate vacuum cleaners
Only use vacuum cleaners with a hard surface setting. Turn off the beater bars or brushes to avoid damaging the hardwood.
Avoid steam cleaners
Do not use steam cleaners on hardwood floors as they can irreversibly damage the wood fibers.
Protect from UV light
Move area rugs occasionally and shade large windows to prevent uneven discoloration from UV light. Consider professional window tinting for heavy sun exposures.
Choose the right rug pads
Use natural rubber, natural rubber and felt, or 100% felt rug pads to support and protect your hardwood floors. Avoid low-quality rug pads that can cause damage.
Maintain your pets’ nails
Keep your pets’ nails trimmed and their paws clean to prevent floor damage from scratching.
Control humidity levels
Use a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer to maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 50%. This minimizes wood movement and shrinkage, preventing swelling and cupping.
Use professional hardwood floor cleaners
Periodically clean your floors with professional hardwood floor cleaners like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood Floor Cleaner. These products are available online or at stores like Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Monitor cleaning products
Provide recommended cleaning products to your cleaning service to avoid damage from incorrect products. Floors can be badly damaged by using unsuitable cleaning agents.
Keeping your hardwood floors in pristine condition requires regular care and the right cleaning methods. Alpine Flooring & Design in Newtown Square, PA, offers expert advice and services to help you maintain your floors. We also carry a wide range of products, including hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and waterproof flooring. Our services include hardwood refinishing, residential and commercial flooring installations, and hardwood floor deep cleaning.
For expert hardwood refinishing in Chester Springs and the surrounding areas, contact Alpine Flooring & Design today. Visit our showroom in Newtown Square, PA, to explore our ex
