Kitchen designers Santa Monica may suggest hardwood floors to give your cooking space an elegant air. However, before you decide to install hardwood, you should know how to keep it looking nice. What can you do to maintain wood floors, especially in a high traffic area?
What Is the Best Way to Maintain Your Wood Floors?
Due to their organic nature, wood flooring requires special care. The good news is, with regular cleaning and treatment, your floors can last decades. If you want to prolong the life of your hardwood, you should follow the tips listed below.
Use Wood Floor Cleaner
When mopping, you don’t want to use harsh chemicals that can strip the finish or damage the wood beneath. You should instead use a cleaner specifically designed for wood or use a natural cleanser such as vinegar.
Vacuum Once a Week
It may sound strange, but vacuuming is an easy way to keep your hardwood looking great. Crumbs and small debris such as dirt and grass are a major concern, as they can inadvertently scratch the surface. Weekly vacuuming ensures you get rid of anything that can damage the finish.
Sweep Daily
Between vacuuming days, you should sweep. Why? It helps you get rid of dust, which can settle into the grain and turn your beautiful, nuanced hardwood gray. A quick sweep will help your floor stay shiny and colorful.
Add Furniture Pads
Wood flooring is classic for a kitchen or dining room, but you run the risk of scratches due to moving chairs. To prevent issues, you should add pads to the bottoms of chair and table legs.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
As an organic material, wood absorbs liquids. This can cause the floorboards to swell. To prevent absorption, make sure you clean up any spills as soon as they happen.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Refinish?
As any interior designer Manhattan Beach will tell you, eventually you’ll need to refinish your floors. This ensures the wood is properly protected.
How do you know when it’s time to refinish? Here are the top signs.
It’s Been 3 Years
Daily use will gradually wear down the finish, so it’s important to reapply if it’s been a few years. Refinishing is recommended every 3-5 years depending on the intensity of use.
You Notice Discoloration
If your floors are looking gray, yellow or any color beyond their natural scope, it’s time to add another coat of finish. This involves taking off the top, damaged layer with sanding, revealing the beautiful, natural colors beneath.
There’s Water Damage
Water damage is bound to happen if your flooring is in the kitchen. The good news is; you can usually sand out damage such as the following:
Dark areas
Cupping
Board separation
A new coat of finish will also seal the wood and protect it from future moisture.
You Notice Scratches
Scratches are bound to happen if the hardwood is in a high-traffic area, but they can be easily removed with a light sanding. Most scratches are superficial; though deep gouges may require floorboard replacement.
When you search “interior designer near me,” remember to ask about hardwood flooring. It may be the perfect option for your décor.