Do you live with a pet dog? If you do, you are well aware of the damage your lovely pet can cause on the hardwood floor, especially when running around the house. However, letting a pet dog and a hardwood floor co-exist is possible; you must figure out how to protect the delicate surface from ugly scratches. Here is what you should do:
Dogs are amazing pets, and with the help of these tips, you can let your furry friend and the beautiful hardwood floor co-exist for a long time.
Just like any other flooring solution, wooden alternatives have their flaws. Although natural wood is durable and never goes out of style, you should realise that problems with the floors are possible to appear. If you consider getting rid of your carpet in the name of a shiny wooden surface, keep on reading. Before you make your decision final, get to know the most typical issues you may have to deal with when opting for hardwood floors:
Despite these negative features, a hardwood floor remains a wonderful alternative for homeowners who want to add class and cosiness to their places. With the right maintenance and a few protective measures, your beautiful hardwood floor would stay in top condition for many years.
Installing a hardwood floor is a classy, sophisticated way to go when you decorate your home. This is a type of flooring that looks great and never goes out of style. It’s maintenance, however, may turn out to be a deal-breaker for you. As time goes by wooden floors tend to lose their initial glow and start looking dull. Yet you should know that you are not powerless against an outworn wooden floor and you can make things right. Don’t give up on a stylish hardwood floor, but find out why it looks dull and learn tips on preventing damages.
A dull hardwood floor is something you can deal with, as soon as you figure out what causes the loss of shine. If you are a fan of a glossy wooden floor, keep it in an excellent condition by eliminating all factors that are harmful to its perfect look.
You’ve been searching for tips to not only clean your hardwood floors but maintain their shine also? The secret is in regular cleaning. This is because wood floors tend to take the largest brunt of a home’s wear and tear. Hardwood floors have to withstand all the dirt, grime, debris and dust that you bring into the house. It gets even tougher for your floors when you add the mess and dirt of pets and children to the mix.
When your hardwood floors are dirty, they could become damaged, causing expensive repairs, refinishing or replacement. Experts all over, stress the importance of regular floor cleaning to ensure that it does not become unmanageable or a humungous task. Most agree that cleaning should be done a few times during the week to ensure the floor does not get filthy.
You might wonder if there is a preferred method to clean your hardwood floors. The truth is, it depends on not just your requirements, but also your lifestyle. Numerous types of wood flooring like laminate, composite or solid wood have varying needs when it comes to how they are maintained. This not only applies to these surfaces but also the products that are used to ensure they keep their original integrity and shine.
The first thing you should do is to invest in the correct cleaning tools
One of the best ways to clean your hardwood floors is to make use of a microfibre mop, which can remove dirt, dust and any other particles that have found their way into your home. Using a microfibre mop ensures that while you clean, your hardwood floors do not get scratched like certain vacuum cleaners might.
Ensure that you purchase a microfibre mop for hardwood floors. If possible, also ensure that you have numerous refills for the microfibre mop as it is best to clean the floor with a clean dust mop.
If you are interested in cleaning your hardwood floors daily, particularly when you don’t have enough time, you could opt for a robot vacuum, precisely one that is capable of both mopping and vacuuming.
Cleaning your hardwood floors naturally
One of the very best cleaners to use on hardwood floors is vinegar. Not only is it safe for the hardwood floor, but it is also inexpensive and natural. When you want to use vinegar to clean your floor, ensure that you make use of apple cider vinegar, mixing about a quarter of a cup to a gallon of lukewarm water.
If you are unable to get apple cider vinegar, you can make use of white vinegar. But instead that a quarter cup, you should use half a cup to a gallon of water. It can be used to clean any floor type. If the smell of vinegar is not something that appeals to you, you can put a drop of your favourite essential oils to help disguise the smell.
You can be sure that when you make use of this natural method to clean your hardwood floor, you are sure that you are not harming yourself, your pets or any children that could come into contact with the floor. Another benefit of using vinegar to clean your hardwood floors is that it does not leave a residue, neither do you need to rinse it like you would for cleaning solutions that contain chemicals.
When you do make use of vinegar to clean your floor, it is essential to remember that you must first remove dust particles from the hardwood floor. Ensure that when you clean using the apple cider vinegar solution, you do not let the wood get too wet, as that could erode the finish. It could also cause deterioration or warping.
Cleaning your hardwood floors without using water
You might not want to clean your floors with water considering they are made of wood, well there is a way to ensure that your floors remain clean without needing water. All you need to do is head to the store and purchase any of the numerous no-water cleaning solutions. You don’t have to rinse the floor, neither do you have to worry about the solution leaving a residue. One thing you have to watch out for when purchasing a no-water cleaning solution is to ensure that it has been designed for your type of hardwood, else you could end up damaging the floor.
Tips to ensure that your hardwood floor remains clean
It is quite easy for your hardwood floors to switch from clean and shiny to being completely covered in filth in a flash. All they need is a pair of dirty boots, a spill, or an unruly pet coming in from outside can undo all the excellent work you have done in an instance.
That being said, there is also dirt that happens due to walking with your shoes inside your house. The best way to help ensure that you don’t have a lot to clean is to implement a shoe-free area. If you don’t want to do that, you can also purchase a doormat, to encourage everyone in your household to wipe their feet.
In case of your new construction or home renovation project requires the look and feel of traditional hardwoods, then you have three options to choose from, and these are engineered wood, hardwood, and laminate. This article will explore the differences between the last two options, namely hardwood and laminate.
Laminate floors are comprised of multiple layers of sturdy materials. The bottom layer is referred to as the stabilizing layer that is made to withstand moisture. This particular layer is then covered with synthetic fibre boards for strength. Meanwhile, photographic layers are added on top of the fiberboards, which is responsible for its design. Finally, melanin resin is added as the last layer. Laminate floors are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They are great options for DIYers who would like to have new floors in their old home. This kind of floor is also great for those who have pets at home and those who are looking for a wide range of style options.
Hardwood floors are made from trees, cut into planks, and sanded to smoothen it out. You can purchase them in different sizes and cuts and are made of different wood species. Hardwood floors are known for their natural tones and organic grains. Hardwood floors can turn living rooms into gorgeous living spaces, and they look great in homes that come with a colonial style. They are known for their longevity and the ability to boost the home’s resale value.
Best Option In Appearance
Hardwood floor is the winner if you are looking for the best option in terms of looks. They possess a timeless appeal, unexpected knots, organic grains, as well as a natural texture that laminate floors cannot replicate. Hardwood floors can also have different stains as well as finishes, and they can get an extra shine if coated with wax. When you choose a lighter species such as white oak, you will be able to add other visually pleasing stains like blue and red. The problem with hardwood floors is that they can scratch easily, and that means homeowners need to maintain them regularly. There are certain species of hardwood floors that are prone to discolouration, especially when exposed to the sun’s UV rays for a long time.
Laminate floors have evolved since its first introduction. Nowadays, you will find options that look a lot like hardwood and some variations even look like cork, bamboo, fabric, and stone. However, laminate floors still cannot wholly replicate the appearance of hardwood floors.
Best Option For Longevity
Hardwood floors also top the list when it comes to longevity. They can last up to twenty years if they are regularly maintained. Some hardwood floors lasted for as long as 100 years like the ones found in historic houses. Since hardwood floors last a long time, it can add value to your home compared to laminate floors.
In case they get damaged, homeowners can easily refinish them. However, hardwood floors are not resistant to stains, dents, and scratches. The durability of the floor will depend on the wood species used. You also have to finish, wax, and maintain the wood, which means additional expenses on the part of the homeowner. Furthermore, unfinished hardwood floors are susceptible to warping and moisture damage.
Meanwhile, laminate floors are not susceptible to dents, stains, and scratches. They are also great options for homeowners living a hectic lifestyle and work well in areas that receive high foot traffic and those that are prone to constant messes. Laminate floors cannot last as long as hardwood floors. Additionally, if you go with cheaper variations of laminate floors, you might end up replacing them sooner than expected.
Hardwood floors are a significant investment that take such a beating once they are installed. We track dirt onto them, walk all over them, and still, we expect them to look great at the end of each day. How do you keep your floors looking great despite receiving heavy foot traffic on a day to day basis?
Vacuum The Floor Every Week
You most likely do this already, but it always bears repeating. Do you want to know why? Dust is comparable to sandpaper, and if not removed, it will wear through the finish of your hardwood floor. You can protect your wood floor’s finish and maintain its gleaming appearance by vacuuming it regularly. Don’t forget to use an attachment with a felt surface that will run along the floor. Don’t use attachments with rotating brushes or beater bars because they can cause scratch marks on the floor’s finish. In case you don’t feel like using the vacuum, you can always use microfiber sweepers or dust mops.
Hairspray and Furniture Polish
These two products can easily cloud the finish of your hardwood floor. Be sure to clean them off right away using a damp towel. If you want to do a more comprehensive cleaning, you can spray it with a window cleaner that does not contain ammonia.
Be Cautious With Rain and Water
Water will not only damage the finish of your hardwood floor but also penetrate deep into the wood and lead to staining. If you are expecting rain or it is already pouring down in your area, be sure that you close the windows. Don’t forget to place trays under all potted plants that are on the floor and obviously, wipe up any water as soon as you see it.
Get Rid Of Residue
Store a non-wax cleaner in a convenient spot in your house where you can access it quickly if you need to clean up minor issues before they end up damaging your floors. If you see any dirt or spill, clean it right away. Use a cleaner that does not contain wax to get rid of the residue. Always remember that dirt is among the most common culprit behind damaged hardwood floors and that’s why you have to deal with them right away. Aside from that, any form of liquid can ruin the hardwood floor’s finish and cause staining, which is why you have to take care of it right away.
Understand The Rules When Using Waxes and Restorers
It is possible to restore what used to be a stunning wax finish with additional wax. However, there are cases when waxing is not ideal. You can’t use it for polyurethane, varnish, or shellac. It will make the floor slippery and negatively affect the subsequent finishes. For polyurethane, you have to use a polish that is designed for that specific material. For other types of surface finish, then it is highly recommended to use an all-purpose floor restorer. But before you use it, you have to test the restorer first on a hidden area to make sure that it will not peel off.
Use Doormats
Place doormats in and out of your house. Even though vacuuming and spot cleaning are good cleaning practices, you have to keep the dirt out of your home in the first place. You should also consider getting a six-foot-long mat for your front door. By having a longer mat that leads up to your front door, the more people, including family members and visitors, will rub moisture and dirt off their shoes intentionally or unintentionally as they walk in.
Put Area Rugs On High Traffic Zones
The finish on hardwood floors that are installed on high traffic zones will eventually wear out. The easiest way to reduce the wear is to place some nice looking throw rugs in areas that receive heavy foot traffic.
Perhaps the most common issue with hardwood floors comes in the form of water damage. It is one of the problems that require a timely intervention, or else the repair process becomes more complex and expensive. It is safe to say that wood floor refinishing, or even replacement will be in order in severe cases of flooding or when you have delayed addressing the trouble. Of course, you wouldn’t want that to happen to your hardwood floor. Here is how you can spot, minimise and altogether prevent the damage that water can cause to a hardwood floor.
Now that you know more about water damage and hardwood floors, you can hopefully stay ahead in the game. Preserving hardwood is important. That way it will preserve its looks as time goes by.
If you feel like you need experts on the case, you can contact FK Floor Sanding on 020 3909 7641 to repair any damage on a hardwood floor.
To keep a hardwood floor in good shape, you must invest some time and effort to achieve this goal. All experts agree that without proper maintenance any hardwood surface eventually loses its beauty and shows damage.
There are many ways to provide care for hardwood floors, and it is only logical to educate yourself on how to do so in the best possible manner. After all, hardwood floors are quite an investment, and you wouldn’t want to see it ruined after a short while. Here is a sample schedule you should adopt for best results:
Daily – sweep and dust high-traffic areas on a daily basis to keep them clean.
Weekly – vacuum clean floors, using an appropriate attachment.
Monthly – clean surfaces with a hardwood floor cleaner.
3-5 years – apply a maintenance coat of finish.
Every ten years – sanding is required, as well re-finishing floors again.
To keep hardwood floor in decent condition for time to come, you also need to invest some more effort. Here are few helpful maintenance tips you should follow in that regard:
Don’t clean with tile/vinyl cleaners – any self-polishing acrylic waxes quickly cause the wood to become more slippery, and worse yet – it acquires a dull look.
Stop debris at the door – throw a nice doormat at the entryway to stop debris from being tracked in. Solid dirt and other particles pose a threat to hardwood floors. The material could easily be scratched.
Don’t clean with moisture – one common mistake people make with cleaning hardwood floor is using too much moisture. Forget about wet-mopping, as moisture can and will dull the wood. If you ever use a steam cleaner, you can expect some severe damage to hardwood floors.
Treat spills immediately – while many finishes don’t have any problem with this, you should wipe up spills and stains as quickly as possible. Various substances can cause damage to some finishes, so it pays to address the problem soon enough. Use a slightly damp cloth for the job.
Don’t apply too much wax – if you notice the wax on your floor is dull, buff it. Don’t use too much wax, especially in areas that see little to no traffic (like the areas under furniture). You can apply some wax every other session to prevent build-up.
Put protectors on furniture – felt protectors on the legs of furniture work best to protect hardwood floors. That is especially the case with furniture pieces you often move, such as kitchen chairs.
Don’t walk on hardwood floors with dangerous shoes- cleats and high heels could cause some severe scratching, either to wood, or the finish of hardwood floors.
Do not slide heavy furniture – if you need to move heavy furniture items; it is best to lift it, instead of pushing it. That way you prevent scratches.
As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider in regards to hardwood floor care and maintenance. Implement said tips to keep your floor in top condition.
Should you ever need professional assistance with hardwood floors, don’t hesitate to contact FK Floor Sanding on 020 3909 7641.