Why Your Hardwood Floor Looks Dull And How To Fix That
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.
- You use a wrong cleaning product – disinfecting wooden floors the wrong way is a common issue that can easily ruin wood’s shine. When you are not careful with the detergent you apply, you may get confused and use ammonia or bleach-containing products that are harmful to hardwood floors. In case such an accident happens, evaluate the damage, but in most cases, you should reseal the surface. To avoid that scenario, just don’t hurry and read the label of the detergent first. Also, stick to the instructions for a proper application given by the cleanser's manufacturer.
- You don’t clean the right way – you believe that mopping is all you have to do to keep a hardwood floor fresh and shiny. In fact, this way of thinking means nothing but a dirty floor. You should always vacuum clean or sweep the floor before you start with the mopping task. Otherwise, you simply reshuffle grime and it remains stuck to the floor. Besides, don’t forget to clean your mop after each application, so that you can eliminate any chance of spreading dirt around.
- You forget to dry the floor – perhaps you know that water is wood’s real enemy and if not properly used, it can make your hardwood floor look dull in no time. Of course, you need water to mop the floor, but be careful with the level of moisture. You should also buff the floor right after you are done mopping. This way you can keep it shiny and prevent the surface from ugly streaks. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the hardwood floor with.
- You don’t protect it enough – there are many factors in your lifestyle that affect the way your hardwood floor looks. Habits like wearing high heels in the house or not placing area rugs often lead to scratches and scratches mean a dull wooden floor. You should change some of your routines so that you can prevent dullness from happening. Put doormats in front of your door and benefit from area rugs to protect zones with the highest foot traffic. If you have pets, keep them groomed and have their scratchy nails regularly clipped. Generally, try to realise which of your habits are harmful to the hardwood floor and make the effort to replace them with more appropriate, wood-friendly behaviour.
- It’s time for a new finish – no matter how attentive you are, the truth is hardwood floors eventually have to be refinished. It is clear that the more you try to preserve the surface, the later refinishing would be required. It should take years for a quality wooden floor to need a new finish, but when this moment arrives, fear not. The most common types of hardwood floors can be resealed at least several times. Refinishing and resealing your floor is the most secure way to eliminate a dull appearance. Take advantage of this method to restore the amazing appearance of your wooden floors.
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.
