Wood floors require extra attention, but the effort is worth it. In fact, wood floors can last a century if properly maintained. There are many different preferences and opinions out there when it comes to wood floor cleaning in the Acadiana and greater Baton Rouge areas, but you can’t really go wrong as long as you follow these basic rules of thumb.
Don’t vacuum wood floors with a beater bar turned on.
The beater bar on a vacuum is the mechanism the bristles are attached to. While highly effective on carpet, these can scratch and wear down the finish on your hardwood floors. Some vacuums have a setting where you can stop the beater bar from turning. If not, it may be time to invest in a new vacuum. Also, the same rules apply to stiff brooms. Use a soft-bristle broom instead to avoid scratching your floors.
Do mop wood floors with a damp cloth or mop.
Avoid using too much moisture to mop your wood floors. Excess moisture can damage the wood and cause it to fade, warp, or mold. Instead, use a microfiber cloth or use a mop that rings out thoroughly.
Don’t let spills sit on your wood floors.
As soon as you notice a wet spot on your hardwood floors, wipe it up using a soft, microfiber cloth. Just because wood doesn’t stain like carpet doesn’t mean stains can’t do some serious damage. Spills can discolor and warp your wood floors, so keep it in mind to clean them up quickly.
Do place protective pads on furniture feet and keep pet nails trimmed.
The legs of furniture and sharp pet nails can inflict both light scratches or deep gouges on your wood floors. While some surface scratches are to be expected over time, take every precaution to avoid them where possible.
Don’t steam clean or use soaps, waxes, or polishes.
These cleaning methods work well on some surfaces, but not hardwood floors. Steam can cause separation and damage the wood. Soaps and wax leave sticky residue and buildup behind, and polishes can actually dull hardwood finishes.
Wood Floor Cleaning & Wood Floor Acrylic Polish Remover in the Acadiana and greater Baton Rouge areas
The tips above can help keep your hardwood floors in pristine shape. But if you need an extra hand keeping them clean or its time for hardwood floor restoration in your home, Chem-Dry can help!
Contact the team at Chem-Dry of Lafayette to restore the wood floors in your Lafayette home.