As a homeowner, you want to take care of your home. When it comes to hardwood floors, there are certain things that can damage them if not treated or taken under consideration beforehand. In order to protect and preserve your flooring investment, here are things that will damage wood floors:
1) Using bleach on your floor: If you have a pet that likes to pee indoors, you may be tempted to use bleach to clean the mess up. Unfortunately, this will damage your flooring and it is not recommended.
2) Dragging furniture across the floors: This one is pretty self-explanatory — if you’re not careful when moving furniture around, you could easily scratch or damage your floors.
3) Not using a mat or protector: If you’re going to be placing heavy things like furniture or appliances on your floor, it’s important to use a protective mat or cover. This will help safeguard your flooring from any potential damage.
4) Letting water sit on the floors: Whether it’s from a spilled drink or a dirty pet, you should always wipe up spills and any water that has collected for standing for a length of time. If the water is not cleaned off in a timely manner, it can damage your flooring through moisture which can lead to warping and discoloring.
5) Using sanding disks: This one’s tricky. When sanding your floors, it’s important to use sanding disks that are specifically made for wood flooring. Using sandpaper on wood will definitely damage it.
Protecting Your Floor Against Damage
Now that you know the things that can damage your floor, it’s important to learn how to protect it. Here are some tips for you:
1) Use a mat or cover when moving appliances or heavy objects to protect your floor from scratches or dents. Keep an eye out for spills and clean them up as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage.
2) Keep furniture and appliances off the floor as much as possible. If they are necessary to be on the floor, use a protective mat or cover.
3) Regularly sweep and mop your floors to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could scratch the surface.
4) When cleaning your floors, avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals and opt for a mild detergent or soap.
5) If you’re going to sand your floors, use sanding disks that are specifically made for wood flooring to avoid any damage.
6) Clean up spills right away: This is probably one of the most important things you can do to protect your flooring. Once a spill has happened, clean it up right away using a cloth and some warm water. Do not let it sit and dry, as this could cause damage to the wood.
7) Avoid using harsh chemicals: When cleaning your floor, avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals and opt for a mild detergent or soap. These chemicals can damage your flooring over time.
Keeping Your Floor Beautiful
Wood floors provide a beautiful element to your home and can enhance the overall aesthetic of your living space. It’s important to take care of them, so they can last you for years and look great while doing it. Just remember that if these things are done on a regular basis, you’ll be able to avoid any potential damage and protect your flooring investment.
Sanding and refinishing wooden floors is a great way to improve their appearance while also protecting them from damage. By using the right sandpaper and sanding techniques, you can minimize scratches and other markings on the floor. Always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings first to avoid any injuries or damage.
Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining hardwood flooring, so it’s important to sweep and mop your floors regularly. Not only does this get rid of any debris or dirt that has collected over time, but it also looks great! You should do this at least once a week or more frequently if needed. Using warm water and mild detergent can remove any dirt while protecting your floor.
Cleaning up spills quickly is another great way to protect your floors. Whether it’s water, coffee, or juice on the floor, this can cause damage if not cleaned up right away. You should always have a roll of paper towels on hand to clean the spill immediately and then later use a wet cloth with warm water to finish the job.
Taking care of your hardwood floors is definitely important if you want to protect your investment and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. By following these simple tips, you can avoid any damage that could occur and keep your floors in good condition.
