SERVPRO: How to maintain the beautiful yet expensive hardwood floors

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO article discusses the several steps homeowners can take to maintain their hardwood floors.

7 maintenance tips for hardwood floors

Hardwood floors bring a warm and earthy ambiance to a home. Not only are they stylish but also durable, if maintained well. They are expensive and therefore need a lot of care to make the investment worthwhile. SERVPRO, a commercial cleaning service, shares some maintenance tips for hardwood floors.

• Daily sweeping and dust mopping

Large pieces of debris can scratch the expensive floor. To avoid this, daily sweeping or dusting with a broom or microfiber dust mop is a must. 

1. A microfiber dust mop is a superior tool as it creates a static electricity charge that attracts and traps dust, allergens, and dirt particles. Avoid lifting the microfiber dust mop off the floor so the dust and dirt will remain firmly attached to the cleaning pad.
2. A broom is also an effective tool but it will just push the dirt around.
3. A robot vacuum is another option if there is a dearth of time. These vacuums are good for hardwood floors since they don’t have beater bars that can scratch or otherwise damage the floor. 
4. An upright vacuum has beater bars but it can be put on the bare floor setting first. The floor must also be protected from the wheels.

• Mop with hardwood floor cleaner monthly 

Water and wood are sworn enemies. So when mopping a hardwood floor, only an oil-based, soap-free hardwood floor detergent should be used, especially for older hardwood floors with penetrating finishes. A newer floor with a surface finish can be mopped with warm water mixed with dish soap or a water-based hardwood floor cleaner.

Caution: 

1. Excessive liquid on the hardwood floor, even one with a protective surface finish, could cause water damage to the wood.
2. Avoid DIY floor cleaners made with vinegar, lemon juice, tea, or other acidic substances, as they can destroy the floor’s finish gradually but definitely. 

• Deep clean

The frequency of deep cleaning a hardwood floor depends on the owner’s lifestyle. Kids and/or pets, for example, may warrant a deep cleaning every three to six months. Otherwise, an annual cleaning may suffice.

• Apply a new coat

As time goes by, the finish on hardwood floors becomes worn out with traffic and time. A new coat of finish every three to five years helps restore the look of the floors and helps them last longer. 

• Sand and refinish

Every few decades, a hardwood floor requires sanding and refinishing. This helps restore deeply scratched, pitted, and stained hardwood floors. Using mats or rugs at entries and high-traffic areas helps keep a new or newly refinished floor looking new for longer. 

• Address water spills and excess moisture

A water spill left unaddressed on a hardwood floor can permeate into the wood, causing either warping or discoloration, or both. Water can also leak into the cracks between the floorboards, causing moisture to absorb into the subflooring beneath the hardwood floorboards. This heightens the risk of mold growth. Immediate removal of water from the floor is imperative to protect it from any water damage.

• Don’t drag heavy objects

Dragging heavy objects like furniture and refrigerators can scratch the expensive flooring. Homeowners can protect the flooring by practicing the following methods:

1. Lighten the load of the object by removing items stored in it.
2. Sandwich the heavy object and the flooring with a soft material like folded towels or small rugs to avoid scratching.
3. Use gliders - special pads that fit under the object and allow smooth movement.
4. Be careful of wheels as they can seem unharmful but can wreak havoc on the floor.

To maintain the beauty and prolong the lifespan of hardwood floors, SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin offers time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Its proprietary cleaning system allows proper cleaning and restoration of the floor’s original beauty.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Lake Travis / NW Austin, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For commercial cleaning services in Leander and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin today at (512) 318-2200.