Hardwood Floors: Daily and Long Term Care

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, and if you care for them properly, they'll last a lifetime. Some things are obvious,if you let the kids roller skate in the house or paint without a dropcloth, your floors are simply not going to hold up all that well. To prevent regular wear and tear and to keep your floors looking their best, these ideas will help.

photo credit Photopin.com 

Use the (right) Vacuum

Most people think that the vacuum is really just for carpeting, but most will do a great job on your wood flooring, too. A roller free vacuum cleaner (or an attachment) designed to grab hair, dust and all sorts of dirt can remove these potential allergens from your hardwood floors too. If you use one on a daily basis, you can keep your floors dust and dirt  free and improve your air quality, too. If these are allowed to build up over time, they can also act like a sand paper of sorts in higher traffic areas, damaging the finish of your floors. Avoid using a vacuum with a roller, this could actually scratch or damage your floor's finish as well.

Never Use a Soaked Mop

A common mistake many homeowners make is using a soaking wet mop to wipe down the floors. Using too much water can cause damage and could even lead to a nasty mold buildup under your floors. The mop you use should be mostly dry with just a small bit of cleaning solution designed just for hardwood floors.

Skip the Vinegar

Often heralded as a chemical free cleaning miracle, vinegar is great for many household cleaning tasks and surfaces -- but your wood floor is not one of them. While you might pick up a spill or two in the short term, over time the acidity of the vinegar can cause permanent damage to your beautiful floors.

Use Area Rugs

Choosing thick rugs with pads for high traffic areas and spots by doorways can reduce the wear and tear on your floor and add warmth and color to your room as well. Area rugs can help protect your flooring from moisture and scuffs, prolonging its life and beauty.

Add Furniture Pads

If you have active kids or use a room a lot, then padding the bottom of your furniture legs will help prevent some seriously deep scratches. Even a small child can move a chair or table across the floor and do significant damage to the wood or finish. Using the small felt circle pads on the bottom of the furniture can prevent scrapes and scratches, even if the piece is pushed across the floor.

Some of the best things you can do to protect your hardwood floors are preventative. By keeping scratches, scrapes and moisture to a minimum, you can enjoy your floors without having to constantly refinish them. Preserving the natural beauty of your hardwood flooring is easier than you'd think and the better care you take of your floors, the less frequently you'll need to refinish or replace them.

Bio -

This guest post contribution is courtesy of MacDonald Hardwoods located in Denver, CO. MacDonald Hardwoods features several hardwood floor types including Ash, Pecan, Oak and Brazilian Cherry.