Hardwood floors add a timeless charm and elegance to any home. However, maintaining their beauty requires proper care and cleaning. To help you keep your hardwood floors looking pristine, Calgary Trusted Cleaners has compiled the best tips and practices, including:
- Understand your floors
- Having a daily cleaning routine
- Weekly and monthly maintenance
- Deep cleaning and long-term care
- Preventative Measures
Look no further than Calgary Trusted Cleaners. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing quality care and comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. We use advanced techniques and eco-friendly products to make sure your floors look their best without compromising the environment.
Understanding Your Hardwood Floors
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s essential to understand that different types of hardwood floors might require specific kinds of care. Here’s a brief overview of the three main types of hardwood flooring and their unique characteristics:
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, and is highly durable. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-term investment. However, solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, which can cause it to warp or buckle. This type of flooring requires careful maintenance, including using minimal water during cleaning and ensuring consistent humidity levels in your home.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood consists of several layers of wood veneer pressed together, with a top layer of genuine hardwood. This construction makes engineered hardwood more stable and resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations compared to solid hardwood. While it looks similar to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood cannot be sanded and refinished as many times. Cleaning products should be chosen carefully to avoid damaging the top layer.
Laminate Hardwood
Laminate hardwood—or, more simply, laminate flooring—is made from composite wood that’s been compressed and covered with a photographic image of wood grain, then topped with a clear protective layer. It’s more affordable than solid and engineered hardwood and is highly resistant to scratches and dents. However, laminate is not as moisture-resistant as engineered hardwood and can swell if exposed to water for extended periods. Cleaning laminate requires specific products that won’t damage the protective layer or cause swelling.
Each of these types of hardwood flooring has its own set of cleaning products and techniques that are best suited for maintaining their appearance and longevity. Understanding these differences ensures that you use the right methods to keep your floors looking their best.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Sweeping & Dusting
Dust and dirt can scratch the surface of hardwood floors over time. Therefore, it’s important to sweep or dust your floors daily. Use a microfiber mop or a soft-bristle broom to avoid scratches.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming once a week can help remove dirt and debris from the crevices and edges that sweeping might miss. Make sure that your vacuum cleaner has a hardwood floor setting or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent damage.
Weekly & Monthly Maintenance
Mopping
While water is the enemy of hardwood floors, occasional damp mopping with the right technique can keep them clean without causing damage. Use a well-wrung microfiber mop and a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor; instead, lightly dampen the mop and wipe it across the surface.
Polishing
Polishing your hardwood floors every few months helps restore their shine, and adds a fresh protective layer. Choose a polish that’s specifically designed for hardwood floors, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Deep Cleaning & Long-Term Care
Professional Cleaning
For a thorough clean, consider hiring professional cleaning services. Companies like Calgary Trusted Cleaners offer specialized hardwood floor cleaning that can rejuvenate and protect your flooring.
Refinishing
Over time, hardwood floors can become scratched and dull. Refinishing is a process where the old finish is sanded off and a new one is applied, giving your floors a brand-new look. This should be done approximately every 5-10 years, depending on the wear and tear.
Preventative Measures
Use Rugs & Mats
Placing rugs and mats in high-traffic areas can protect your hardwood floors from excessive wear. Entryways, hallways, and underneath furniture are ideal spots for these protective coverings.
Furniture Pads
Attach felt pads to the bottoms of your furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture around. Regularly check these pads and replace them if they become worn out.
Control Humidity
Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, which can cause gaps or warping. Keep your home’s humidity level between 30% and 50% using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on hardwood floors. These chemicals can strip the finish and damage the wood of your floor. Stick to cleaners designed for hardwood, and always test a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the whole floor.
Keeping Your Hardwood Floors Beautiful for Years to Come
Caring for hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these best practices—regular cleaning, occasional deep cleaning, and refinishing—your hardwood floors can remain beautiful and durable for years to come. For more expert advice and professional cleaning services, visit Calgary Trusted Cleaners. Contact us today to schedule a professional cleaning service and give your home the shine it deserves. Experience the difference with Calgary Trusted Cleaners!
