Tim the Tileman
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How to choose the RIGHT Wood Floor!
Hardwood Do's & Don'ts
How to Clean
Grout Lines |
Hardwood Floor Care - General Do's
and Don'ts
Here are some general do's and don'ts to
help keep your hardwood floor looking like
new:
Enemy Number 1: Water
Regardless of its finish your floor will
quickly lose its luster if exposed to water.
More serious damage is also possible,
including warping and other problems.
DO: Wipe up any spills immediately with a
soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of
the spill and working your way toward the
center.
DO: Check with the manufacturer to find out
if your steam cleaner is appropriate for use
on your wood floor. Some models are designed
for use on hardwood floors. Others are not.
Remember that water is wood’s No. 1 enemy.
If the finish is worn or scratched, steam
could seep into your wood floors, eventually
causing damage.
DON'T: Let water stand on your floor, or use
wet cloths for clean up.
DON'T: Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors,
not even with a slightly damp mop.
Banish Dirt, Dust and Grit
Dirt, dust and grit can also damage your
hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and
grit can dull its finish and cause scratches
that can only be repaired by refinishing the
floor.
DO: Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a
good broom that features exploded tips to
trap dust and dirt, not simply spread it
around. Dust mops can also be helpful in
keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.
DO: Vacuum frequently, using a canister
vacuum with special hardwood floor
attachments.
DON'T: Use an upright vacuum with beater
bars. They can cause dents in your floor's
finish.
DON'T: Use any dust treatment unless it is
approved by your floor's manufacturer. The
wrong treatment can make your floor dull and
cause problems the next time you refinish.
DO: Use doormats at the entrances of your
home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them
regularly.
Area Rugs
DO: Use area rugs or small sections of
carpet placed inside doorways and in areas
like kitchens where spills are likely to
occur.
DON'T: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl
backing without checking to determine if
they will affect your floor's finish. Some
materials in the backing can react with
certain floor finishes, discoloring or
causing the finish to become dull.
DON'T: Let even damp throw or scatter rugs
sit on the floor. Check the rugs frequently
and make sure damp rugs are removed.
DO: Move your area carpets or throw rugs
occasionally to maintain a uniform
appearance in the floor's finish.
Sunlight
The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can
cause discoloration over time.
The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age
our skin will affect any organic material,
including wood. That’s why the finest art
collections are kept in rooms without
windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will
change the color of virtually any wood
floor, regardless of the stain or finish.
Some woods lighten when exposed to sunlight.
Others, like cherry and oak, tend to darken.
The newest water-based urethane finishes
seem to slow color changes more effectively
than oil-based urethane finishes, which tend
to turn the brownish-yellow color of amber.
Some finishes feature sunscreens to help
block the penetration of ultraviolet rays,
extending the time it will take the wood to
change.
DO: Protect your floors by using sheer
drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit
sunlight.
Furniture
DO: Place glides made of felt or some other
fabric under the legs of furniture to
prevent scratches. Clean the glides
regularly to ensure that dust and grit do
not become imbedded.
DO: Use barrel-type casters instead of ball
casters to prevent dents.
DO: Use non-marking rubber casters instead
of plastic or metal.
DO: Lift furniture when moving it to avoid
scratches in the floor's surface.
Shoes
DO: Make sure there are no exposed nails or
metal heel supports on shoes that could
scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Check shoes with soles that have deep
treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or
gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Be aware that high heels can dent a
hardwood floor.
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