Harmful Practices Potentially Harming Your Cherished Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors add a touch of timeless elegance to any home, but they're not indestructible. From cleaning solutions to careless behavior, a host of factors can leave your floorboards dented, scuffed, or stripped. Luckily, we've got some expert advice to help you preserve your wood floors and maintain that flawless finish.
We tapped into the collective knowledge of three flooring industry pros: Carly D. Harrington, owner of Floor Coverings International of South Atlanta; Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans; and Corinne Segura, InterNACHI-certified home inspector and founder of My Chemical-Free House. Their insights can help you steer clear of common cleaning and care pitfalls that could lead to expensive floor refinishing down the road.
Put the Brakes on Vinegar Floor Cleaning
Vinegar may be a popular, cheap, and non-toxic cleaning solution, but it's not your best bet for wood floors. Frequent use of vinegar or vinegar-based cleaners can cause serious damage to polyurethane finishes due to its acidity. Corinne Segura, who owns My Chemical-Free House, warns that while you might not notice the damage right away, it can accumulate over time, eventually sneaking up on you.
For safe and effective cleaning, opt for pH-neutral floor cleansers, diluted dish soap, or all-purpose cleaners designed specifically for wood floors.
Stop Soaking Your Floors
Leaving your mop soaking wet before you start cleaning your hardwood floors is a major no-no. Water and wood don't mix—joined forces, they can lead to warping, swelling, and even mold growth. Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans, advises using a damp microfiber mop instead. Pro tip: If you're using a spray mop, less is definitely more. A light mist is usually all you need.
Ditch the Shoes at the Door
Think those sneakers or heels seemed harmless? Think again. Even soft shoes can wreak havoc on your hardwood floors—from the shoes themselves to the grit and dirt they track in. A common mistake is neglecting a "no-shoes" policy. "Even a small amount of sand or grit can potentially damage the finish if you drag furniture or other heavy objects across the floor," Carly D. Harrington from Floor Coverings International of South Atlanta warns. So, whether you can't imagine giving up your shoes or not, remember to have rugs at every entrance to catch debris before it wreaks havoc on your floors.
Protect Your Floors with Padding
It might not seem like a big deal, but neglecting to protect your floors with furniture pads can lead to denting and scuffs. Good-quality padding creates a soft barrier between your furniture and your floors, preventing direct contact. Says Jade Piper, feeling the pain of spending top dollar to fix the damage: "Few bucks for felt pads now can save you hundreds later on in refinishing costs."
Watch Out for Enzyme Cleaners
If you're a pet owner, you know that enzyme cleaners can help erase pet stains and odors. However, these cleaning products can cause damage to wood floors with oil-based finishes. The enzymes in these cleaners can degrade and damage the finish, leading to discoloration. To avoid potential damage, find out the type of finish on your floor and stick to wood-safe cleaners.
Rotate That Furniture
Leaving heavy furniture in one spot for years can lead to deep dents—the kind that don't just bounce back. To prevent this, try rotating your furniture occasionally or even swapping spots every few months. New scenery might even brighten up the room!
Lift, Don't Drag
Protect your floors from scuff marks by lifting furniture instead of dragging it. Place felt pads or rugs beneath your heavy pieces to reduce the risk of damage during moves. Also, consider investing in furniture sliders to make relocating a breeze.
By following these expert tips, you'll be able to keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come. And who knows, maybe this newfound knowledge will even earn you a few extra brownie points with your floors!
According to RealSimple, experts recommend avoiding vinegar for cleaning hardwood floors due to its acidity, which can harm polyurethane finishes over time. Instead, opt for pH-neutral cleansers, diluted dish soap, or all-purpose cleaners specifically designed for wood floors.
Home Maintenance Repairs advises against soaking hardwood floors with a mop as water can lead to warping, swelling, and mold growth. Instead, use a damp microfiber mop or a light mist with a spray mop.
For pet owners, it's important to be aware that enzyme cleaners can cause damage to wood floors with oil-based finishes. To avoid potential damage, find out the type of finish on your floor and stick to wood-safe cleaners.
To protect your hardwood floors from denting and scuffs, advisors from Home Improvement suggest using good-quality furniture pads as a soft barrier between your furniture and the floors. Jade Piper of BetterCleans states that a few bucks spent on felt pads now can save you hundreds later on in refinishing costs.
