For most in all homes, wood floors are the perfect choice, as they add warmth, exude elegance and add beauty to overall aesthetics. But they must be visited often and with proper care and maintenance that they will stay in near perfect condition for years. Below are some of the tips on how to keep and preserve your wood floors.

1. Regular Cleaning

Clean wood floors should be kept clean because once they become soiled and nasty, chances of them lasting longer are slim. Clean thoroughly via sweeping or vacuuming regularly to prevent scratching by accumulated dirt and dust, and by debris. This job is best done with a vacuum with a bare floor setting or a soft bristle broom. If you want to do a deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a wood floor cleaner. Do not use too much water and that moisture can enter the wood and makes it warp or damage it.

2. Immediate Spill Management

Even spills are unavoidable, but it makes a real difference with the health of your wood floors how you handle them. Liquids should never be allowed to soak into the wood; always clean up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. This little bit of quick action helps prevent damage of your floors and helps prevent stains and water damage on your flooring.

3. Use Appropriate Cleaning Products

It is very important to use products made for use on wood surfaces when cleaning wood floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ammonia based cleaner, or a vinegar based solution, as these will strip the finish and eventually damage the wood. Try to find pH balanced cleaners that are safe for hardwood flooring instead.

4. Protect Against Scratches

Preventative measures such as removing high heels and furniture coasters can help your wood floors keep its pristine condition. Felt pads should be placed under furniture legs to avoid scuffing when items are moved. Also, do not drag furniture across the floor, but lift it when moving. Area rugs or runners can help with protection on areas with higher traffic.

5. Control Humidity Levels

With wood, they are also sensitive to the change in humidity and temperature which will cause it to expand and contract. To keep your wood floors in good condition, you should keep the humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. In summer, a dehumidifier can be used to reduce moisture levels and in winter, a humidifier will help increase moisture levels.

6. Sunlight Protection

Direct sunlight over a prolonged period can ruin and discolor wood floors. Use blinds or curtains to block intense sunlight around peak hours to ward off this. Additionally, you may want to apply UV protective coatings on your floors when refinishing them to make them more resistant to fading.

7. Regular Maintenance and Refinishing

Despite the fact that wood flooring remains for ages with proper care, it loses its shine over time as a result of wear and tear. To maintain their appearance, apply a maintenance coat of finish every few years to maintain their appearance. It is a process whereby the floor is cleaned thoroughly and a new layer of finish is applied without sanding down the existing layer.

Refinishing is required for more sizeable wear or scratch that can’t be fixed with a maintenance coat and depending on foot traffic and use, this can be necessary every 5–10 years. This is a process of sanding down the top layer of the floor and applying a new finish to restore the original beauty.

8. Professional Help When Needed

If you are unable to figure out how to maintain or fix your wood floors, you should definitely ask for professional assistance. Flooring specialists can give you the advice that is appropriate for your particular type of flooring, and its condition.

To conclude, you should clean and protect your wood floors regularly, respond to spills immediately, use the right products, protect them from scratches, control humidity, protect from the sun, maintain them periodically, and seek professional help when needed. Follow these guidelines, however, and you can protect your investment and keep your wood floors looking beautiful and sturdy for many years to come.