Knocking on Wood: How to Maintain Hardwood Flooring

There are many different types of flooring you can choose for your home. Some prefer a more modern take on their flooring by going for a slick tile, while others may opt for a resilient laminate that can handle their active household, or perhaps they may choose to enhance the feeling of home by going for hardwood flooring.

Let’s say you chose hardwood flooring. There are several mentionable reasons why hardwood flooring is a great choice. First, hardwood flooring is hypoallergenic because they trap fewer allergens than most other types of flooring. You can expect less dust, pollen and dustmites to get caught in your hardwood floor than with any other alternative. It also adds charm, warmth and beauty to your home which, should you choose to sell it, can also increase your market value. Secondly, it is easy to clean and doesn’t need to be waxed. To keep them looking polished, all you need is a proper vacuum and a soft broom. Maintaining its luster can be achieved simply by using a dry mop with a terry cloth cover and the proper cleaner (check with your manufacturer’s recommended brand). It also installs easily just about anywhere.

Now that you’ve been sold to the idea of hardwood flooring, let’s get to the nitty gritty: hardwood flooring maintenance.

Moisture and Cupping

While it is very durable, it doesn’t take moisture too well. You will also need to make sure that the humidity in your home is well under control so as to avoid cupping of your solid wood. During the summertime—especially when the days are warmer and more humid than usual, indoor humidity can rocket up to 90%. The wood absorbs moisture from the air which then causes it to expand. Exposure to extensive humidity (even for just a few days) can cause your wood to cup. Cupping means that edges of a board are higher than its center. This can also happen if water is spilled onto the floor and is later absorbed by the wood—this makes the humidity take a lot longer to return back to normal.

Dry weather causes the wood to behave in a way that is different from cupping. During the cold winter, when homes are warmed by heating systems, the air is usually dry. This dry air causes the wood to contract. It’s completely normal for wood to behave and be affected by the weather and moisture of its surroundings, that’s why proper humidity controls ought to be in place and in good working condition before your hardwood flooring is installed.

Dirt, Grit and Hard Cleaners

Not only is it important to keep your floor clean for health reasons, but also because dirt, sand, and grit are the worst things you can subject your hardwood flooring to. They act like sandpaper against your floor and will leave scratch marks and dents on the finish—also making it dull. Try putting mats in areas of heavy traffic and transport like your front door and kitchen entrance or the landing of your stairs. Stay away from oil soaps because they will build up and cake on your floor and will give you problems when it’s time to put a maintenance coat. Use only cleaners that are specially made and recommended for your type of flooring.

If you don’t have any experience with hardwood flooring but find yourself as the proud owner of a home with hardwood flooring, make sure you consult with someone who can help you maximize this beautiful asset to your home as well as protect it for the long haul.

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