Hardwood floors are a timeless and elegant addition to any home, offering natural warmth and beauty that can last for decades with proper care. While they are durable and can handle the wear and tear of daily life, hardwood floors do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Understanding what kind of care hardwood floors need can help you preserve their appearance, protect your investment, and extend their lifespan. In this blog post, the experts from Mikes Custom Flooring take a look at the typical maintenance hardwood floors require.
Regular Cleaning Keeps the Shine Alive
Routine cleaning is the first step in maintaining your hardwood floors. Dust and dirt may seem harmless, but when left on the surface, they act like sandpaper, scratching and dulling the finish over time. Sweeping or dry mopping your floors daily with a soft-bristled broom or microfiber mop helps prevent this buildup. A vacuum with a hardwood floor setting can also help pick up debris in between boards and along edges. Weekly damp mopping with a wood-safe cleaner adds another level of clean, but avoid using excessive water, as moisture is one of hardwood’s worst enemies.
Protective Measures Prevent Damage
Preventing damage is easier than repairing it. High-traffic areas benefit from rugs or runners, especially near entrances where dirt and grit are most likely to be tracked in. Be sure to use rugs with a breathable backing that won’t trap moisture against the floor. Felt pads under furniture legs prevent scratches when items are moved. Pet nails should be kept trimmed to avoid gouges in the wood, and spills should be wiped up immediately to avoid staining or water damage. These small habits go a long way in protecting the finish and structure of your hardwood floors.
Refinishing Restores Beauty Over Time
Even with the best daily care, hardwood floors will eventually show signs of wear, especially in high-traffic areas. When the finish becomes dull or scratched, refinishing may be necessary. This process involves sanding down the top layer of the wood and applying a new finish. Depending on the type of wood and thickness of the planks, floors can usually be refinished several times over their lifetime. Many homeowners choose to refinish their floors every 7 to 10 years, but it could be more or less depending on usage and maintenance.
Seasonal Care Helps Combat Expansion & Contraction
Wood is a natural material and reacts to changes in humidity. During winter, dry air can cause hardwood floors to shrink and create small gaps between boards. In the summer, increased humidity can cause the wood to expand. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels—ideally between 30% and 50%—can help minimize these seasonal changes. Using a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer helps protect your floors from warping, cupping, or gapping.
Long-Term Maintenance Pays Off
Hardwood flooring is an investment, and with proper maintenance, it pays off in beauty and longevity. By cleaning regularly, protecting the surface from damage, keeping an eye on humidity, and refinishing as needed, homeowners can ensure their hardwood floors remain a stunning feature in their homes for years to come. Proper care not only enhances the look of the floor but also helps preserve its value, making it a worthwhile commitment for any homeowner. At Mikes Custom Flooring, our experts have help you determine what kind of work is needed on your floors with their specialized inspections. Call Mikes Custom Flooring today and the let the experts maintain your floors.
