5 Small Changes That Will Make a Big Difference in Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors can make any room look beautiful and inviting with proper care. If your hardwood flooring is looking a bit worn and dull, there are a few things you can do to make them shine again!
Whether you need to spruce up your floors after years of daily use, or you purchased a home with well-loved hardwoods, here are a few small changes you can make to bring them back to their former glory:
Perform Regular Light Cleaning
Making your hardwood floors shine doesn’t have to be a daunting, time-consuming task. Light cleaning with the correct products is quick and easy, and goes a long way to keeping your floor looking good.
For hardwood flooring with a wax finish, you will typically use a cleaning/waxing compound to simultaneously clean and apply a thin coat of wax for a fresh look.
If your hardwoods have a polyurethane finish, light mopping with a vinegar and water solution will suffice.
Not sure what type of finish you have? Drip some water on to your floor. If it beads up on top of boards, it is probably polyurethane. If the water soaks into the floorboards, they are likely finished with wax and you will need to use a compound cleaner.
In between regular cleanings, you can sweep or dry mop dust and dry spills.
Have Your Hardwoods Refinished
If you purchased an old home, the floors may not have been refinished in a long time and will need refinishing not just for cosmetic reasons, but also to protect the wood underneath.
Having your floors refinished is also a great time to switch up the color if you are not thrilled with the current shade of the hardwood.
At times, a floor that looks like it needs refinishing simply needs to be recoated. Recoating on top of old finish will save time and money, and is usually all it takes to refresh your hardwood floors.
Check Your Temperature & Humidity Levels
Wood is a porous material that can expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes.
High humidity increases moisture content, causing floorboards to buckle. This will leave you unsightly gaps that can be damaging.
Pay special attention to the temperature and humidity levels in your home during the warm, rainy months. Ideally, the temperature in your home should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of 30%-50%.
Use Felt Pads on Furniture Legs
Those sticky felt pads you put on furniture legs can be found in most stores and are fairly inexpensive.
Such a small, simple addition to your furniture can prevent deep scratches and dents caused by moving furniture.
Lay Area Rugs & Runners
You may be saying, “ Why would I want to cover my beautiful hardwood floors?!” After all, you have invested a lot of time and money into your flooring!
A couple of strategically placed area rugs and runners can protect higher-traffic areas of your hardwood flooring so that your floors age more evenly. This will help your floors stay nicer, longer.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing & Restoration in Montgomery County, MD
Atlas Floors Inc. can take your existing hardwood floor and bring it back to life! We refinish, repair, and restore hardwood floors using the most durable stains and finishes available. Our knowledge of how to treat different wood species leaves you with a gorgeous floor you will be proud to show off to your guests. Give us a call today for a quote!