If you are looking to have hardwood flooring installed into your home, then you probably want to make sure that you get the most out of your home improvement spending and the floors look brand new for many years to come.
The big question is, how do you do this? Well, there are some great things that you should be doing form the moment that you have the floors installed in order to protect them from day to day wear.
1. Double check all cleaning products
If you are looking to clean your new hardwood floor make sure that you read the labels on all of the cleaning products that you use. Even if the cleaning product says that it is suitable for all wood types it is worth doing a little extra research online to make sure that no one has had the floor be damaged through the use of this particular cleaner.
2. Felt protectors
On the bottom of the legs of all of your furniture, you should have felt protectors. These will help to keep them from scuffing the floor when the furniture is moved. This is important even on furniture that you do not plan on moving regularly. The simple act of multiple people sitting down on a couch every day can move it just a little bit, but more than enough to do damage to the flooring.
3. Buy a rug
Not only do rugs look great, but they also act as a great way to protect your hardwood floor from damage. A well-chosen rug has the added benefit of taking a room’s decor to the next level.
4. Leave the shoes at the door
This is a great way to protect your floor from damage and also prevent the build-up of excess dirt. All shoe types can track in dirt and dust and even though a hardwood floor is very easy to keep clean, it can be annoying to have to do each time you have guests over. This no shoe policy should go double for any high heels.
5. Clean in two stages
When cleaning a hardwood floor it is best to do it in two stages. A dry clean, followed by a wet clean. By sweeping up all of the dirt before you use a mop or Swiffer you will be making the wet clean much easier. Also, if you reach straight for the mop you could be dragging some hard bits of dirt across the finish of your floor and scratch it.
6. Watch out for sun damage
You should make sure that you always keep an eye out for any discoloration in your hardwood flooring. You can usually just take a peek under the rug and see if there is any noticeable change in colour. If there is, you may want to look into getting a new coat on the floors sooner rather than later. This is something that you will not need to worry about for some time.
7. Take pictures
If you take photos after the hardwood floors are installed then you will be able to refer back to these at any time. This can be a great way to check to see if something that you notice months later is the sign of damage or warping that needs to be addressed.
8. Call a friend
Even with felt protectors on the bottom of your furniture legs, you should try to avoid sliding furniture on your hardwood floors. All furniture should be lifted when it is moved and if you need to call a friend over to help you then your hardwood floors will thank you.
