How to Take Care of New Wood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a popular and beautiful style in modern homes, but they’re also costly to replace if you don’t take care of them. Here are some tips to get years of wear out of your floor, provided by the experts at Carpet Mills of America Flooring.

Sweep or Vacuum Every Day

This is often overlooked, but simply keeping your floor clear of debris will prevent scratches and dirt from marring your finish. A vacuum with a hard floor attachment is better, since it pulls the dirt directly out of the cracks and crevices instead of just pushing it around. Even if you don’t have a hardwood compatible vacuum, a broom will suffice.

Mop Once a Week

Use a cleaning fluid that’s PH-balanced and nontoxic, preferably something that doesn’t have a strong odor or bleach. Follow the instructions on the product, which usually tell you to dilute it. You should soak the mop in liquid, then wring it to almost-dry before treating the floor with it. Too much liquid is bad for hardwood, as it can cause the wood to warp.

Polish Once Every Three to Four Months

Use water-based polishes that won’t leave a residue. A urethane-based polish will keep the floor in shiny condition without a waxy buildup. To reduce any chemical damages, never use ammonia, vinegar, or wax on hardwood flooring.

Protect Your Floor

Make sure everyone removes their shoes before walking inside in order to prevent the tracking of dirt and debris onto your new floor. Trim your pet’s nails and keep pads under furniture legs to avoid leaving scratches. Any liquid spills should be wiped up with a paper towel or clean, dry cloth to prevent staining or warping.

If you’re new to the world of hardwood flooring and need advice on how to care for it, contact our well-informed staff at CMA Flooring at 972-418-6606. Our flooring experts can provide assistance for all your flooring needs including carpeting, laminate, tile, and vinyl flooring. Call us today for a free consultation!