Too Much Sunlight
The sun?s damaging UV rays aren?t only a threat to your skin?they can also be bad for your floors! Too much direct sunlight can cause your hardwood floors to become dull and discolored over time. On really sunny days, you can help protect your floors by closing the blinds or drapes against direct sunlight.
Using the Wrong Area Rugs
It?s important to know that certain types of rug backings can harm your hardwood floors. Certain rug backings can stain or discolor your flooring, while others can trap gases that warp your floors and ruin the finish. When you?re shopping for an area rug to put over your hardwood, make sure that it?s safe for use on hardwood floors.
Vacuuming With the Brush On
Many vacuums now feature an attachment designed to be used on hardwood flooring. Be sure to use it whenever you clean your hardwood floors! If you don?t have a hardwood flooring attachment, just be sure to turn off the brush or beater before vacuuming hardwood. While a brush or beater is great for cleaning carpet, it can easily leave behind marks or scratches on hardwood flooring.
High Heels & Pet Nails
It?s always a good idea take off your shoes before walking inside, it?s especially important when it comes to high heels and hardwood floors. Heels can scratch hardwood flooring, and even leave behind indentations if the heel has a small surface are. Pet nails and claws can also scratch up your floors so be sure to trim them often.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Tools
The way you clean your hardwood flooring can have a huge impact on its appearance and lifespan. Avoid using abrasive tools or harsh cleaning solutions, which can easily damage your flooring. The safest technique for cleaning hardwood is to sparingly apply a mild cleaning solution with a soft microfiber mop or mop pad. Another no-no is a steam mop; excessive humidity is bad for hardwood flooring.
Sliding Furniture Around
Always take the time to lift furniture when you?re moving it around on hardwood floors. Sliding your furniture is a quick way to scratch up your nice hardwood floors! And make sure to add felt furniture pads to anything that rests directly on your floors as an added safety measure.
Letting Spills Wait
Liquid spills are going to happen, even if you were the most careful person in the entire world, but you can reduce the damage by cleaning it up right away. The longer it stays on the surface, the deeper the damage. To sticky liquids, mop it up and follow up with a damp rub. It will keep your wood floor in great condition.
Whether you have hardwood, laminate or luxury vinyl flooring, you can rely on the experts at Quantum Floors for information and maintenance tips for your flooring.
