How to Care for Your New Hardwood Floor: Practical Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

Congratulations on your new hardwood floor! Hardwood brings warmth, elegance, and durability to any space, and with the right care, it can retain its beauty for decades. Here are some practical tips for maintaining your hardwood flooring to keep it looking like new and help it withstand everyday wear.

1. Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine • Dust Daily: Dust and dirt act like sandpaper on hardwood, causing tiny scratches. Use a microfiber mop or cloth daily to lift dust without leaving scratches.

• Vacuum Weekly: Use a vacuum with a soft-bristle brush attachment to remove dirt from cracks and grooves. Avoid beater bars, which can damage the wood.

2. Use the Right Cleaning Products

• Avoid Water and Vinegar: While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaner, its acidity can dull the finish over time. Use a pH-neutral cleaner made for hardwood floors to maintain their shine. • Skip Wax and Oils: Waxing isn’t necessary on pre-finished hardwood and can create a sticky build-up. Similarly, oil soaps can make the floor look dull and even harder to refinish in the future.

3. Protect from Scratches

• Furniture Pads: Place felt pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent scratches when moved.

• Rugs and Mats: Place rugs in high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways to reduce wear, especially if you have pets. Consider a rug near the sink in the kitchen to catch spills. • Pet Care: Trim your pets’ nails to reduce scratches. This simple step goes a long way in protecting the surface.

4. Control Humidity Levels

• Ideal Humidity: Hardwood responds to humidity, expanding in high moisture and shrinking in low moisture. To avoid warping, maintain humidity levels between 35-55%.

• Use Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers: In dry winter months, a humidifier can prevent floors from shrinking, while a dehumidifier can keep excess moisture at bay in humid seasons.

5. Clean Spills Immediately

• Hardwood is vulnerable to water damage, so wipe up spills as soon as they happen. For liquid spills, use a soft, dry cloth, and avoid allowing water to sit on the surface.

6. Avoid High Heels and Dragging Heavy Items

• High heels can leave dents in hardwood. Similarly, dragging heavy furniture can scratch or gouge the floor. Lift items when moving them or place a soft towel under heavy objects.

7. Refinish When Needed

• Hardwood floors can be refinished to restore their original luster. Depending on traffic and care, you may need to refinish them every 7-10 years. Regularly assess your floors and consider refinishing if they begin to show signs of wear. Enjoying Your Beautiful Hardwood Following these tips helps protect the investment you’ve made in your hardwood flooring. With regular care, attention to detail, and prompt action when accidents happen, your floors will stay stunning and strong for years to come.