Hardwood floors are beautiful. Many homes today have hardwood floors installed in them made from all sorts of materials: bamboo, oak, maple, cherry, etc. They continue to be highly sought after as well. Whether you currently have them in your Hendersonville home or are considering installing them in the near future, you need to know how to take care of your hardwood floors to keep them beautiful for years to come.
Dirt - Any form of dirt, ie: sand, grit, etc, is a natural enemy of hardwood floors. Even the smallest grains can scratch or dull hardwoods eventually. Keep your hardwoods free of dirt by sweeping often with a broom, wet mop or Swiffer sweeper. Laying area rugs on top of hardwood floors is smart. But you want to make sure that they are vacuumed and taken outside to shake out any remaining dirt often, since dirt can be transferred from a rug to the wood easily.
Furniture - Anytime you move furniture around without lifting if up first, you run the risk of scratching your wooden floors. Attach protective pads to the bottom of any furniture legs that come in direct contact with your wooden floor. These pads can be purchased inexpensively at many home warehouse stores. They make moving your furniture easier as well, especially if you have difficulty lifting it.
Shoes - High heeled shoes are the worst. But, any shoes can leave scuff marks or track scratchy dirt across your home's beautiful floors. Set aside a place near the entrances to your home so that your family and guests can store their shoes when they enter.
Sun Damage - When wood is left in sunlight for extended periods of time, it can become discolored. This is especially true for direct sunlight. Make sure to hang drapes or put up shades or blinds in windows that let sunlight spill onto your floors.
Water - Why do you put a coaster under a wet glass on your wooden coffee table? To keep it from ruining the wood. The same goes for water on a hardwood floor. It can do severe damage. Anytime you spill something wet on your hardwood floor, make sure to mop it up as quickly as possible and dry the area thoroughly.
Cleaners - Stick to using cleaners that are made specifically for cleaning hardwood floors. Products with ammonia, petroleum-based products, waxes, soaps, oils and urethane finishes are definite "No-No's". They can leave a residue behind or may even damage your floors. For a gentle clean, a damp mop may be your best choice.
By following these simple tips on how to take care of your hardwood floors, they will stay beautiful for a very long time! If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling their Hendersonville home, please feel free to contact me.
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