How to Make Hard Wood Floor Last

Whether it is made of maple or oak, a hardwood floor can last as long as it is properly preserved. Hence, as part of your home's regular maintenance, never forget to include the floor.

Before deciding on a plan for floor care, keep in mind that the type of maintenance that your floor will need depends on how frequently it is used or how much traffic it sees. Low-use floor areas, such as bedroom or home office may require only vacuuming and occasional mopping with floor cleaner. While high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen and the hallway, need periodic recoating or occasional sanding and refinishing.

Another thing to remember before creating a floor maintenance plan is to determine the condition of the old finish. If your floor has discoloured areas, or if the old finish is chipping off, the best thing you can do about it is to sand and refinish it. You can rent a sanding tool to smooth wood and apply the new coat on your own. However, it is not a bad idea to leave the job to an expert. This is because if you do not have any experience with a sander, you can cause more damage to your floor.

To keep your floor in shape at all times, dust mop or vacuum it regularly to keep abrasive dirt to a minimum. In addition, damp mop it with hardwood floor cleaner periodically to remove abrasive oils. Doing this will help you keep the finish in the best condition, enabling you to avoid the costly repairs..