clean wood floors after a long winter
Wood floors add a natural and elegant look to your home, but they can also require extra maintenance to keep them looking good. When winter rolls around, it can be especially hard on your hardwood floors. The cold weather can cause the wood to dry out, creating cracks and warping. To avoid these problems, follow these tips for maintaining your wood floor through the winter.
Sweep your floors daily to remove dirt, dust and other particles that can scratch the finish or underlying material of your How to clean Wood Floors. You can also use a microfiber cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to get rid of grit and dirt on wood floors. This prevents scratches from becoming ingrained in the surface of your wood floors.
Consider adding a walk-off mat at your front door to help keep rock salt, ice melt and other road debris from tracking into your home. You can also place a shoe rack near your entryway to help your guests to wipe off their shoes and boots. This way, the grit and rock salt that gets stuck in shoes will stay on the mats, rather than on your floor.
How to clean wood floors after a long winter?
When it comes to cleaning your wood floors, you need to be careful not to overdo it with water. Too much moisture can damage the surface of your wood flooring, and can lead to mold growth or wood rot beneath the flooring. If you must use a water-based cleaner, be sure to mop the floor with a soft cloth or microfiber mop. It’s also a good idea to blot up excess water after mopping to avoid any moisture buildup on the flooring.
Ensure that your wood floors are properly ventilated when mopping, to allow for the air to circulate and help dry your wood floors. You can also use a fan to speed up the drying process. If you do have to use a water-based cleaner, make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. Always use a soft cloth or mop and only a light mist of the product, to prevent too much water from damaging your floors.
If you notice any stains on your wood flooring, clean them immediately to avoid discoloration or other damage to the wood. Food, pet, water and wax spots can all be removed by using a slightly damp cloth or mop. Blot the spot in a circular motion, and be sure to remove any excess water from the floor with a clean cloth.
If your wood floors are starting to show signs of wear and tear, sanding them can help to restore their original appearance. Start with a coarser grain of sandpaper, and work your way up to a finer grit. Once you have sanded the floors, be sure to vacuum the floors again to remove any dust created by the process. If you are looking for a professional to help you spruce up your wood floors for winter, call Kelce & Company today!
