There has been a lot of hype regarding hardwood flooring, mainly due to the numerous benefits it has to offer. The list is endless: it blends perfectly with any atmosphere, it’s extremely hardwearing and offers more value for money, the aesthetics are simply unbeatable, and studies reveal that hardwood floors greatly improve the value of any property. If you have already decided to install hardwood flooring, then the next thing you need to think about is maintenance, especially if you want to make your flooring look as good as new and make your investment worthwhile. Wondering About Hardwood Flooring Maintenance? Read Tips Below • Dirt, gravel and grime are the bane of hardwood flooring. Even the finest piece of dust can scratch and mark the floor if not removed promptly. Using heavy duty dirt trapping and walk off mats at all door entrances will prevent dirt, grit and sand from landing on the flooring. Make sure that door mats are kept clean at all times. Hardwood floors can also be dust mopped, vacuumed or swept using a soft bristle broom. • As part of their natural quality hardwood floors change colour over time, but too much exposure to sunlight can cause the floors to fade. Consider using sheers or window blinds to reduce any uneven patches or fading. • Floor protector pads or fabric glides must be fixed to the bottom of furniture in order to prevent denting and scratching. Make sure that the protector pads are kept clean and free from dirt, grime and grit. • Shoes, especially high heels, can cause significant damage to the surface of hardwood flooring. Shoes should be kept in good condition as any metal jutting out can cause dents and scratches. • If heating systems or air conditioning systems are used, it’s always wise to use a humidifier or dehumidifier to ensure the relative humidity in the home remains at 30% to 50%. This will help maintain the moisture in the wood and will minimise cracks between the boards, especially during dry winters. • Never pour water directly on the hardwood flooring for cleaning purposes, as it can cause great damage to the flooring. Water can dull the finish and leave a discolouring residue. Always use a damp cloth that is squeezed dry to wipe the floor and immediately wipe dry afterwards. • Make sure you trim the nails of your pets to prevent scratches on floors. • Don’t use harsh cleansers or chemicals to clean the floor • Never slide your furniture while moving it. • Vacuum cleaners can be used but make sure you use a soft brush head and that the vacuum cleaner is not wheeled over the floor. • Scratches that aren’t too deep can be fixed. If you already have a protective coating or finish on the floor, then simply re-coating can get rid of surface scratches. For scratches that penetrate the wood you can lightly sand with sandpaper and then apply a wax stick to blend the mark with the rest of the hardwood flooring. Scratches that are really deep need professional care. In this case the wooden plank in question must be repaired or refinished. Interested In Learning More About Hardwood Flooring And Maintenance? Turn to Nagle Flooring. We have more than four decades of experience in this field and we can help you with all your hardwood flooring needs. To discuss your requirements or if you have any queries you can reach us at 020 8424 0800, sales@nagleflooring.co.uk