Known for their durability and classic aesthetic, hardwood floors can last for generations with proper care. However, understanding how to maintain them isn’t always intuitive. Though solid hardwood is the most long-lasting flooring material you can install, it can be challenging to know how to take care of damage while still preserving the quality of the wood.
The Infinity Flooring team is here to walk you through what every homeowner should know about hardwood flooring to help it remain as beautiful as it was on day one.
Before we get into care techniques, it’s helpful to understand what we are talking about when we say “hardwood” floors. Made from a single piece of natural wood, solid hardwood flooring is durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Common wood species include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry, each with unique grains and hardness levels. Solid hardwood can be more sensitive to changes in humidity, expanding and contracting based on moisture levels.
Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is constructed from several layers, with a top veneer of natural hardwood and a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This type of flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood, making it suitable for areas like basements where humidity levels fluctuate. While engineered hardwood can also be sanded and refinished, this can only be done a limited number of times due to the thin top layer.
IMPORTANT! This type of flooring is best suited for rooms with stable climates and should ideally be maintained in a humidity range of 35-55% to prevent warping or cracking.
Despite their durability, hardwood floors can suffer damage from various sources, affecting both their appearance and structural integrity. From minor scratches to severe water damage, hardwood flooring is susceptible to a range of issues when not maintained correctly.
Dust and dirt can act like sandpaper on your hardwood floors, causing scratches over time. To avoid this, make sweeping or vacuuming part of your daily or weekly routine, depending on foot traffic. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum without a beater bar to protect the finish. Microfiber mops are also a great choice as they trap dust effectively without scratching the surface.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as these can damage the wood's finish. Opt for pH-neutral wood cleaners designed specifically for hardwood floors, and never use water directly on wood. Water can seep into the wood and cause it to warp over time. Instead, lightly dampen a cloth or mop and dry the area immediately.
Wood floors are highly responsive to humidity. High humidity can cause wood to expand, while low humidity can make it shrink, potentially leading to gaps, warping, and cracking. Using a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer can help maintain optimal conditions for hardwood flooring.
Use area rugs in high-traffic areas and place doormats at all entrances to trap dirt. You can also add felt pads or protective caps on the bottoms of furniture legs to prevent scratches. High heels, pet claws, and moving furniture can all contribute to wear and tear, so consider these precautions essential.
For light scratches, apply a wood floor polish or a color-matching marker to fill in the area. Wax sticks can also be effective for slightly deeper scratches. Make sure the product you use matches the color and finish of your wood floor.
Scuff marks can be removed by gently rubbing a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner. Alternatively, a tennis ball can be used to buff out the mark without scratching the surface. Just rub it in a circular motion over the affected area.
If your floor has a minor dent, you can try the iron and damp cloth trick: dampen a cloth, place it over the dent, and apply a hot iron for a few seconds. This technique raises the wood fibers, making the dent less noticeable. Note that this only works for untreated or lightly finished wood.
For water stains, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to make a paste, and gently rub it onto the stain using a soft cloth. You can also use steel wool or fine sandpaper if the stain is stubborn, but be careful not to damage the finish.
For deep scratches, wide gapping, and severe water damage, it’s usually best to consult a professional. Professional services can offer sanding, refinishing, and, if needed, plank replacement, which can restore the floor’s original luster. Refinishing typically involves sanding down the top layer of the floor to remove any surface damage, applying a new stain if desired, and sealing the wood with a protective finish. Refinishing not only repairs damage but can also bring new life to faded or worn floors.
For less significant repairs, DIY options are viable and often very effective. Investing in high-quality cleaning products and occasionally using polish or wax specifically formulated for hardwood can help prolong the floor's finish and appearance.
Hardwood floors are a worthwhile investment, and with proper care and attention, they can last a lifetime. A quick inspection every few months can help you spot early signs of damage, like minor scratches or areas with discoloration, and address them before they worsen. Once a year, consider doing a more thorough cleaning or waxing if your floor's finish allows it. This will help keep dirt and grime from embedding deeply in the wood grain.
To avoid surface damage to your hardwood floors altogether, it is a good idea to encourage a no-shoe policy and place doormats at entrances. Other common methods are to stay on top claw trimmings for pets and utilize rugs and playmats for kids. Of course, some damage is inevitable, and larger repairs could be needed if minor issues are ignored. If this happens, call a professional flooring company like Infinity Flooring in Utah to take care of the issue and help ensure that your floors stay in tip-top shape!
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