It’s Spring Cleaning Time! Simple Do’s and Don’ts For Hardwood Floors

Spring is only a day away, although it certainly hasn’t felt like it for the past several weeks! So is your spring cleaning checklist ready to go? Don’t forget  also to give your hardwood floors some extra TLC this time of year. Below are some simple Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind this spring:

Do’s

• Establish simple cleaning rituals – vacuuming regularly, or wiping down your hardwood floors with a damp cloth or dry mop, will take away the dirt and debris and keep scratches to a minimum. And with more outside dirt entering the house this time of year, regular cleaning is more important than ever.
• Use soft brushes – if you haven’t already, invest in a new soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
• Consider an area rug – using area rugs or mats is a great way to protect floors that are in the line of heavy traffic during spring and summer months (when the kiddos are constantly running in and out of the house to play!).
• Remember your sunscreen – over time, ultraviolet rays from excessive sunlight will change the color of a hardwood floor. If a certain floor area is exposed to heavy sun in the spring and summer, be sure to close window blinds or shades for protection – especially during the brightest time of day.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations – if you’re unsure of the manufacturer’s guidelines for your floor, give us a call and we’ll gladly assist.

Don’ts

• Don’t use a vacuum with a beater bar – this can scratch the floor during the cleaning process.
• Don’t clean with soap or harsh ammonia cleaners – this will dull your floor finish and cause possible discoloration. Reserve those hard cleaners for your other spring-cleaning tasks.
• Don’t use water – applying water directly to your hardwood floors is a big NO; always use a damp cloth with a wood floor cleaner. Keep the spring showers outside!
• Don’t over-wax – waxing once or twice a year is recommended. If you over-wax your wood floor and it dulls, use a buffer to regain the shine.
• Don’t drag your furniture – during your big spring cleaning blitz, never drag furniture across your hardwood floors. Be sure to lift the furniture or use protective pads underneath the legs to prevent scratches.

Happy Spring Cleaning! And if you need to take a break from all those chores, visit our website at www.flooring-professionals.com for some flooring (and more) inspiration!