How to Maintain Your Hardwood Floor's Finish

Hardwood floors can be the crown jewel of your home. However, if your floors are scratched, peeling, or otherwise losing their finish then what was once an object of beauty can quickly become an eyesore.  

Don’t despair! With a few simple steps, you can protect your floors and keep them looking freshly finished for years to come.  

This post will go over the importance of maintaining hardwood floors, common issues that cause wear and tear, flooring maintenance tips, and some preventative measures to help give your hardwood a longer lifespan. 

 Why is Maintaining My Hardwood Important? 

Maintaining your hardwood is one of the best things you can do to protect your investment in your floors.  

Here are five reasons why you will want to take preventative measures to maintain your hardwood floor’s finish.  

• Regular maintenance reinforces your floor’s protective coating and leads to a longer lifespan. 
  
  
• Dirty or damaged hardwood floors trap dust and allergens, which diminish the air quality in your home.
   
• Hardwood floors that have been damaged or are in disrepair can pose safety issues such as tripping or splinters.  
  
  
• Replacing your hardwood is an expensive investment. Take care of the hardwood you already have, and your floors can last for decades.  
  
  
• Hardwood floors look better when you prevent them from becoming dull or worn out. 

How can you tell when your hardwood is deteriorating? This is your guide!

Common Issues that Can Cause Hardwood Floor Finishing Wear 

There are a few common causes of hardwood floor wear and tear that homeowners often overlook and can cause your protective coating to break down.  

All these issues can be prevented with wood flooring care and cleaning measures which we will discuss in the next section. 

Sunlight Exposure 

If your hardwood floors are exposed to harsh sunlight for hours at a time every day, then they will fade and become discolored over time. Window treatments like blinds or curtains, in addition to following floor maintenance tips and best practices, can help prevent this issue. 

Moisture Damage 

Moisture in the air is one of the biggest threats to your home’s hardwood flooring. If your finishing has cracks or imperfections, then moisture can cause the floor planks to expand or contract. In addition, any water leaks or spills must be addressed immediately because it only takes a few hours to create long-term water damage on your floors.  

High Heels and Heavy Furniture 

Your choice of footwear can affect the lifespan of your hardwood floors. Shoes such as high heels or steel-toed boots can leave long-lasting damage on your floors preventative coatings or floor finish, and if severe enough, they can even damage the wood itself. For heavy furniture, always be sure to place felt furniture pads where the piece touches the ground to prevent scratching. 

Where is your hardwood on the Janka Hardness scale? Find out here! 

Pet Nails 

Clipping your pets’ nails or claws can be a headache, but what is worse is the damage those sharp nails can do to your floors. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to support the health of your hardwood floor preventative coatings for a floor finish with a long life.  

Improper Cleaning 

Cleaning your hardwood floors incorrectly can do more harm than good. Harsh chemicals can react negatively with the protective coatings which can lead to premature deterioration and additional expenses down the line.  

Varnish, paint, and other sticky substances can damage your hardwood. Learn how to reclaim your hardwood and restore its beauty here! 

Use These Preventative Tips to Help Give Your Hardwood Floors a Longer Lifespan 

Maintaining your floors is the key to ensuring that they have a long and healthy lifespan. Use these hardwood floor cleaning and maintenance tips to protect your floor finishing.  

Tip #1: Practical Tips for Hardwood Floor Cleaning 

• Cleaning your hardwood floors is simple if you know which tools to use to maximize your sanitation efficiency. 
  
  
• Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dust and debris. Do not use a vacuum cleaner with a beater brush as it can scratch your hardwood. 
  
  
• Use a recommended hardwood floor cleaner, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, a cleaning product recommended by the National Wood Flooring Association. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. If you have other questions about maintaining your hardwood floors, ask flooring experts for guidance. 
  
  
• Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. These can damage your finishing. Instead, use a cleaner that is specifically designed to clean hardwood flooring.  
  
  
• Avoid vinegar or acidic solutions as they may dull your hardwood finish over time.  

Tip# 2: Preventative Measures to Protect Your Floor Finish 

At A Step Above Flooring, we believe that the best actions you can take to increase the lifespan of your hardwood floors are preventative actions.  

Use these preventative tips to keep your floors healthy and attractive for years to come.  

• Place doormats at your entryways to catch excess dirt and debris.  
  
  
• Always use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents on your hardwood.  
  
  
• Sweep or dust your floors daily to prevent build-up or encrustation on your floors.  
  
  
• Vacuum at least once per week for a deeper cleaning to remove residue that cannot be picked up with sweeping or dusting alone.  
  
  
• Refinish your floors every 3 to 5 years to protect the health of your hardwood.  

Tip #3: Know When it is Time to Call a Professional 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, hardwood flooring will require professional attention. Here are the signs that professional help is necessary.  

• Deep scratches or gouges. 
  
  
• Warping or cupping caused by moisture and humidity. 
  
  
• Fading or discoloration from the sun or harsh chemicals. 
  
  
• Loose or damaged floorboards. 
  
  
• Unusual or loud squeaking or cracking. 

In the situations above you will need to contact a hardwood flooring professional. Only a pro will be able to assess the extent of the damage and advise you on the best course of action to maintain your flooring. 

How do you protect your hardwood floors from scratches? Here is your complete guide! 

Professional Help from A Step Above Flooring for Your Hardwood Floor Health 

If it is time to call in a professional to address your hardwood flooring and protective coating needs, then A Step Above Flooring is here for you! 

We are Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Southwest Indiana’s number one local retailer and flooring installer.  

If you are interested in flooring or flooring maintenance that is perfect for your home, reach out to A Step Above Flooring today! 

If you are looking for more flooring tips that will help keep your hardwood and carpets as good as new, follow A Step Above Flooring on Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  

Happy with the A Step Above Flooring difference? Leave us a five-star review on Google here!