Hardwood flooring is a beautiful investment that adds tremendous value to a home. Properly caring for these floors should be at the top of the list to ensure their long lifespan. The following guide highlights what you should and shouldn't do to keep them looking great for years. 

Do: 

Use products designed for hardwood floors. 

Using a floor cleaner designed specifically for hardwood floors will help maintain their shine and strength. You can use a brand-name cleaner like Bona^®, which has been around for a long time and is heavily researched to ensure your floors will not be stripped or damaged by improper cleaning solutions. 

Lay down proper rugs. 

Try not to use rubber-backed rugs. Hardwood floors are porous, meaning they're susceptible to sun and heat and need to breathe. Consider using slip pads between your floor and the rug to protect them from scratches. 

Clean up spills quickly. 

Letting spills sit causes the wood to soak up liquid and moisture and cause the floor to warp. It can also create bubbles in the finish. You can add rugs or mats in the kitchen and at entrances and exits to help prevent slipping accidents. This will also safeguard your floors if anyone comes in with muddy or snowy boots, shoes, or paws. 

Don't: 

Use oil-based products. 

Different floors respond differently to cleaners, but oil-based products typically sit on hardwood, making the floor slippery. You should also avoid citrus- or wax-based cleaners that can degrade the wood's finish. 

Use the wrong vacuum. 

Do not use a rotating bristled bush attachment on your hardwood floors. Before you even notice it, you can scratch and damage your hardwood floors, leading to a necessary refinishing process. If you need to vacuum, make sure you have taken the harsher rotating brushes off to ensure that you are being as gentle as possible on the floors. 

Clean with hot water. 

Since hardwood floors are incredibly porous, cleaning with hot water or steam can cause peeling or whitening. Instead, stick with your hardwood floor cleaner and a soft mop attachment that won't scratch your floors or strip them of their stain.

If you want to update your home's look with hardwood flooring, visit Carpet Land in Lincoln, NE. Their skilled interior designers can help you pick anything from carpet or hardwood to stone flooring. Visit the website to browse their hardwood flooring selection, or call (402) 467-6363 to request a quote.