Wood Flooring Care

Long-lasting beauty and easy care are common attributes of wood flooring that inspire homeowners to make the investment, but there are some important things to know before taking the plunge. It's important to care for the wood floors properly so they can outlast even the best carpet.

Wood flooring, though generally more expensive than most other types of flooring, has gained in popularity in recent years for many reasons – this type of flooring doesn't harbor bacteria, dust mites and dust, a real selling point for the millions with allergies and asthma. In addition, they are relatively easy to care for, are superior flooring for people with pets, and are durable, lasting longer than wall-to-wall carpet.

Before worrying about how to clean your wood flooring, it's important to make sure you take all the right steps to keep the floors nice and pretty without mopping. Use protective pads on all furniture that comes in contact with your wood flooring. Wipe up any water or wet spills immediately. Use rugs at all doors and entrances to the house to keep dirt and grime off the wood floors.

It might not fun, but it's important to keep dust and grime off your wood flooring, so in addition to the rugs which help catch and retain dirt and grime, be sure to dust mop, vacuum and sweep your wood flooring regularly. Experts recommend using a vacuum made for wood flooring, or putting your regular vacuum on the bare floor setting.

Experts generally agree on preventive maintenance regarding wood flooring, but when it comes time to mop, there's a sea of disagreement. Many believe that water should never come in contact with wood flooring, whether finished or not, but most experts say that as long as the floors don't stay wet for long, there should be little to worry about.

Before using a damp mop, be sure your wood flooring is in good condition. Be sure there are no boards out of place or damaged. If the floors are in good repair, you can proceed with regular mopping, as often as once a week as necessary. Most experts recommend using a dry mop and simply spraying your cleaner on the floor, then mopping over that. Your wood flooring will be damp, not wet, and very little of the cleaner will sit on the floor for any period of time.

Take care of that wood flooring investment and it will reward you with years of quality and comfort.