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A Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Hardwood Flooring

Maintaining Hardwood Flooring: Expert Tips and Insights from Trademark Flooring


Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice for any home, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances various interior design styles. However, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore expert tips on maintaining hardwood flooring, drawing on insights from Trademark Flooring, a leading flooring company in Utah known for their superior craftsmanship and customer service. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have existing hardwood floors, these tips will help you keep your floors in pristine condition for years.


Introduction


Maintaining hardwood flooring is essential to preserving its beauty and extending its lifespan. With the right care, hardwood floors can last for decades, adding value and elegance to your home. This blog post will provide detailed advice on how to clean, protect, and maintain hardwood floors, leveraging the expertise of Trademark Flooring. We’ll cover daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance routines, the best tools and products to use, and common mistakes to avoid. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your hardwood floors remain scuff-free and stunning.


Daily and Weekly Maintenance for Hardwood Floors


Sweep or Dry Mop Daily


One of the most effective ways to maintain hardwood flooring is to sweep or dry mop daily. Regular sweeping with a soft-bristle broom or an angle broom helps remove dust, dirt, and debris that can cause microscratches on the floor's surface. According to Gina Perry, a former senior merchant for cleaning at The Home Depot, daily sweeping is essential for keeping hardwood floors in good condition. Leah Howell, a senior brand marketing manager at Bona, also recommends sweeping or dusting a few times a week to prevent dirt buildup​​ .


Vacuum Weekly


Vacuuming your hardwood floors weekly is another crucial step in maintaining their beauty. Use the vacuum’s hard floor setting to raise the vacuum cleaner and deactivate the brush roll, preventing scratches and other damage. Perry advises vacuuming hardwood floors once a week to keep them clean and free of debris .


Monthly and Deep Cleaning of Hardwood Floors


Mop Weekly to Monthly


High-traffic areas of your home should be mopped weekly, while moderately trafficked areas can be cleaned every other week, and lesser-used areas once a month. Leah Howell recommends using a microfiber mop with a cleaning solution specifically formulated for hardwood floors. When mopping, ensure the mop is damp, not wet, to avoid water damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning solution to prevent any harm to the floor’s finish.


What to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood Floors


Maintaining hardwood flooring also involves knowing what not to do. Using the wrong cleaning products or techniques can cause irreversible damage. Here are some key points to keep in mind:


  • Avoid Oversaturation: Leaving standing water on hardwood floors can cause significant damage, especially for prefinished floors. Always wring out your mop thoroughly to ensure it's only damp.

  • No Steam Cleaning: Steam can dull the finish and damage the wood. It’s best to avoid steam cleaning entirely.

  • Use the Right Tools: Opt for a microfiber mop instead of a sponge mop or string mop, which can leave too much liquid on the floor.

  • Avoid Harsh Cleaners: DIY solutions like vinegar and water are too acidic and can damage the flooring surface. Stick to products recommended by your floor manufacturer.

  • No Abrasive Tools: Steel wool and scouring powder can scratch the floor. Use gentle cleaning tools and products designed for hardwood floors .


Long-Term Maintenance and Protection


Apply a Fresh Coat of Finish


To keep your hardwood floors looking their best, it’s recommended to apply a fresh coat of finish every three to five years. This not only restores the floor’s shine but also adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. Sanding and refinishing the floors every ten years can also help maintain their appearance and durability​​.


Use Area Rugs and Furniture Pads


High-traffic areas can benefit greatly from area rugs, which protect the hardwood from scratches and wear. Additionally, placing furniture pads under the legs of chairs, sofas, and tables prevents deep scratches when moving furniture. Rugs and pads are simple yet effective ways to preserve the condition of your hardwood floors​​ .


Trademark Flooring: Your Partner in Maintaining Hardwood Floors


At Trademark Flooring, our mission is to deliver superior flooring installations with integrity, excellence, and outstanding customer service. We prioritize quality craftsmanship, ethical practices, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every project is done right the first time. Our comprehensive selection of hardwood flooring options in our Utah showroom allows you to find the perfect fit for your home.


Our owner, Tyler Weaver, has a rich history in the flooring industry, starting as a flooring installer in his teenage years. His passion for the intricate work involved in interior finishes led him to establish Trademark Flooring in April 2021. With a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence, Tyler has built a company that upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer service.


Maintaining Hardwood Flooring: Key Tips from Trademark Flooring


Mobile Showroom


For those who prefer to explore flooring options from the comfort of their home, Trademark Flooring offers a mobile showroom service. This convenient option allows you to see and feel various hardwood flooring samples and get expert advice on the best choices for your home. Schedule an appointment today to experience the quality and service that Trademark Flooring provides.


Request an Estimate


If you’re considering new hardwood flooring or need professional maintenance services, Trademark Flooring is here to help. Contact us to request an estimate and learn how we can enhance your home with beautiful, durable hardwood floors.



Maintaining hardwood flooring is a crucial aspect of preserving its beauty and functionality. By following the expert tips provided in this guide, you can ensure that your hardwood floors remain in excellent condition for years to come. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and proper mopping, along with avoiding common mistakes, will keep your floors looking stunning and scuff-free.


Trademark Flooring is dedicated to helping you achieve the best results with your hardwood floors. With our expertise, high-quality products, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are your trusted flooring maintenance and installation partner. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain the elegance and durability of your hardwood floors.


Sources


  1. Perry, Gina. Former senior merchant for cleaning at The Home Depot. Recommendations on daily and weekly cleaning routines.

  2. Howell, Leah. Senior brand marketing manager at Bona. Tips on proper mopping techniques and products for hardwood floors.

  3. Trademark Flooring. Company history and mission statement from the official website.

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