Transitioning from carpets to wood floors is a move many homeowners consider making. According to research by the National Association of Realtors, home buyers are willing to spend thousands more on homes with wood flooring as opposed to carpets. Not to mention, real estate agents find wooden floors far easier to market. However, Alpharetta homeowners used to carpets will have to adapt to a new style of cleaning floors. Here's the best way to handle wood cleaning.
Routine Cleanings
Hardwood floors will have dust accumulation you can see, so they require dusting and vacuuming with a special attachment once or twice a week. When dirt and debris sit on flooring, it can lead to dulling of the finish or scratching when shoes grind sharp particles into the wood. This same problem plagues carpets and causes traffic lanes though it is much easier to deal with on hard surfaces like wood.
Whenever there are spills on wood floors, use a cloth to clean the area quickly. Chemical cleaners, hard scrubbers, and soap solutions are not recommended for floors that have been finished by the manufacturer. Even simple mopping could cause swelling in the wood, which may lead to the voiding of the floor's warranty. Finished wood mainly requires simple cleanings for it to retain its beauty, and specialized products for this type of wood are recommended.
Touch Spot Cleaning and Refinishing
When paints, oils, inks, or other toxic substances hit wood flooring, try nail polish remover on a clean cloth to remove the stain and avoid permanent damage to the surface. If wax from candles or gum is stuck on the wood, use ice to make the substance harder before carefully scraping away the rest of the debris with a plastic tool. This practice will help you avoid scratches or other types of impact that will dull the wood's character.
Hardwood floor resurfacing is another option to consider. When floors show typical wear and scratches from years of use, homeowners may worry about the condition of the flooring. In fact, intensive hardwood cleaning removes layers of grime and leave the wood at a sanitary cleaning level. Sanding and refinishing removes even deeper damage. Coats of water-based polyurethane then seal the floor and preserve its beauty. This process only takes a few hours for professionals to complete with green cleaning products.
Switching from carpeting to wood floors requires a shift in maintenance as well as deep cleaning practices. Let ZEROREZ® help you keep floors clean and safe with green cleaning for wood and any other type of floor surface.
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