Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1511329
WIPE SPILLS ASAP. It can be tempting to ignore a wayward ice cube or half-heartedly wipe up a spill because they're hardwoods—they can take anything. Not so! This habit can quickly lead to damage and discoloration. Clean messes immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent an accidental spill from becoming an unsightly stain. BE PROACTIVE ABOUT SCRATCHES. Furniture is one of the biggest culprits of scratched floors, and as anyone who's had to buff out scratches in their hardwood will tell you, they aren't an easy fix. Use furniture pads on the legs of chairs, sofas, tables, and other items, and lay down rugs. Long pet nails and high heels can also scratch hardwood, so stay on top of your furry friend's nail trimmings and leave your pumps at the door. KEEP THEM DRY. Water and wood don't get along. Humidity, tracked-in rainwater, and steam or wet mops can cause your wood to swell, shrink, or split. To preserve hardwood, keep your home temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, say "no" to wet shoes and socks, and ban soaking buckets and dripping mops. FOLLOW A CLEANING SCHEDULE. Hardwood demands a special maintenance schedule, but it's worth it to have such stunning floors day in and out. Sweep and dust your floors with a soft-bristled broom or dust mop daily, run the vacuum on the hard-floor setting weekly, use a dedicated hardwood cleaner with a microfiber mop once per month, and polish quarterly to even out appearances. APPLY A NEW FINISH EVERY FEW YEARS. Unfortunately, floor finishes—the layers of varnish or polish that make your hardwood glossy—will inevitably wear thin. Exactly when you should apply a new coat of finish will depend on your lifestyle and foot traffic; however, it's suggested to do so every three to five years or when your floors look like they could use more than just a mop to return to their former glory. REFINISH EVERY 10 YEARS. Stripping down and refinishing your floors can restore life to flawed, dinged, or dull hardwood. While the timeline for refinishing varies, your floors will let you know when it's needed (think: deep scratches and graying or fading boards). You can DIY this with the right tools and education, but it's best to consult a professional if you're a first-timer. Flawless Floors Six secrets to sparkling hardwood floors. UPKEEP Hardwood floors are a prized possession in any house. Gleaming beauties, they steal the spotlight, attracting the eyes of new homebuyers and the glances of repeat visitors. Strong, durable, and gorgeous, hardwoods do so much for you and your home, but it's important to show them a little love, so they can continue to shine bright and hold up for years and years to come. Here's how. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 9