hardwood floor with heart

How to Care for Hardwood Floors – Tips from Restoration Pros

DIY

If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors in your Portland, OR home, then you know just how beautiful they can be. Not only are they stunning to look at, but they’re also incredibly durable and long-lasting.

But living in Portland, OR can pose additional challenges when it comes to caring for hardwood floors. The area’s wet climate can cause the wood to swell and warp if exposed to moisture for too long. And during the drier months from July to September, more dust and dirt can make their way into the flooring.

With proper care and maintenance, however, you can keep your hardwood floors looking their best for many years to come! In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips from property damage restoration professionals on how to properly care for your hardwood floors. We’ll also cover what to do if you experience water damage.

Hardwood Floors in Kitchen

Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your hardwood floors much thought – until they start to show signs of wear and tear. That’s when you realize how important they are to the overall look and feel of your home. Regular cleaning can help keep your floors looking great and help prevent damage.

How Often Should I Sweep my Hardwood Floors?

Sweeping your hardwood floors is not recommended, as it can cause more damage than it prevents. Sweeping can cause the dirt and dust to become airborne, which can then settle back on your floors and furniture. Over time, this buildup of dirt and dust can scratch your floors and dull their finish. Additionally, sweeping can push small pieces of dirt and debris into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring, where they can be difficult to remove.

Dusting your hardwood floors daily with a microfiber material instead of sweeping can help prevent damage and keep them looking their best. Microfiber dusters are designed to lift the dirt and dust off your floors without pushing them around or causing scratches. They are also more effective than traditional bristle brooms at removing small pieces of debris that can become lodged in the cracks and crevices of your flooring.

mopping hardwood floors

What Should I Use to Mop My Hardwood Floors

Mopping your hardwood floors regularly is essential for keeping them looking their best. But before you reach for the mop, make sure to choose a product specifically designed for hardwood floors.

Traditional mopping products like bleach and vinegar can damage the finish on your hardwood floors over time. Instead, opt for a PH-neutral cleaner that is formulated to care for hardwood floors without causing any damage. Additionally, use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one to avoid any potential water damage.

Protecting Your Hardwood Floors from Water Damage Every Day

Water is arguably the biggest enemy of hardwood floors. Even with proper care and maintenance, your hardwood floors may still be exposed to moisture or even water damage. To help prevent this, make sure any leaks in your home are promptly repaired and that your flooring is always dry. Remove any damp items such as rugs, boots, or other clothing right away. Additionally, be sure to wipe up any spills as soon as possible with a dry cloth.

Controlling the humidity in your home is another great way to prevent water damage and keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your home during warmer months when the moisture levels in the air are usually higher.

Saving Your Hardwood Floors After a Flood

If your hardwood floors do suffer water damage, it is important to act quickly. Floors are at a greater risk for permanent water damage and mold growth if you don’t take care of moisture immediately. Contact PuroClean of North Portland for help.

Successful hardwood floor water damage repair depends on the type of flooring, wood, and finish, method of installation, amount of moisture, and replacement value. We will assess the extent of the damage and recommend ways to repair the flooring if possible. We have the necessary knowledge and expertise and use specialized equipment for efficient drying.

What Can I Do While I Wait For Help?

As in all water-related property damage, time is crucial. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent further water damage to your hardwood floors while you wait for help to arrive:

  • Wear protective gear such as gloves, rubber boots, and a mask.
  • Turn off the power to the affected room until the water has been removed.
  • Stop the flow of water if the flooding occurred due to a burst pipe, washing machine failure, or water heater failure.
  • Take photos and keep a record of damaged items for your insurance company.
  • Remove any items (rugs, furniture, etc.) from the floor and take them to a dry area.

Taking regular care of hardwood floors is essential to preventing water damage and keeping them looking their best. It’s important to dust daily with a microfiber material instead of sweeping, opt for a PH-neutral cleaner when mopping, promptly repair any leaks in the home, clean up spills as soon as possible with a dry cloth, and control humidity levels in the home by using a dehumidifier. If you do experience water damage, act quickly to save your floor from permanent damage and mold growth. Contact PuroClean of North Portland to quickly mitigate the damage and implement the best course of action.

Last edited on 20th of December 2022