While vinegar might seem like the ultimate cleaning tool, it could have a horrible consequence on your hardwood flooring.
We have talked about how to save for your hardwood floors and how to choose new ones for your home. But what about things you shouldn’t do to your hardwood floors? Well, settle in because these are 10 things you should never do to your hardwood floors.
1: Never Use Abrasive or Harsh Chemicals for Cleaning
A lot of DIY cleaning sites talk about the miracle of vinegar and dish washing detergent and their cleaning abilities. But these are two substances that could ruin your hardwood floors. You should never use vinegar, dish washing detergent, powdered all-purpose cleaner, oil soap, ammonia, or any way or silicone based cleaning products on your floors.
2: Never Use Hard Casters on Any Furniture on Your Hardwood Floors
While it may seem like casters are the bee’s knees for your furniture, they can actually cause isolated wear on your hardwood flooring.
3: Never Use Steam Mops
Steam mops may seem like the best option for sanitizing your hardwood flooring. But water in any form can cause damage to your floors. Water should have limited contact with your wood floors. Another reason not to use steam mops is because of the high heat used to create the steam. These mops can thermally break down your floor’s protective layers over time.
4: Never Procrastinate on Refinishing Projects
Hardwood floor refinishing is used to eliminate surface scratches and wear patterns from your floors. During refinishing projects, your floors will be re-coated with a finish to bring them back to the light and bright floors you love. Most hardwood flooring needs to be refinished every three to five years depending on the traffic patterns and wear. Putting off this process could mean causing even more damage as the bare wood shows through.
5: Never Pour Cleaner Directly on the Flooring
It may seem like a good idea: cutting out the bucket “middleman” and pouring the cleaner right on the flooring but that could actually cause damage to your floors. This approach can have the same effect as water and cause the wood to absorb the cleaner in spots, causing it to swell and look uneven over time.
These are just some of the things you should never do to your hardwood flooring. For more information on other things you should avoid, check back next week!
Avoid Hardwood Flooring Damage with John K. Eareckson & Co!
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors fight fading for decades to come. From a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.