As a National Wood Flooring Association – NWFA Certified Flooring Inspector we find that many home owners do not know where to start when caring for their new hardwood floor.

Hardwood floors are a fantastic choice for many homes and businesses. They have a classic look about them. They also last for a long time as long as they are properly cared for by the owners.

There are many factors that can cause your floors to look dull and scratched. Dirt is only one part of it. Improper cleaning, as well as improper storage, causes damage even when the floor finish is done superbly.

Before anything else, the owner should have careful thought on which type of hardwood is to be installed. The floor, similar to wall, gets much attention inside the house because it covers a wide space. The color of the hardwood should match the colors of the furniture and the walls. Otherwise, your house would look like a maze. You have two choices of colors in wood flooring: light and dark. Take note that dark colors are mainly used to project an air of formality inside a room. The dark color also matches with furniture that is somewhat tradition in design and style. If you are using modern and casual furniture, you might opt to choose a lighter shade. But, no matter what color you choose, color expresses the character of the room.

To properly maintain hardwood it must be cleaned at regular intervals. Here are a few simple tips that will help you keep that floor looking new:

• Sweep and vacuum regularly to maintain the floor’s cleanliness.
• When cleaning use minimal amounts of water to protect the finish from moisture.
• Do not wet mop. While many of today’s finishes can be damp mopped (thoroughly wrung out mop). Understand that damp mopping is no more than a very thin film or mist of moisture.
  
• Periodically clean your wood floor using a product recommended by the company that manufactured your wood floor and/or a wood flooring professional. These professional products are specially formulated for wood floors and quick drying.
• Floor protectors should be installed on furniture legs to avoid scratching the floor.
• In order to avoid discoloration of the floor, always move rugs to areas frequently exposed to light.
• If your shoes are in need of repair, avoid using them in the house.
• To keep floors clean, you could place mats at the entrance of your home.
• If you have pets at home, make sure that their toenails do not scratch the surface of the floors. You can do this by trimming or clipping their toenails regularly.
• Lastly, always remember to use only products that are specifically designed for cleaning hardwood floors.

Additional Information

• A Flooring Inspector Can Protect Your Investment
• The Thoroughness of a Flooring Inspection
• Wood Floor Inspections