At Frank’s, we know that one of the biggest benefits of hardwood flooring is its longevity. This is why it’s such a popular choice for homeowners looking to renovate their property or add a cosy touch to their space.

When looked after properly, hardwood flooring can last decades. With that in mind, it’s vital to be aware of the dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning and protecting your floor.

On a daily basis, wood floors in the home are exposed to dangers that could lead to staining, scratching and cracking. But, with the correct maintenance, you can help your wood floor look pristine for as long as you need it to.

Here are our top tips for maintaining hardwood floors!

How to protect hardwood flooring

The most difficult part about maintaining hardwood is the initial protection rather than the cleaning afterwards. Wood is exposed to a number of hazards that can scratch or scuff the surface, so it’s important to take precautionary measures to reduce this happening.

Anyone entering your room should remove their footwear to avoid dirt and moisture from outside wearing the surface of the flooring, or scratching it with loose stones and debris.

Furniture poses another high risk when it comes to hardwood flooring damage. So, don’t drag items across the room if you need to move them, lift them instead! To reduce this risk further, invest in some felt protector pads and stick them to the surfaces of chair and table legs.

How to clean hardwood flooring

Cleaning hardwood floors isn’t as laborious as you might expect. The easy cleaning routine of hardwood is actually why many homeowners choose it over carpet or vinyl.

Should spills occur, simply wipe them away with a dry cloth to avoid staining or water damage. Hardwood flooring does not handle moisture well, so it’s essential to act fast and remove it.

What to do when hardwood gets damaged

Accidents will happen because that’s just life, especially in a family home! No matter what measures you go to, it’s impossible to protect your floors from every scratch or scuff and there will come a time when you need to refinish your hardwood.

Hardwood floors require refinishing every 3-5 years but this may need to be done sooner if an accident occurs that has caused severe damage. When it comes to refinishing, we recommend hiring a professional for the job.

Top tips for maintaining hardwood flooring

To summarise, here are our top tips when it comes to hardwood maintenance. Keep doing these things and you won’t go far wrong!

  • Never use a steam mop
  • Wipe spills/moisture away immediately
  • Sweep daily with a soft bristle brush
  • For more intensive cleaning, use a microfibre mop
  • Remove footwear before walking on it
  • Avoid dragging furniture

Discover a wide range of high quality hardwood flooring options at your local Frank’s. Pop down to your nearby store and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect flooring to transform your home.

Got a question? Ask Frank!