There is nothing that makes the interior of a house looking more beautiful than hardwood floors.  The best thing of all is that maintaining these floors is relatively simple and with the right care, they can look their best for years.

The care of your hardwood floors may vary depending on what type of wood you have. Like furniture, woods differ and have unique properties. Cherry wood is a softer wood and oak is more durable. Floors made of cherry wood are more likely to expand and contract with humidity. The protective sealer that was used on your floors is also a determining factor in the treatments that you should use to clean them.

Some general guidelines for the care of your hardwood floors:

• Dirt, sand, and grit are the worst thing for any hardwood floors. All of these things can act like sandpaper and scrape off the finish. Use floor mats nears entrances and carpet runners in high traffic areas.

• Water is another enemy to your hardwood floors. Water, or liquid from any spill, can become trapped in the crevices and end up warping the floor.  Water can also damage the polished finish. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur and be sure to use only a damp mop when washing your floors.

• Soaps or cleaners with oil can build up and cause problems for hardwood flooring. When the time comes that you need to put a maintenance coat on your floors, this build-up will make the job that much harder and you will have to pay for a complete floor refinishing. Neutral pH cleaners made especially for wood floors are best.

• Avoid dragging and furniture as this may create scratches. Use felt protectors on the legs of your furniture or skid pads, which are available at any home center or your local hardware store.

• Vacuum your floors often and be sure to vacuum with the brush attachment. There is also a mop-like attachment that is sold for many models of vacuum cleaners, including the central vacuum system.

• Direct sunlight can cause discoloration of your hardwood floors. If you get intense direct sun in any room, you may want to close the curtains or blinds during the day.
• If you are going to sweep your floors, be sure to use a fine broom with exploded ends, which will trap the dust and grit more effectively. Or use a dust mop or a “Swifter-type” Product. There are many different types and they all work very well.

• Using a good dust mop, with a cotton head, and a special dust mop treatment is a great way to clean your hardwood floors. You simply spray the treatment on the mop head 12- 24 hours before mopping.

• Some types of hardwood floors may require buffing or waxing periodically. Read up on the manufacturer’s recommendations for the your particular wood flooring.

• When it does come time to refinish your floors, be sure to use a reputable company. Although refinishing is quite expensive, it will prove to be a wise investment and will bring your floors back to their original beauty.

Remember, keeping your hardwood floors mint condition is the mainstay of your interior decorating and crucial to your home’s resale value.