Hardwood floors are a solid investment for any homeowner. But when not given the proper care, hardwood flooring can loose it's luster and damage easily. Luckily, for those who have hardwood floors San Jose area, a combination of at-home care and proper refinishing from an experienced local technician can keep hardwood floors looking great for many years to come. 

5 Tips to Properly Care for Hardwood Floors

1. Determine the Finish

Before a homeowner can begin to maintain their floors between annual deep cleaning visits, they'll need to determine what type of seal they have.



The easiest way to do this is to run a finger along the surface of the wood, if no smudging appears the wood is surface sealed. If there is a smudge mark left on the surface, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, shellac, oil finish, lacquer or varnish and then sealed.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Once homeowners have refinished hardwood floors, it is best to do everything possible to protect such an investment. The first step to keeping hardwood floors looking their best is to vacuum or dust mop them everyday. This helps to prevent dirt and grim from building up and damaging the finish.

3. To Water or Not to Water?

If hardwood flooring is treated with wax homeowners should never mop them. This is because the water can break down the wax finish, causing it to dull. For spills, homeowners should work quickly to remove any moisture with a soft cloth.

4. Avoid Certain Products

Oils, waxes and furniture sprays can leave residue on the floor surface and make it dangerous for homeowners to walk on. Waxing can also take a great deal of time to apply and makes recoating very difficult. Homeowners should also avoid using straight ammonia, abrasive cleaners and alkaline cleaning products that can scratch and dull the finish. 

5. Utilize Doormats and Rugs

Help cut down dirt and grime build up in high traffic areas by laying down doormats and area rugs. Just be sure to pay extra attention to the dye used in the rug fabric.



Strong rug dyes have been known to leave stains on hardwood floors and the plastic backing used on some area rugs may damage the finish on hardwood flooring. Be safe and ask the carpet store to recommend an underpad to better safeguard the floor.