Homeowners who have hardwood floors in San Jose should be knowledgeable about what it takes to maintain them. Proper maintenance of a hardwood floor will ensure that it lasts for a very long time. Luckily, maintenance is not overly complicated. Any person is capable of caring for a hardwood floor. 

The Basics

Simple day to day upkeep is crucial in keeping a hardwood floor looking its best. Cleaning twice a week or even once a week will help keep the floor looking like new. During these regular cleanings, it is recommended that the homeowner mop the floor, preferably with some type of dusting agent, in order to pick up any dust, dirt, or pet hair that may have built up. After moping, on can use a vacuum cleaner with a floor-brush attachment; never use one with a beater bar attachment as it can damage wood flooring. Mopping and vacuuming once or twice a week is an easy way to keep a hardwood floor looking immaculate. 

Taking Care of Marks, Scratches, and Deep Cleaning

Over time, even the best cared for hardwood floors in San Jose can build up some grime or oil. It is also normal for a wood floor to develop some marks or scratches in its lifetime. Deep cleaning need only be done once a year typically. The removal of marks or scratches can be done as these marks appear. 

When deep cleaning a hardwood floor, it is necessary to use a wood-cleaning product. This product must be diluted according to instructions found on the label. A sponge or mop can be soaked in the solution, then it must be wringed out as much as possible. Use this to clean the floor, being careful not to form any puddles. After using the wood-cleaning solution, the homeowner should mop the floor again with a clean mop, dampened with water. Any excess liquid should be cleaned up promptly as puddles can cause damage. The floor must be left to dry; no one must walk on it until it is dry. A ceiling fan or air conditioner can speed up the process. 

A homeowner should also be aware of the type of finish their hardwood floor has before attempting to remove marks or stains. There are hard finishes and soft finishes. On a hard finish, only a soft clean cloth should be used. Steel wool, harsh chemicals or sand paper can severely damage a wood floor with a hard finish. On a floor with a soft finish, steel wool and floor wax can be used to take care of heel marks, dark spots, pet stains, water marks, or wet stains. Oil based stains can be cleaned up using dishwashing detergent and a soft cloth to break up the grease, which can then be rinsed away with water. 

With a proper maintenance regimen it is easy for owners of hardwood floors San Jose or anywhere, to keep their floor looking as fresh as the day it was installed.