Hardwood floors make your home feel naturally beautiful. When properly maintained, this versatile flooring investment can stay beautiful for many years. That being said, there are few things worse than finding your brand-new wood floor scratched or dented. It just takes the right amount of TLC to maintain the stunning appearance throughout their lifetime in your home. From spot and stain removal to protection tips, follow these guidelines to help properly maintain your hardwood floor’s beauty year after year.
Your Handy “Do List”
DO use a dust mop or vacuum with a hard floor attachment that helps keep them clear of dirt and other unwanted visitors. But, NEVER use a rotary brush that could cause permanent scratches to your floors.
DO invest in a mat or walk-off rug in front of the doorways to your home. This keeps dirt and debris to a minimum on your floors and invites good cleanliness habits into your home. Always wipe your feet or take off your shoes especially in winter conditions.
DO quickly wipe up dirt, pet or water accidents. Use a cotton cloth to prevent the floor from absorbing moisture. If you’re dusting, it’s also wise to use a soft cotton cloth or mop.
DO have hardwood flooring cleaner on-hand in the house for light mopping. Household vinegar is also handy in times of need. A less expensive option, just mix with water and use vinegar sparingly. Allow the floor to air dry and when it’s dry, your floor will be odorless and streak-free.
DO use felt floor protectors under chair legs, sofas, TV stands and other easier to move furniture to prevent damage. Just remember: scratches are your enemy. So, never lift or slide heavy objects across the hardwood floors. Also, avoid wearing spiked heels (or cleats!) while walking on your floors as they could also become a major scratch culprit.
But Don’t Go There
DON’T install Pergo hardwood floors in your home without making sure the planks have acclimated to the environment. Your planks could potentially shrink, expand, buckle or develop structural damage.
DON’T mop your Pergo hardwood floor with water (even a damp mop is a no-no). Damp rugs can even sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Also, make sure soil from a potted plant or other moisture doesn’t seep through and come in contact with the floor.
DON’T use wax-based cleaners, oil soaps, liquid detergents or other harsh household cleaners that could and ultimately dull the appearance of your hardwood flooring.
DON’T use a steam mop, steel wool or any other abrasives to clean your hardwood. These could quickly cause damage. For larger stains that are totally set, talk to your local Pergo retailer about replacing the damaged floor area.
DON’T allow spills and other mishaps to rest for long periods of time on your Pergo hardwood. Remember to grab a cotton cloth to prevent the floor from absorbing moisture and wipe away remaining residue with a (very) lightly damp cloth.
